LEWISTON — L/A Arts is doing a series of cross cultural artist residencies with the Spanish classes at Lewiston Middle and High schools focused on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration practiced in Mexico, in other parts of Latin America and parts of the U.S. It is a family event to remember ancestors. Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate life and to embrace Latino life and culture.

In conjunction with this, L/A Arts is offering a series of classes to the community at large (youth and adults) in the DownStage space at #5 Canal St. Alley. Class space limited; to reserve a spot, call 782-7228. Suggested donation for all classes is $5.

Suitcase shrines: Saturday, Oct. 8, noon to 4 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Ages 11 to adult. Artist: Maryann Anderson.

Transform a hard shelled suitcase into a memorable shrine commemorating a passed away loved one, or a poetic expression that joyously celebrates life and personal connections. Each shrine will be an assemblage sculpture which could include mementos, photographs, clippings, fabric and other miscellaneous objects. Items will be available to select from other then what participants bring. Various suitcases will be supplied, or participants may bring their own.

Reverse glass painting and sugar skulls: Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Light lunch provided. Ages 8 to adult. Artist: Odelle Bowman.

This special type of art form requires the artist to paint the design on one side of the glass while it will be viewed from the other. Decorate sugar skulls.

Tri-fold altars/shrines: Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch provided. Ages 11 to adult. Artist: Maryann Anderson.

Each participant will collage a commemorative work that honors a loved one and serves as a visual poem that celebrates the sacred importance of the past in order to celebrate the present. The base will be provided, but all are encouraged to bring special two-dimensional items to adhere to it. Items could include photographs, clippings, fabrics, flat items that relate to the person being honored. Supplies will be provided.

Nichos: Friday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. Snacks provided. Ages 11 to adult. Artist: Priscilla Dreyman, founder and program director of SPIRAL Arts at The Opportunity Alliance in Portland, has been part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Nichos are small shadow boxes that depict loved ones who have died as skeletons doing activities from everyday life. Bring photos and ideas; art materials will be supplied.