At the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center, grades 1, 4 and 7 from the Private Dutchess Day School created beautiful and extraordinarily elaborate Mexican Skulls and Skeletons for all to view.

Dia de los Muertos, which means Day of the Dead is an interesting Holiday celebrated in Central and Southern Mexico. The tradition honors the dead and celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties and activities the Dead enjoyed in life.

Alison Rowland, the beloved Art Teacher at Dutchess Day School presented a lavish collection made by her students, under her talented and inspirational eye the children’s imaginations were free to soar with endless creativity exuding all the marvelous colors and textures that so capture the Mexican tradition of the celebrated Holiday.

Hudson Heinemann and Derrick Rosse, both 4th graders displayed unique originality in their Skelton figures. “I really enjoyed making these clay skeletons and learning about this festive Holiday, there is so much to learn from other cultures. Ms. Rowland is an amazing Art Teacher and I look forward to all the Art Projects we participate in.” said Hudson Heinemann.

Scholars trace the origins of the Modern Mexican Holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec Festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The Holiday has spread throughout the world, being absorbed within other deep traditions for honoring the dead. It has become a National Symbol and as such is taught for educational purposes in the Nations Schools. Many families celebrate “All Saints Day” associated with the Catholic Church.

Delicious Pan de Muerto was served at the Exhibition, which is a sweetened soft bread shaped like a bun then decorated with bone shaped phalanges pieces and topped with sugar.

A truly delightful Holiday!!

Madame Tussaud pales in comparison to the Living Wax Museum, presented by the 3rd grade at the private Dutchess Day School. Students stood frozen with pride as they became one with their favorite famous American….citing “fun facts” and “historical trivia” in front of a giant paper backdrop.

 
Old Fashioned Fun was at work, as attendees had to push a button to hear the interesting information, and once pushed it was amazing to learn details of the famous Americans.

 
Hudson Cornelius Heinemann chose Duke Ellington, the composer, pianist and bandleader. In true Ellington style Hudson sported spectators by A. Testoni and a dapper Merlot wide stripped button down, for his Ellington look.

 
Ellington’s career spanned 50 years composing masterpieces like “It don’t mean anything, if it ain’t got that swing” and “Prelude to a kiss.” He was a 12 time Grammy award winner and really knew how to get the crowd moving with unique jazz melodies. The project was in true Old Fashioned Mom style as students had to pull a book out of the library and use an encyclopedia to learn about bibliographies.

 
The Head Mistress, Nancy Hathaway perused each wax figure while other notable Americans included: Amelia Earhart, Edger Allan Poe, Babe Ruth, Arthur Ashe, Betsey Ross, and Sacajawea. “This was a great project, I enjoyed making my backdrop and studying about Duke Ellington. I feel I became more connected with him, as opposed to just googling his name, definitely more interesting to go to the library.” said Hudson Heinemann.

Hudson Heinemann

Duke Ellington

Head Mistress, Nancy Hathaway and 3rd grader Hudson Heinemann