Created for the exhibition Rito y Recuerdo: Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Mexican Art, this installation is an ofrenda honoring Sam Z. Coronado—artist, mentor, dear friend, and founder of The SERIE Project in Austin, Texas. Through more than two decades of unwavering generosity, Sam fostered a vibrant community of Latino artists, creating opportunities for collaboration, artistic growth, and cultural exchange. When I was invited to participate in this exhibition, I could think of no one more deserving of this tribute.

Drawing from the traditions of Día de los Muertos, I created an altar filled with symbols that reflect Sam’s life and legacy. The marigold crown echoes the logo of his studio, while the hand-printed papel picado incorporates custom-designed milagros inspired by his interests, beliefs, and artistic spirit. Together with flowers, candles, fruit, photographs, and handwritten text, these offerings celebrate a life devoted to art, community, and generosity.

Resting across the altar is a stitched paper table runner composed of fragments from prints produced at The SERIE Project. Rather than discarding these remnants, I sewed them together into a new form, allowing the material itself to become part of the tribute. Drawn from prints created in the very studio Sam founded, these fragments transform the remnants of a creative community into an offering of gratitude, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of the community he helped build.