Pearl has partnered with local artists to transform 4-foot calaveras into works of art inspired by memory, heritage, family, and community.

MEET THE ARTISTS

Manola and Maria

Inspired by themes of femininity, resilience, and cultural continuity, Manola and Maria’s calavera, El Encaje, layers lace and florals to represent the stories, traditions, and connections passed through generations. White lace symbolizes ancestry and the past, while vibrant colored lace reflects the living present and evolving cultural expression. Flowers, including forget-me-nots, evoke remembrance, enduring love, growth, and the beauty that continues across generations, positioning the calavera not as a symbol of loss, but as a celebration of life, lineage, and transformation.

Mauro De La Tierra

Inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and spiritual traditions of Texas and Mexico, Maura’s calavera celebrates connection, healing, and community. The piece features peyote and cornhusk teeth as symbols of unity and renewal, alongside Coatlicue, the ancestral mother. Desert plants, Gambel’s quail, green jays, prickly pear cactus, and a cormorant surrounded by San Antonio River-inspired vegetation highlight the beauty of Texas’ diverse ecosystems. Overhead, Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the dead, honors ancestors and the enduring guidance they provide across generations.

Regina Moya

Inspired by the bold, expressive imagery of Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada and his iconic calaveras, Regina’s piece celebrates the history of Historic Pearl. Through references to Pearl’s architecture and figures like Otto Koehler and the three Emmas, the calavera connects the traditions of Día de los Muertos with the memories, people, and stories that have shaped this San Antonio landmark.

Daniela Oliver de Portillo

Inspired by the enduring love between family members and the emotional legacy of Juan Gabriel’s Amor Eterno, Daniela’s calavera, Eres La Tristeza De Nuestros Ojos And The Joy In Our Hearts, honors her older brother Jorgito, who passed away at age nine. Using traditional elements such as papel picado and flores de cempasúchil, the piece tells a deeply personal story of remembrance, resilience, and joy. A QR code invites visitors to explore the work’s full story through family photos and reflections on love, memory, and the lasting impact of children gone too soon.

Lucia Zambrano

Inspired by the color, folklore, and spirit of Mexico, Lucia’s calavera draws on the beauty she finds in nature. Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds, symbols of movement, transformation, and wonder, join imagery rooted in Día de los Muertos to celebrate memory, life, and the enduring connection between the natural and spiritual worlds.

See all the Calaveras on display from October 23 - November 3