Students at Wareham Middle School held their fourth annual Dia de los Muertos art show on Friday with dozens of colorful and creative entries designed to celebrate the Mexican holiday of remembrance.

Known to English speakers as the Day of the Dead, the holiday is a time for friends and family to come together and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed away. 

The show was organized by Unified Arts Department Chair Andrea Ericson who spent several years teaching in Mexico. Ericson said she designed the show as a way to educate students about traditions in other countries.

“It’s a celebration of life, a lot like Memorial Day here in the U.S.,” Ericson explained. “I think it’s important for our kids to see that we all do the same things, just a little bit differently.”

Ericson noted that the show contained entries from 15 different classes with students from grades 3 through 12 contributing. 

“It’s the most interest we’ve ever had,” she said.

Pieces in the show ranged from clay sculptures to giant drawings. Decorations made from milk jugs and paper plates were also featured. 

Fifth grader Samantha Baptiste used clay for the first time to make a skull for the show, which she said was a lot of fun.

“I’m glad we get to do projects like this,” Baptiste said. “I hope we get to do it again.”