Forrest Garling has been gathering items for months.
The hundreds of objects — photos, shells, figurines, bottle caps and paper flowers among them — have been assembled onto a round platform. Topped by a handmade chandelier and standing more than 9 feet tall, it is Garling’s salute to his ancestors.
Garling’s creation is part of “Recuerdos y Ofrendas” (Remembrances and offerings), a new exhibit at the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum. It marks Dia De Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a traditional Mexican celebration remembering family and friends who have died.
Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated on Nov. 2 and the exhibit will be up until Nov. 5, said Patricia Morales, museum coordinator.
“People put items on their altars that remind them of the loved one,” Morales said. “Such as a favorite food or maybe a picture of them.”
Garling, who runs the museum’s gift shop, said his altar honors 15 to 20 of his loved ones.
“I trimmed it in sea shells because our family always enjoyed the beach so much,” he said.
A matchbook from a ladies’ clothing store reminds him of his mother’s favorite shop.
Morales said there are 15 altars in all, as well as paintings, ceramics and drawings in the display.
Another event connected to the exhibit is a reception, featuring traditional foods and music, set for Oct. 25. A class will be offered in the making of sugar skulls on Oct. 27.
Top Photo: Forrest Garling’s 9-foot-tall round altar features multiple figures in rememberance of 15 to 20 loved ones. Altars are among the pieces on display as part of the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum’s “Recuerdos y Ofrendas” (Rememberances and Offerings) exhibit. “Gato Barracao Bottles,”
