Casa Calaveras: A Walk-Thru Art Experience at Midsummer Scream 2024

José and Gloria are a happy couple like any other. Except for one small thing: They're dead.
They share the spotlight in George Newnam's CASA CALAVERAS: A Walk-Thru Art Experience. Their life-size, papier mâché calaveras, or skulls, are prominently featured in spectacular neon-glowing dioramas. The brightly colored artwork and multi-cultural music create an atmosphere you will never forget.
It's been over twenty years since its inception in 1999. George initially started doing a haunted house in his home garage on Halloween night. It had no connection with Dla de Los Muertos.
Then Newnam's abuelita bought him a picture book on the holiday. George was so captivated by it, his haunted house began to transform. Growing up bi-racial he never felt a strong connection to his Mexican roots but this book helped him to reconnect. Working alongside his Chiapas-born mother, Rebecca Newnam, also an artist in her own right, they crafted all the life-size skeletons you see in the show. George did the papier mâché while Rebecca painted their faces and styled their hair and clothing. Even long-time family friend, David Moore, lent his hand as technical engineer and structurally supported the figures.
Through an elaborate series of peek-in dioramas Newnam tells the story of lovebirds José and Gloria. "They died in a freak accident before their wedding day,' he re- veals. And though the tale may be fictional, many guests believe it to be true. "But, on D/a de Los Muertos their spirits are given a second chance to come back and realize their dreams." From getting married in their family crypt to visiting a fortune teller during Mardi Gras, to even a honeymoon in Japan. These are but a few of the dreams you get to fully immerse yourself in.
George's knack for storytelling stems from his childhood days when he'd make VHS movies with the neighborhood kids. Later he'd attend Chapman University where he majored in film production and upon graduating completed a dark comedy short film The attraction takes five to seven days to install, with each scene set to music. Newnam has the most fun putting it together. He strategically uses black lights to give the skeletons as well as the props and sets an other- worldly glow.
For those props and sets George enlisted the talents of artist Norman Chou. With a background in building design, he brings artistry and architectural integrity to the set pieces. Chou also designs the floor plans which heighten the flow of the story. Over the years Casa Calaveras has been exhibited at several prominent venues throughout SoCal: The Bowers Museum, Museum of Latin American Art, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, The Downey City Library, East Los Angeles Library, San Juan Capistra- no Library and most recently Midsummer Scream to name just a few.
Even though George's mom has passed on, he has managed to continue growing and enhancing the exhibit. "It's amazing to think it all started as a Halloween haunt," says George. "'Over the years we've lost other crew members but I'm committed to keeping the love story of José and Gloria very much alive."