This series of paper mache sculptures was created by artist Colette Crutcher with the help of students of all ages from theMission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, as lobby decor for the San Francisco Symphony's Dia de los Muertos family concert on Nov. 1, 2009.  The "Carnival of the Animals", by French composer Camille Saint-Saens, is a playful collection of orchestral vignettes, each dedicated to an animal:  lion, kangaroo, swan, rooster, etc.  In the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, humorous skeletal elements are included, and recycled materials, from discarded newspaper to chicken wire and reclaimed housepaint, are given new life.

The artist drew on Mexico's rich tradition of fanciful folk art for inspiration