Día de los Muertos and other First Friday Fragments



Dia de los Muertos display at Casa Hola, Knoxville

First Friday in November fell at the end of the week that included Halloween which, of course is related to and around the time of other various holidays and traditions, most of which have to do with the dead such as the Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico among other places and All Saints Day celebrated by many Christian churches world-wide.
 

Fortune Teller on Market Square, Knoxville, November 2011

I encountered my first spooky sight on Market Square where fortunes were being read by multiple fortune tellers. I had an encounter with one such lady when I was a child that scared me forever. It's a story for another day, but suffice to say I gave the booths a wide berth on Market Square that night.


Rodney Alexander plays saxophone with Jack Wolf, Market Square Stage, Knoxville

 

Beautiful Dog on the 100 Block, Knoxville, November 2011

All wasn't spooky: Rodney Alexander was on the stage playing his saxophone with Jack Wolf and they sounded great, as always. Dogs, such as the gorgeous one pictured here ambled about pulling their owners along. I've already described the furniture and other wood-working on display in the Emporium.

Educational display for Dia de los Muertos

 

Dia de los Muertos display, Casa Hola, Knoxville, November 2011

But then there was the display in Casa Hola. I finally met Coral in person (we'd chatted online) and she gave me the thumbnail sketch of the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebration. Graves are decorated, memorials such as the ones on display in Casa Hola are constructed. The objects each have meaning, symbolizing something about the person who is diceased and, often, the family's story is included as well.

Amazing display built by one person for Dia de los Muertos, Casa Hola, Knoxville

Coral had stories to tell about the people behind the displays, as well. Casa Hola tries to help strengthen the Latino community and some people look to them as a lifeline as they try to build their careers or find a foothold in an environment that is often foreign to them. Their support is, no doubt, critical to many. I'd encourage you to go by the Emporium and get to know these joyful, wonderful people.



Mural, Memorial and Madam Death (I made that part up for the aliteration)

I think the displays are probably gone by now, but I'd say you could catch them again next year. I'd encourage it. They aren't near as scary as fortune-telling ladies.

More October First Friday

Hooping into the Night, Krutch Park, Knoxville

Everything wasn't serious Wall Street Occupational talk on Friday night. I made it a point to make my way to the Art Market where a neighbor had a showing and I always stop off at the Emporium.


Jazz inside the Art Market, Knoxville, October 2011

The jazz music just inside the door of the Art Market was excellent with the simple jazz guitar and a saxophone. I'm not sure if it is the acoustics, the ambiance or the talent, but this wasn't the first time I've heard great music in that entry-way.

Sold Piece by Morgan Fitch at the Art Market, Knoxville

Inside I talked to Morgan Fitch whose found-object art was on display. He'd sold one piece ("Don't Drink and Bike") already and the night was going well with a packed house several hours into the event. He told me that he finds objects in all manner of places along the journey to various animal or human forms. 

Sculpture by Morgan Fitch, Art Market, Knoxville



Sculpture by Morgan Fitch, Art Market, Knoxville

The bicycle pedals are obvious in his "Don't Drink and Bike" piece, but don't miss the little pictures of wine bottles as eyes. The pivotal pieces in the poodle pictured above are the metal wine glasses he'd had for sometime but no longer used. His art is still on display at the Art Market, so check it out if you get a chance.

"The Victor by Olga Noes

Painting by Gloria Nelson, Emporium, October 2011

By the time I got to the Emporium time was short. I was able to spot a couple of pieces upstairs that intrigued me and I listened to the singer downstairs for a few minutes. The highlight was talking to the good folks at Casa Hola. I met lovely Brenda and Carol and they let me take their picture, which was very cool. Good people and good times.

Singer at the Emporium, Knoxville, October 2011



Carol and Brenda at Casa Hola, Emporium, Knoxville, October 2011

I walked back to Krutch Park and ended the night watching the lovely lady pictured at the beginning of this post, hooping to the sounds of the small drum contingent on hand. I'll have more about the business end of the night and some updates on local businesses in tomorrow's blog post.