7/11: Frida Kahlo Celebration

Few artists have captured the morbid yet celebratory spirit of Mexico more strikingly than Frida Kahlo. The artist, who died in 1954 at the age of 47, has become an international feminist icon for her paintings, which express complex feelings about womanhood, incorporating images, designs and colors drawn from Mexican culture into her depictions of the intersection of lust and pain. Devout Home (19032 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 440.333.8307), a store specializing in folk-art home furnishings, is devoting July to honoring Kahlo. From noon-2 p.m. today, it’s offering a “sugar skull workshop” with pastry artist Nick Vanello, who will show participants how to make a Kahlo sugar skull. It’s $25; RSVP to [email protected]. From noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, Anitra Redlefsen will do a costumed presentation on Kahlo, followed by a workshop in which participants will make a Mexican folk-art shrine. It’s $45; RSVP also required. Both shrines and skulls will remain on display at Devout Home all month; you can stop in and vote for your favorites. From 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, you can view the creations at a closing reception and see who won awards for “best in show.” A taco-bar lunch ($5) will be served from 1-3 p.m. — Anastasia Pantsios