Artist from Puebla, Mexico creates papier-mâché figures to display at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

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Monday, August 24, 2026 10:43PM
International artwork is on display at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
A new exhibition highlights themes from Day of the Dead, inspired by Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- An artist from Puebla, Mexico has brought her own unique work to our city.

Ivette Chaires' papier-mché figures represent the meaning of life and death, based on Day of the Dead.

It resides at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a place where she received a residency for inspiration.

The works also show respect to the late Founding Artist of the Magic Gardens: Isaiah Zagar.

"This specific exhibition is so important...we just lost our founding artist Isaiah Zagar. Having an exhibition that shows images of him while he was alive and working, while our team is also mourning and grieving...I think it reminds us that life doesn't end when we pass... as long as we create something that we can share with others," said Chelsey Luster, Exhibition Manager at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.

The residency is named after Julia Zagar, Board of Directors Member, and surviving wife of Isaiah Zagar.

"Death is not necessarily something to think of as bad. It's something to be experienced and involve yourself in. And I think the pieces... show that very, very well," said Julia Zagar.

You can experience Ivette Chaires' work on display now until November 8th.

For more information, check out the video above.

Also, check out their website.

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