Miguel Diaz enjoyed the simple things in life — spicy food, a smooth shot of tequila and being around the many animals he tended to on his farm in Jalisco, Mexico.

 According to his son Juan, Diaz passed away six years ago at the age of 80, not long after retiring in Napa.

On Sunday, the memory of the elder Diaz came to life through some of his own favorite possessions at a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration and art exhibit held at Studio II in Napa. Juan Diaz constructed an elaborate altar that he decorated with photographs of his father, stuffed animals, candles, religious items and the chili peppers Miguel Diaz loved in his meals.

Juan Diaz teamed up with friend and fellow artist, David Alosi, and approached Studio II owners Sandra Ogle and Dana Lyon about having a Dia de los Muertos event at the photographers’ Soscol Avenue studio.

Ogle and Lyon, agreed and made the event a fundraiser for the Napa County Hispanic Network, which awards scholarships to deserving Latino students. Featured artists and photographers included Alosi, Diaz, Ruth Ancona, Shelley Alger, Adriana Arriaga, Nick Cann, Peggy Cann, Hedi Desuyo, Erica Quiroz, Arturo Ramos, Diane Dame Shepp, Thea Witsil and Ron Zak.

Acona constructed an intricate altar in memory of her two dogs, Wiley and JJ. The altar was decorated with pictures of the dogs as well as Milk-Bones, toys, skeletons, flowers, dog collars and assorted items that belonged to the animals.

“They are my children,” Acona said. “It’s cathartic to make a final representation of Wiley and JJ.”

Acona said she had to wait a couple of years after the dogs passed away to muster the strength to build the altars.

Witsil, owner of the downtown vintage clothing store Wildcat, built an altar dedicated to musicians who have passed on. She challenged those in attendance to name all 48 artists depicted in her piece. In return, Witsil said she would make a donation to the Napa County Hispanic Network in the winners’ names.

“I wanted to do an interactive altar,” Witsil said. “Music for me has always been such a huge part of my life and I thought ‘Wow, I would dedicate this altar to musicians in my life who were totally inspirational.’ I also dedicated this to my father and there is a picture of him right next to the altar. He instilled a great love of music in my life.”

Witsil has built altars for the past 15 years to not only connect with her father, but others who have passed away.

“We all have memories, good or bad,” she said. “I think it’s important to honor the memories of those who influences us in our lives.”

In Mexico and around the American West, the holiday is widely celebrated among Latinos as a way to stay connected to loved ones who have passed away. On the first day of the celebration, which begins on Nov. 1, families honor children and go to the cemetery to visit the graves of their loved ones.

Family members decorate the graves with the deceased’s most cherished items, as well as flowers, photos, calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls made especially for the holiday), papel picado (tissue paper), religious items, food and drinks.

 For those who do not wish to visit the cemetery, it’s customary to build an altar inside the home.

Throughout the two-day festivities, families sing, play music, eat and drink and tell stories about the dead.

Studio II will feature the Dia de los Muertos exhibit through Nov. 22. The studio, at 570 Soscol Ave., is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.