El Color del Dolor: Celebrating Life, Remembrance, and Art at Create Gallery and Frames
This October, Create Gallery and Frames is celebrating the beauty of life, the importance of remembrance, and the traditions of Día de los Muertos through a special exhibition featuring Francisco Franco and Marissa Zamudio.
Our gallery has been transformed for the occasion, with colorful papel picado hanging overhead, vibrant floral decorations, and artwork that invites visitors to reflect on life, loss, healing, and creativity. From Francisco's bold paintings to Marissa's handcrafted rainsticks, the exhibition brings together two artists whose work encourages us to experience art in different ways.
We recently welcomed guests for an artist reception on October 22, celebrating the opening of Francisco's El Color del Dolor exhibition alongside Marissa's unique creations. Now, with the exhibition on display, we invite our community to explore the artwork, learn about the traditions that inspired this celebration, and experience the gallery in person.
Understanding Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition celebrated primarily on November 1 and 2. While its imagery often includes decorated skulls and skeletons, the holiday is not about fearing death. Instead, it honors the lives of loved ones who have passed away and celebrates the memories and connections that remain.
The tradition brings together Indigenous Mexican customs and Catholic influences, with families creating ofrendas, or altars, to welcome and remember their loved ones. These displays often include photographs, candles, favorite foods, personal belongings, and marigolds.
Marigolds, known as cempasúchil, are especially meaningful. Their bright colors and distinct fragrance are traditionally believed to help guide the spirits of loved ones back to their families.
The holiday reminds us that grief and celebration can exist together. Remembering someone doesn't have to be only a moment of sadness. It can also be an opportunity to share stories, celebrate their life, and keep their memory present.
That balance between joy and sorrow is central to the artwork and atmosphere of our October exhibition.
Francisco Franco: El Color del Dolor
The title El Color del Dolor, or The Color of Pain, captures an important part of Francisco Franco's artistic perspective: even our most difficult experiences can be expressed through color, creativity, and imagination.
Francisco is a contemporary artist and muralist whose work combines surreal imagery, cultural symbolism, anatomical elements, humor, and vibrant color. His paintings explore the relationship between life and death, encouraging viewers to consider subjects that are often uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.
His artistic journey was profoundly influenced by the events of September 11, 2001. That experience shaped his interest in mortality and the ways art can help us process grief, understand loss, and find healing.
Rather than portraying death only through darkness, Francisco often approaches it with bold visual storytelling. His work reflects the spirit of Día de los Muertos, where remembrance is expressed through color, beauty, and celebration.
Visitors to the gallery will discover paintings filled with striking figures, expressive faces, and cultural references. Each piece offers an opportunity to look closer and consider the meaning behind the imagery.
A New Mural Is Coming to Garden City
Francisco's visit also includes a special project beyond the gallery walls.
He is currently working on an exterior mural at Create Gallery and Frames, bringing his artistic vision into a space that can be enjoyed by the surrounding community.
Public art has a unique ability to connect people with creativity in their everyday lives. Unlike artwork displayed inside a gallery, a mural becomes part of the neighborhood, creating opportunities for people to encounter art simply by passing by.
We're excited to have Francisco contribute to the creative landscape of Garden City and look forward to sharing the finished piece.
The mural is still in progress, so keep an eye on our social media for the official grand reveal announcement!
Marissa Zamudio: Finding Peace and Play Through Rainsticks
Alongside Francisco's paintings, we're delighted to feature the handcrafted rainsticks of mixed-media artist Marissa Zamudio.
Marissa's work introduces another way to experience art, combining visual creativity with sound and touch.
Using recycled tubes, toothpicks, grains, seeds, crushed gemstones, and colorful painted designs, she creates rainsticks that are as interesting to look at as they are to hear.
Each piece is carefully constructed to produce a gentle, rain-like sound when moved. The result is an artwork that engages multiple senses and encourages moments of calm and reflection.
The Meaning Behind Marissa's Rainsticks
Rainsticks have a rich history, with variations found in parts of South America, particularly the Andean region. Traditionally used to imitate the sound of rainfall, some have also been associated with ceremonies and practices connected to rain. As the instrument is turned, small materials move through internal obstacles, creating a soft, cascading sound reminiscent of falling rain.
