By PAM HARBAUGH

Flores! Flores por los muertos!

The Mexican celebration called “Dia de los Muertos” comes to life Sunday at an out of the way art studio in West Melbourne.

The “Art More Place,” a 4,000 square foot art studio in an industrial park, will present its second annual “Dia de los Muertos” celebration 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. The public is invited to come dressed up (if they want) as “Catrina” (see below) or even in their Halloween costume…or even just as regular people.

You will find a collection of “Ofrendas” which are created to entreat a visit by loved ones who have passed away. The ofrendas will be elaborate, festooned with the dearly departed’s favorite flowers, food, drink, hobbies…all of which should entice that visit. There should also be plenty of marigolds about, since that flower is thought to attract the dead by its color and fragrance.

The Catrina, or Catrin, is the skeleton-like woman who helps usher the dead in for a visit. Art More Place founder Sherri Otcenasek first learned about the celebration when she was studying art in San Miguel Allende.

“I was so moved by it,” she said. “This is a way to celebrate our loved ones who we really miss.”

Visitors can also participate in an “Altar Stroll” where you’ll go by the altars and listen to stories about loved ones.

The event also includes free Catrina face painting by Cheerioo Gram Entertainment, sugar skull painting and a craft section for children.

Art More Place is at 150 East Drive, West Melbourne. Admission is free. Call 321-431-0882 or visit artmoreplace.com.