Noted local folk artist and educator Margaret “Chickie” Beltran constructs the marigold arch of an ofrenda, a traditional altar for Dia de los Muertos.On October 19 from 11am-1pm, the Silver City Museum will host the return of a phenomenally popular talk, The Making & Meaning of an Ofrenda, with local ofrenda expert Margaret “Chickie” Beltran. Beltran will both demonstrate the construction and explain the significance behind these vibrant Dia de los Muertos altars. Then her apprentice Nena Benavidez will speak on this year’s Silver City Museum ofrenda and its beloved honoree, Johnny Banks.

Even if you don’t know the word, you probably have seen an ofrenda. It means “offering” in Spanish. An ofrenda is a traditional altar created to honor and communicate with loved ones who have passed on. These ornate displays play a central role in the rituals of Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday celebrating the dead. 

A photo uploaded to Pinterest by Anna Madrid, who writes: “This man was always so happy and friendly to everyone. He never knew my name, just always called me "Manager." We should all implement a little Johnny Banks in our daily lives! RIP Johnny.”Margaret “Chickie” Beltran is a noted folk artist, educator, and community healer. Originally from Los Angeles herself, she lives in Pinos Altos and has deep family roots in Grant County, including as a member of the Chiricahua Apache Nde’ Nation whose great grandmother was in Geronimo’s band.

Nena Benavidez is a psychic medium who is also Beltran’s apprentice and frequent collaborator.

As last year, Chickie and Nena will build on ofrenda at the Museum in honor of a Silver Citizen of the past. This year the Museum’s ofrenda will honor a beloved local character of our recent past, Johnny Banks. Johnny Banks left a joyful impression on all he met, and he seems to have met all of New Mexico. In 1976, the Albuquerque Journal published a profile under the headline, “Johnny Banks: Silver City Legend.” His passing in 2001 was so mourned by the community that a Johnny Banks memorial bench was installed on the front porch of the Museum, where it continues to accommodates weary visitors. 

This year’s ofrenda blessing on November 2 at 4pm at the Museum, the culmination of the annual community ofrenda procession, will be a special occasion for the many who remember Johnny Banks fondly.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. Admission is free; a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 538-5921 education@silvercitymuseum.org , or visit the museum's website: www.silvercitymuseum.org