Artist Installs Day of the Dead Display in Evanston
A resident transforms her yard into an altar to honor deceased loved ones.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Scrapbooking
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Artist Teresa Parod has installed a Day of the Dead display at her Evanston home, featuring a tented altar where visitors can leave photos of the departed. The installation is built from repurposed materials and aims to celebrate the lives of friends, family, and pets.
Why it matters
The display provides a public space for community reflection, allowing residents to participate in a tradition that honors the deceased through shared memories. It bridges local artistry with a cultural celebration of life and remembrance.
The display at 2319 Thayer St. takes one month to construct and uses recycled items like milk jugs and foam insulation. Parod has lived in the area for 33 years and started building the annual installation in 2017.
The players
Teresa Parod
An Evanston artist and 33-year resident who transforms her property into a seasonal tribute.
The details
The yard installation features an orange crescent moon, illuminated skulls, and a central tented altar. Visitors are invited to contribute their own photos or mementos to the site, which already contains images of pets and family members.
Timeline
The artist began creating the annual display in 2017.
The traditional dates for Day of the Dead are Nov. 1-2.
The display remains open to the public until Nov. 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
This installation aligns with the global resurgence of grassroots, home-based cultural celebrations that emphasize community participation over commercial displays. It mirrors the traditional Day of the Dead practices in Oaxaca, Mexico, by domesticating the act of remembrance.
Residents are invited to visit 2319 Thayer St. to leave personal photos or mementos at the altar. The display is open to the public daily until its final day on Nov. 3, offering a space for quiet reflection.
The takeaway
Creating an altar provides a meaningful way to process grief and celebrate the enduring influence of deceased loved ones. Residents interested in similar projects can start small by repurposing everyday household items to build their own commemorative displays.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative projects in the Scrapbooking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
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