Memorial Altar Box Workshops

In 2023, through a City of Birmingham Community Arts Grant in partnership with Create Birmingham, we were able to expand our Memorial Altar Box Workshops. With our grant partners, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association and muralist Dewon Moton, we held workshops throughout the city aiming to reach more of Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods. Each workshop offered opportunities to learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos and to create a personal remembrance. Dewon created a commemorative mural for the Día de los Muertos festival that year and the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association helped coordinate outreach and community locations to maximize engagement across the city. Bare Hands and community partners continue the goal of bringing Memorial Altar Box Workshops, free of charge, to Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods.

Making a memorial altar (ofrenda) box for a lost loved one is a creative and rewarding way to remember them.

We look forward to seeing you in a workshop.

What - A hands-on workshop led by Bare Hands artists and teachers.

Where - In various community spaces across Birmingham, thanks to our generous partners.

Cost - These workshops are free of charge.

We provide - Cigar boxes, loads of art supplies and decorations.

You bring -

• A copy of a photo of your loved one - color copies, even of black & white photos are best.

• Small replicas or images of things they enjoyed - foods, beverages, hobbies, sports, work, organizations, books, shows.

• Copies of letters, postcards, ticket stubs, quotes - copies are best so that precious mementos don’t get lost or damage.

• Things that remind you of them.  

Don’t have a printed copy of the photo? No problem!

• Email it to aimee.castro@barehandsinc.org and we will print it for you, or

• Bring the original and we will make a copy for you.

Most boxes begin with a photo and build from there, layer by layer.  You can look up “small ofrenda boxes” to find inspiration images.  Let your heart and imagination be your guide!