No matter what the time of year, the folk-arty The Folk Tree is our must-browse stop when we find ourselves in Pasadena.
We practically throw ourselves at the huge display of silver jewelry and whimsical wood carvings, and then we compose ourselves and politely chat up the nice people who work there. But come October, we head directly to The Folk Tree for one thing and one thing only: Day of the Dead altars.
Muertos run amuck, joyfully, outlandishly, wickedly, on these exquisite works on display at the rear of the shop.
Here, a skeleton strums guitar, there, a bony couple, smiling broadly, exchange nuptial vows. Even if you will not be making your own sugar skulls or planning a feast for a loved one long departed as so many people around the city will be, a half hour among these lovely altars puts one in touch with the beautiful, witty and meaningful spirit of Dia de los Muertos.
We're looking forward to seeing the skeleton-bedecked clutches of Darlene Benevento, and Joel Garcia's whimsical paper mache creations. But there's much, and even if the art won't be for sale, the Folk Tree has many Dia-ish items for purchase.
If you didn't make the Hollywood Forever Dia celebration on the 24th, and the Canoga Park and Olvera Street parties are too far away, a weekday visit to this alter-filled exhibit is just the mirthful, seasonal ticket. The show's on through Saturday, November 7th.
