Memento Mori and The Macabre

The Long Beach Creative Group, in partnership with Bunny King Productions, is presenting Memento Mori and The Macabre, an exhibition of works that explore the fragile beauty and impermanence of life. The exhibition is being presented in the Rod Briggs Gallery.

Artist receptions will happen Oct. 14 and 15. A brief opening ceremony will take place within the first hour of each reception. Costumes are welcome. The show runs through Nov. 11.

Memento mori is an artistic or symbolic trope acting as a reminder of the inevitability of death.

Throughout October and November there will be 23 immersive experiences, both for children and adults, in visual arts, music, literature, theater and the mystic arts. There will be costumed read-alouds, a performance of opera songs, a masquerade ball, four opportunities to receive tarot card readings and discussions of the history and rituals associated with Memento Mori.

Helen Werner Cox, exhibition coordinator for the Long Beach Creative Group, conceived the theme.

“I have always been a Halloween enthusiast,” said Cox, “and know that many adults and families share my excitement. Bunny King Productions helped shape our programming, creating immersive experiences with art, music, acting, and costumes. Their experience and professionalism have been invaluable.”

Austin James, one of the principals of Bunny King Productions, said, “Memento Mori and the Macabre reminds us to appreciate and truly live each moment of our race from womb to tomb.”

Nearly 300 pieces were submitted to the show, each considered carefully by jurors Dave Clark, Kay Erickson and Juan Gomez. From those, 66 pieces were selected, created by 56 artists. In addition to the juried works, Darwin Grey, Jennifer Miller, and Emily Babette Gross were invited to include pieces in the exhibition.

Assistant exhibit coordinator Travis Stock-Tucker said “I believe that, within the haunting beauty of these artworks, we find a profound reminder that life’s impermanence is an essential part of the human experience.”

In addition to the artist receptions and opening ceremonies, there will be dramatic readings of Edgar Allen Poe and Neal Gaimon from 5 to 7 pm, Oct. 20 and from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29  Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker will be featured from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 and from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 3  Works by Mary Shelley and Clive Barker will be presented from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 28 and from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10.  There will also be read-alouds for young children, ages 2-6, from 1 to 1:45 p.m., and ages 6-12 from 2 to 3 p.m., both on Oct. 21 and 28. A comprehensive list of all these events can be found on the website: https://longbeachcreativegroup.com/special-events/

During exhibits, the gallery is open to the public Fridays through Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment is required.

Time: Opening reception, 1 to 4 p.m., Oct. 14, 15 

Cost: Free

Details: LongBeachCreativeGroup.com.

Venue: The Rod Briggs Gallery is located at 2221 East Broadway, Long Beach