The Sampson Arts Council welcomed residents on Sunday afternoon for a special cultural celebration honoring Dia de los Muertos, marking the first time the organization has hosted the traditional Mexican holiday in downtown Clinton.

Inside the Victor R. Small House gallery, guests were invited to view a community ofrenda filled with flowers, papel picado, candles, symbolic offerings, and dozens of photos brought in by Sampson County families honoring their loved ones who have passed. The community ofrenda will remain on display at the gallery through Friday, Nov. 7.

Sampson Arts Council Executive Director Kara Donatelli said this event was about community collaboration, cultural representation, and education.

“It took a large group of people to put that together. It took the community,”

See Full Page