Cheekwood’s 2nd Annual
TAPETE
Display & Competition
at the EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS fall festival

For the 10th consecutive year Cheekwood celebrates El Día de los Muertos, a tradition honored in many Latin countries celebrating loved ones that have passed away. We invite students in the community to take an active role in this important cultural tradition. This year, Cheekwood will host the 2nd annual Tapete Display and Competition. Entries may portray any aspect of the Día de los Muertos holiday. Help your students develop a cultural awareness, encourage class unity and participation, and display the talent and enthusiasm of your students to over 3,000 event visitors through this interactive and fun competition!

To participate in the TAPETE Display and Competition at Cheekwood’s El Dia de los Muertos Fall Festival, 
complete the registration form.

DEADLINE TO ENTER IS SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
Space is limited, so sign up today!

Important Details and Information:

WHO?
The Tapete Display and Competition is open to students, community groups, and individual artists. Group size is limited to 15 participants*. Space at the festival is limited, so groups/individuals will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If a group is bringing participants under the age of 18, there must be 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students. *Some exceptions may apply, contact the Public Programs Manager for details.

WHAT?
Tapete is the Spanish word for carpet. Usually made with colored sand, these “carpets” are a tradition for Día de los Muertos because, like life, they are temporary. Making the tapete is an art form in the Latin community and there are annual competitions in cities across Mexico. At Cheekwood, we will use a similar temporary medium, chalk, to create the large-scale colorful murals to honor the deceased. While the chalk will wash away, the memory of the experience will last a lifetime for your students.

WHERE?
The Dia de los Muertos festival takes place on Cheekwood’s campus at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205. The tapete area will be located at the entrance to the marketplace/Mercado in Parking Lot B*. Each group/individual will be assigned a 8ft x 10ft area on the asphalt for their drawing. *The location may change in the event of rain or inclement weather.

WHEN?
Saturday, October 24th during the El Dia de los Muertos festival.
Competition/Display Schedule:
9:30 am     Participants begin drawing
11:00 am   Event opens to public
1:00 pm     All drawings completed
2:00 pm     Awards Announced
5:00 pm     End of 2009 El Dia de los Muertos

HOW?
Cheekwood will supply each participating group with a 8ft x 10ft area of asphalt and sidewalk chalk.  However, groups are welcome to contribute their own chalk if they desire. Transportation must be
arranged and provided by the school or group.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the Tapete Display and Competition and the event admission fee is waived for all registered participants. Passes, parking permits, and directions will be mailed to the individual or group leader prior to the event.

What awards are given?
Unique awards for a unique event! While there will be no conventional 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners announced, award categories will include (but are not limited to) :
Most Colorful 
Best Team Spirit & Enthusiasm
Best Original Design 
Most Creative Calaveras
Visitor’s Choice

How do I decide on a topic or theme for my design?
From Jose Posada’s lively compositions to a one-of-a-kind design – there are many ways to highlight the El Dia de los Muertos spirit in your drawing! To learn more about the holiday and gain inspiration for your design, visit the following website.
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/  

Do we need to bring drawing materials?
Cheekwood will supply all chalk and drawing materials. Because the drawings will be done on an asphalt parking lot, participants may want to bring kneepads or cushions to kneel or sit on.

Will food & drink be available?
Cheekwood will provide water for all participants. Food and snacks will be available for purchase from on-site vendors throughout the day. However, participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages if needed.

When is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register is September 25, 2009. Please complete the participation form and mail or fax it to the address listed.

Any other questions? Please contact:
Hillary Steinwinder | Public Programs Manager
615.353.6972 | hsteinwinder@cheekwood.org