Around 45 artists have entered and displayed their work at the Chico Art Center for Day of the Dead.

The gallery will host a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 in which a cash prize will be given to the artist who receives the most votes from viewers’ ballots.

Artist Victor Porter describes his art that’s on display at the gallery and what he gets out of the experience.

What does Day of the Dead mean to you?

I think it’s about paying respect to the people in your life that have passed and gone. You know, they still live inside you. So it’s a way to kind of keep them alive but my art doesn’t reflect that. This piece doesn’t really reflect that. Mainly it is for shock value. This sort of stuff is kind of wacky and strange. This is something new I got into about eight years ago and it sort of evolved to that. But it’s fun to see reactions— The reactions of the kids, especially.

What’s this piece made of?

Acrylic paints and airbrush. I have been doing airbrush artwork for the past 44 years. I’ve been able to utilize that in my sculptures, which I think helps me. It’s easier for me. I find it easy to airbrush and my carving skills, they are a little to be desired, but I’m learning things as I go along. It’s a real learning process.

Can you describe your art differently than the other artists here?

I look to be different from the other artists not to stand out but to not do what has already been done. As you can tell by my work, it’s a little off. It’s to the left a little bit. Even if it’s not appreciated by all, it’s different than anything else that is done. That gives a little more uniqueness and I think that is something I look to do.

Are you involved in the Day of the Dead celebrations and events or are you more into the art side of it?

I guess more for displaying the artwork. Personally, I have my own ideas on memorializing somebody in your family. I’m finding out what that is like these days.

Tom Sundgren can be reached at [email protected] or @tom_sundgren on Twitter.