In early November, I dropped by the spot where I-395 crosses over Wedekind Road in Reno to check out a Día de Los Muertos-themed mural in progress. The piece is a collaboration between artist Asa Kennedy, non-profit group Be the Change, and several volunteers. It’s also one of the projects funded by the City of Reno’s new Art Belongs Here Grants, which fund public art projects in residential neighborhoods.
For this mural, members of the public are invited to paint an image of their lost loved ones on an ofrenda—typically an altar in a home to honor a departed family member, but in this case, a painted, oversized version. No painting experience necessary. To get involved, call Asa Kennedy, the project’s lead artist, at 971-678-4172
Here’s more on the project and the people behind it in the Reno News & Review. Here’s an interview on Double Scoop with the City of Reno’s Megan Berner, explaining how the grant works and how to apply.
Bobby Allen, who works at Rita Cannan Elementary School, a few blocks from the mural site, was working on painting his late father in law onto the ofrenda. Members of the public are invited to add their own lost loved ones to the piece.
On a recent day, helpers included Kyle Chandler-Isacksen—director of the nonprofit Be the Change—his sons, and neighbor Scott Lambert.
Working on the mural
Asa Kennedy is the mural project’s lead artist.
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