Rare Michoacán Mask Collection, 60 Artists To Be Displayed In New Aurora Public Art Exhibit

AURORA, IL — A rare Michoacán mask collection will be on display in the new Aurora Public exhibit opening Friday, along with work by 60 artists.

Running from Aug. 21 to Nov. 1, "Masks: Identity in Diversity" will be the latest installation in a two-decade history of cross-border artistic collaboration between the Federation of Michoacán Clubs In Illinois (FEDECMI), the National School of Higher Studies, and leading printmaking collectives across Mexico and the United States.

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The exhibit, at 20 E. Downer Place, will be structured around three components: the Binational Print Collection, the FEDECMI Mask Collection, and an installation honoring the tradition of the ofrenda, a temporary home altar built during the annual Day of the Dead celebration Nov. 1-2.

The print collection will showcase original works created by artists from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The mask collection will incorporate historic, physical masks from Michoacán, which are part of a larger collection of more than 200 masks that collectors recently donated to FEDECMI.

The ofrenda space will continue to be built out over the course of the exhibit, culminating in a closing ceremony during Day of the Dead weekend Nov. 1.

Local artist Carlos Martinez Fernandez, a Morelia, Michoacán-born artist and student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, will display paintings on drywall honoring his Michoacán roots and the migrant experience.

"Art has the profound ability to transcend borders, bridge generations, and give voice to complex human experiences," Curator Sangeeta Pande said in a statement. "With 'Masks: Identity in Diversity,' we are creating a dynamic dialogue between ancient ritual traditions and contemporary social reflection. Masks have always been instruments of transformation, allowing us to step outside ourselves to express shared truths, spiritual worldviews, and social resistance."

The community is invited to attend a free opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Friday. On Sept. 19, artist Rene Arceo will lead a panel exploring how institutions and local voices can partner to foster accessible cultural programming and strengthen community identity.

Gallery hours at Aurora Public Art run from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.