Marissa brings her own artistic interpretation to this tradition. Every rainstick she creates contains quinoa, a grain with deep cultural and agricultural significance in the Andes. Sometimes called the Mother Grain, quinoa has long been valued for its resilience and ability to nourish communities. For Marissa, it also creates the gentle, soothing sound that makes her rainsticks unique.
The colorful dots decorating each piece are equally meaningful. Inspired by the tiny cells that make up living things, they reflect both the complexity of life and the simple joy of creating.
Marissa's connection to rainsticks is deeply personal. After struggling with perfectionism and becoming dissatisfied with her artwork, she reached a point where she gave away her canvases. Later, a chance encounter with a rainstick in a music store reminded her of making one as a child and the happiness she felt sharing it with others.
That memory helped her rediscover her love of creating, this time without the pressure of perfection.
Today, her rainsticks encourage others to embrace creativity, curiosity, and play. Through their colorful designs and calming sounds, Marissa reminds us that art doesn't have to be perfect or complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the simple experience of creating something and sharing it with others.
Two Artists, Different Mediums, Shared Meaning
Although Francisco and Marissa create very different types of artwork, their work shares a connection through healing, reflection, and the human experience.
Francisco uses powerful imagery and color to explore mortality, remembrance, and resilience. Marissa uses sound, recycled materials, and playful creativity to encourage peace, curiosity, and personal expression.
One artist asks us to consider how we understand life's most difficult moments. The other reminds us to slow down and appreciate the simple experiences that make life meaningful.
Together, their work creates an exhibition that celebrates the many ways art can help us connect with ourselves, our memories, and one another.
A Gallery Transformed for the Celebration
We wanted this exhibition to feel like more than artwork hanging on walls.
Throughout Create Gallery and Frames, visitors will find colorful decorations inspired by Día de los Muertos, including papel picado, floral arrangements, and festive displays that complement the exhibition.
The vibrant decorations bring additional meaning to the space, reflecting the holiday's emphasis on remembrance, family, and celebrating life.
Whether you're familiar with Día de los Muertos or experiencing its traditions for the first time, we hope visiting the gallery offers an opportunity to learn something new and appreciate the cultural significance behind the celebration.
Join Francisco Franco for a Sugar Skull Decorating Class
Our Día de los Muertos celebration continues on Saturday, October 31, with a special Sugar Skull Decorating Class led by Francisco Franco.
Sugar skulls, known as calaveras de azúcar, are among the most recognizable symbols of Día de los Muertos. Traditionally made from sugar and decorated with colorful patterns, they are often placed on ofrendas to honor loved ones who have passed away.
Their bright, playful designs reflect the holiday's celebration of life and remembrance.
During this family-friendly class, participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own sugar skulls while learning about and enjoying an artistic tradition connected to the holiday.
Class Details
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
Instructor: Francisco Franco
Cost: $30 per person
Supplies: Included
Additional Details: Family-friendly, with light refreshments provided
Space is limited, so we encourage anyone interested to register in advance.
Register for the Sugar Skull Decorating Class
Visit the Exhibition and Support the Artists
Following our October 22 artist reception, we're excited to continue sharing Francisco and Marissa's work with the community.
If you weren't able to attend the reception, there's still an opportunity to experience the exhibition, explore the gallery decorations, and discover the stories behind the artwork.
Both artists offer something special, whether it's Francisco's thought-provoking paintings or Marissa's handcrafted rainsticks.
Artwork is available for purchase, making this an opportunity to add something meaningful to your collection while supporting the artists who created it.
We encourage you to visit, spend some time with the exhibition, and experience the gallery's Día de los Muertos celebration for yourself.
And while you're here, take a look outside at the mural Francisco is bringing to life. We'll be announcing its official grand reveal soon!
Create Gallery and Frames
3520 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714
Tuesday - Saturday | 11 AM - 6 PM
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We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the beauty of art, culture, and remembrance together.
