Richland College celebrated the traditions and beliefs about death and the supernatural through “Bitten,” the 2013 Richland Arts Fest.

The festival honored cultures including Mexico, the Caribbean and New Orleans with events such as musical performances, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) face painting, sugar skull decorating and a New Orleans-style jazz funeral parade that transformed into a vampire flash mob.

“Bitten was a fantastic success,” said Jen Rose, event organizer and Richland College ceramics professor. “This event really grabbed students’ attention and increased awareness of the arts at Richland College.”

Watch the video here!

“Bitten” was a collaboration of several areas of study within Richland College’s School of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, including music, dance, art, ceramics, history and theatre.

The festival continues with the world premiere on Oct. 17 of “Fire & Blood,” a musical by Andy Long and Adam C. Wright. This haunting re-imagining of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is set in modern day New Orleans. “Fire & Blood” is recommended for mature audiences. Admission is free. Visit www.richlandcollege.edu/bitten for show times and dates.

Ms. Rose said she hopes “Bitten” piqued the interest of students who are not arts majors and those who are not yet students at Richland College.

“In each arts field, students who take those classes learn skills they can use in other areas of study,” she said. “For example, in ceramics, we teach 3-D and spatial reasoning. We teach problem solving and critical thinking. When you’re asked to create something out of nothing but a bag of clay, that’s 100 percent problem solving. The arts are a surprising way to reinforce some of those skills that are most needed by today’s employers.”