ASU Students Learn Mask Making for Día de los Muertos
Artist Zarco Guerrero leads a workshop at Arizona State University focused on traditional mask crafting.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in College Life
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Arizona State University students recently gathered at the Downtown Phoenix campus to learn traditional mask-making techniques. The hands-on workshop provided an educational deep dive into cultural practices associated with the upcoming Día de los Muertos holiday.
Why it matters
The workshop aims to broaden students' understanding of cultural traditions beyond the common use of sugar skull makeup. By teaching these specific crafts, instructors hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the historical and ceremonial roots of the holiday.
Artist Zarco Guerrero has maintained a professional career in mask-making for over 50 years. Participants in the Phoenix workshop were required to mold masks directly onto their faces before proceeding to the decoration stage.
The players
Mathew Sandoval
He is the organizer who coordinated the mask-making event for the university students.
Zarco Guerrero
He is a professional artist who has dedicated over 50 years to the craft of mask-making.
Arizona State University
It is a major public research university that hosted the cultural workshop on its campus.
The details
Students at the Downtown Phoenix campus participated in the interactive session by molding masks onto their own faces. The event, organized by Mathew Sandoval, invited students to explore artistic methods that predate and extend beyond the contemporary trends often seen during holiday celebrations.
Timeline
The mask-making workshop took place on October 9, 2026.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated annually on November 1-2.
Culture Shift
This workshop aligns with the growing trend of experiential learning in university cultural programming. By prioritizing tactile artistic engagement over standard lecture formats, institutions are finding new ways to preserve traditional crafts for younger generations.
Students who attended the workshop gained practical skills in traditional mask design that they can apply to personal or community celebrations. These techniques offer a hands-on alternative to purchasing mass-produced holiday decorations.
The takeaway
Engaging in traditional folk arts allows students to connect more deeply with the cultural history of their community. Taking the time to create handmade items can turn seasonal celebrations into meaningful, educational experiences.
Further reading
Learn more about campus programming at College Life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Statepress.
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