Ofrenda en Alfombra

October 16 – November 2, 2025

Great Hall

Galeria Mitotera and MOCA present a large-scale ephemeral alfombra installation created by Alfombristas Mexicanos, a collective from the city of Humantla in Tlaxcala, Mexico. An alfombra, or carpet, is made from locally-collected organic materials that reflect the Sonoran desert such as dyed sawdust, seeds, corn, and flowers carefully arranged into visually-striking compositions of lush images and intricate patterns. 

The Alfombristas Mexicanos continue the centuries-old practice of alfombrismo, or carpet making, a communal art form that was forged in and continues to grow in Huamantla. These ephemeral carpet installations serve as expressions of gratitude to the earth, as offerings to religious figures, and as memorials for the deceased. The process combines artistic expression with collective participation: members of the Alfombristas create the outline of the installation, and MOCA invites community members to help complete it—filling in the materials by hand, together. 

On view concurrently with Dia De Los Muertos, the collaborative approach of the Alfombristas Mexicanos highlights the shared experience at the heart of alfombra, reinforcing the power of collective making, honoring the deceased, and celebrating the natural world.

About Alfombristas Mexicanos

Alfombristas Mexicanos AC is a non-profit organization that has been developing carpet-making projects since 2014 to create bridges of connection between a community and its social, cultural, and environmental surroundings.

This installation is organized collaboratively by Galeria Mitotera and MOCA Tucson.

Generous support for MOCA’s exhibitions and programs is provided by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Ford Foundation; Teiger Foundation; Arizona Commission on the Arts; Consulado de México en Tucson, and MOCA Tucson’s Board of Trustees, Ambassador Council, and Members.

In-kind support provided by Hotel McCoy, Queen of Cups, StartUp Tucson, and AZ Arts Live.