Artist credit: Monique Lopez, Amor Eterno, 2025
Now in its 27th year, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition is one of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States. Founded by beloved San Francisco artist and curator René Yañez, Día de Los Muertos at SOMArts continues to be an inclusive multigenerational gathering of remembrance while affirming the importance of arts and culture in shaping our world. Continuing the legacy of René’s work are co-curators Rio Yañez and Bridgétt Rex who envision a Day of the Dead exhibit that celebrates the tradition’s Mexican roots while welcoming cultures around the globe to honor the dead together in solidarity.
Curator’s Statement
From communities and movements, house and drag mothers, birth and chosen families, mothering is a collective and reciprocal process of liberation, and this year’s exhibition honors those who mother as an act of care and revolution and in turn, dismantle cycles of patriarchal harm.
In Their Name: Dia de Los Muertos 2026 cherishes the ancestral memory, love, and devotion carried and embodied by mother figures across generations. We are seeking proposals that explore this year’s theme through traditional and contemporary altars, art installations, and murals. In honoring the historic roots of this exhibition, proposals for altars honoring loved ones are always welcome.
This year’s exhibition is lovingly dedicated to Tosha Stimage whose practice was deeply rooted in care, connection, and tenderness. As her beloved friend Bloodstone has written, Tosha’s art practice has offered us a way to hold love as both inheritance and responsibility, and that care may be one of the most radical acts we have left. We welcome altars and installation proposals that honor her life and light.
Key Dates
- Monday, June 29, 11:59 PM PST: Artist Proposals Due
- Week of July 20: Artist Notified of Application Status
- Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 PM PST: Mandatory Artist Meeting at SOMArts
- Tuesday, October 15: Artwork Drop off Date
- Tuesday, October 15–Monday, October 19: Artwork Installation by Appointment
- Friday, October 23, 6–9pm: Opening Reception
- Saturday, October 24–Friday, November 20: Exhibition Run
- Friday, November 20, 6–9pm: Día de Los Muertos Drag Show & Closing Reception
- Saturday, November 21: Deinstallation by Appointment
