Add your memory to ‘Dia de Los Muertos’ altar

The call is out for stories, photos and mementos to be part of the Sonoma Community Center’s annual Dia de Los Muertos in October.

The center marks the traditional holiday with a 12-foot tall altar in its Maloney Family Memorial Garden, in front of the building at 276 E. Napa St. Created by local sculptor Jim Callahan, the altar is adorned with amber lights, gold butterflies, as well as the portraits and stories of over 50 Sonoma Valley heroes – people who made a lasting impact on the community in some way.

“Each year we add a few more portraits and some of them are immediately recognizable, but others are not,” said Toni Castrone, the community center’s executive director. “The interesting part about this project is that each year we learn more about the people and personalities that have made this community what it is today.”

Anyone wishing to submit a Sonoma Valley hero for inclusion on the Dia de Los Muertos Memorial Altar is encouraged to do so by sending a photograph that can be scanned, dates of birth/death, and a few sentences about the person’s life and their contribution to Sonoma Valley.

“We scan the photos and print them on translucent film, which lets amber light shine through,” said Special Projects Manager Margaret Hatcher. “The visual effect is quite beautiful, and the life stories are just fascinating.”

The Dia de Los Altar will be installed the week of Oct. 27, and will be on view in the community center’s front garden through Nov. 2. A reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, and is open to the public.

Submissions must be received by Oct. 10 to be included as part of this year’s altar. All materials should be sent to via email to Hatcher at [email protected] or delivered to the Sonoma Community Center office at 276 E. Napa St.