We are thrilled to introduce Shelbye Reese Gates, the featured artist for the 24th Día de los Muertos Alabama!

Shelbye has called Birmingham home since 2017, but she never fails to remind people that she is a proud Georgia native. After earning her BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she pursued a master's degree in Art Education at the University of Arizona. It was there, surrounded by downtown Tucson's vibrant celebration of life, art, and culture, that she discovered the captivating beauty of Día de los Muertos.

During her 15 years as an art educator, Shelbye brought these traditions into classrooms across Georgia, Texas, Virginia, and Alabama. Although she left the classroom in 2020 to begin a new career in marketing, her love for Día de los Muertos has never faded.

We are so excited for Shelbye to share her talent with our community and help bring this year's celebration to life. Her featured artwork is colorful, joyful, and full of the spirit that makes Día de los Muertos Alabama so special—and we cannot wait for you to see it everywhere!

Help us celebrate Shelbye and welcome her to the Día de los Muertos Alabama and Bare Hands familia!