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Alebrijes Adventure

Banner with a purple background that says "Alebrijes Adventure the imagined animals of Fernando Escartiz" with a photo of an axolotl sculpture

Día de los Muertos Comes to CuriOdyssey

On view October 2026 · Free with admission

This October, CuriOdyssey is blooming with color, wings, and a little bit of magic! We're delighted to welcome our friends at Casa Círculo Cultural and artist Fernando Escartiz, who are sharing the art and traditions of Día de los Muertos with our community.

Every November, our First Friday Nights celebration is built around Día de los Muertos, and each year we create an ofrenda to honor and celebrate the lives of the animals we've lost. This year, we're starting the celebration early!

Kick off the season at First Friday Nights: Friday, October 2

Join Casa Círculo Cultural and Escartiz Studio for hands-on art activities inspired by the holiday. Young artists can build small altars honoring beloved animals and decorate picture frames for photos of their dogs, cats, and other cherished pets.

Meet the Alebrijes

Wander our campus to discover sculptures by Fernando Escartiz, created especially for CuriOdyssey. Alebrijes are fantastical, brightly painted creatures born from Mexican folk art. Alongside monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and sea creatures, they celebrate the animals who stay in our hearts long after they're gone.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • A Giant Monarch. During Día de los Muertos, monarchs are associated with the returning souls of loved ones.
  • The Hummingbird Arch. In Mexican tradition, hummingbirds are messengers of love, hope, and connection to those who have passed.
  • An Axolotl Alebrije. Mexico's extraordinary salamander stands for renewal, resilience, and protecting the natural world.
  • An Octopus Alebrije with curling tentacles and vivid colors celebrating the mysteries of marine life.
  • A Frog surrounded by Monarch Butterflies, evoking transformation and migration.
  • An Owl and Turtle, a Flying Fish, and an Alebrije with a Piano.
  • A tribute to Pedro Linares, the Mexican artist who created the very first alebrijes.
  • A Bed with Roots, reminding us that we stay connected to those who came before us.
  • The Tzompantli Photo Booth. Step inside and become part of the exhibit!
  • Spoiler: You might see some surprises as you explore the campus!

Don't miss your chance to explore the Día de los Muertos celebration and the wonderful world of alebrijes! Sculptures are on view October 2–19, and a few will stay on campus through Día de los Muertos.

Exhibit Details

Dates: October 2–19, 2026 (select pieces remain through Día de los Muertos)
Kickoff: First Friday Nights, Friday, October 2
Price: Free with admission

About the Artist

Fernando Escartiz is a Mexican-born artist and sculptor whose work combines imagination, cultural tradition, and storytelling. Through Escartiz Studio, he creates large-scale sculptures, installations, and colorful alebrijes inspired by Mexican heritage, nature, and the magical connection between the visible and spiritual worlds.

About Casa Círculo Cultural

Casa Círculo Cultural is a grassroots, community-based multidisciplinary art organization. It creates bilingual arts, cultural, and educational programming reflecting the experiences of San Francisco Bay Area Latino communities.

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LOCATION

1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
info@curiodyssey.org

CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 94-1262434

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