Artist’s Thayer Street Day of the Dead installation celebrates lives, legacies of lost loved ones

Colorful skulls, skeleton figures, marigold garlands and multicolored string lights illuminate Teresa Parod s front yard at 2319 Thayer St., decorated for Day of the Dead. Credit: Macy Millones Evanston artist Teresa Parod has transformed her front yard at 2319 Thayer St.— and part of her neighbor s— into a large Day of the Dead installation, with a tented altar, a glowing orange crescent moon and illuminated skulls celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is celebrated primarily Nov. 1 and 2 and honors the souls of deceased loved ones through joyful tributes. “I like to think of those who have gone and feel like they’re with us,” Parod said. Parod has lived in Evanston for 33 years and said she began making the display in 2017, increasing its size each year. She is also known for the garage murals she has painted around town. Most of the display is made from recycled goods, Parod said. She made the marigolds and the large cres