Casa de los Espíritus: The Paul Sherrill Days of the Dead Collection
September 8, 2004 - November 27, 2004

In 2000, the Mexican Museum received a substantial collection of Mexican popular art from the estate of the late Paul Sherrill, a long-time supporter of the Museum. A San Francisco architect, Sherrill traveled religiously to Mexico to collect pieces for his collection, especially artwork created for Días de los Muertos.

Though the Sherrill Collection is comprised of over 400 pieces, the "House of the Spirits" exhibition featured a smaller selection of unique popular art objects in ceramic, wood, paper and tin. Of note are several large papier-mâché sculptures by the Linares Family, including a stunning female singer with piano and pianist. The exhibition also included a traditional Days of the Dead ofrenda, a small "altar offering" in remembrance of Mr. Sherrill.

Organized by guest curator Bea Carrillo Hocker, the exhibition was both a visual celebration of this ancient tradition and a tribute to Sherrill's exceptional eye for the exquisite artistic expressions of Mexico’s artisans.


Felipe Linares Untitled (Calaca Enramada) Mexico City