CHS Fine Arts teacher David Wattigny also participated in the Day of the Dead class project displaying his portrayal of Edward Scissorhands.

Catholic High School students had the opportunity to mix art and culture as David Wattigny’s fine arts class recognized Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 to recognize loved ones who have passed away. Three years ago, Wattigny decided to expose his students to a different culture by turning the holiday into an art project for his students.

“It’s basically a very cultural holiday and celebrating the memory of their loved ones. It’s not a sad holiday, it’s a very upbeat and joyous holiday,” Wattigny said. “What we’re doing is using construction paper and designing little skulls and the design on the face has to be symmetrical.”

Wattigny said the Day of the Dead skulls, traditionally painted in bright colors, have made their way into pop culture with the imagery from the holiday becoming more popular than ever.

“I kind of always have seen it in pop culture and in a few movies. In the past decade or so it’s become more of a popular image right now. In the movie ‘The Book of Life’ this character goes into this world during the Mexican Day of the Dead,” Wattigny said. “Actually (The Day of the Dead) historically has been accepted by the Catholics probably more so than Halloween.”

Catholic High students spent a week making their colorfully spooky mask and referencing recognizable characters in society.

In the past, students have done characters such as Stewie from the popular cartoon show “Family Guy,” Snow White and this year a student decided to tackle the task of making a Mike Tyson Day of the Dead Mask.

“I think that’s pretty awesome,” Wattigny said, smiling.

Some students in Wattigny’s class have found that making a colorful and symmetrical mask is easier said than done.

Freshman Trevian Ambroise, 14, said the hardest part of the project was getting the correct symmetry for his remake of Napoleon Bonaparte.

“I’ve been working on it for two days. I’m pleased with mine, but there’s always room for improvement,” Ambroise said. “It’s hard to draw a human skull and when I drew it I actually forgot the cheek bones.” 

Ambroise said he was familiar with the Day of the Dead holiday through watching movies, but added that he appreciated learning about a different culture. 

“I heard about it from watching television. I find it very interesting because we’re learning about the Mexican culture,” Ambroise said.

Junior Madeline Mixon, 16, said she has participated in Day of the Dead projects in the past, but enjoyed adding art with history in Wattigny’s class.

“The project is half relaxing and the other half is fun because you get to learn about the culture. I thought it was really cool because of all the intricate designs they have on the mask and all the bright colors and why they celebrate the holiday in the first place,” Mixon said. “I just thought it was really fascinating.”

Wattigny said introducing students to different traditions and cultures is something he strives for.

“That’s something I shoot for in my class. I present them some content but every project we do I try and incorporate different cultures. We do drama, music and dance,” Wattigny said.