Eulogy to Diane Hunt Vanek

By Zarco Guerrero

Carmen and I first met Mark and Di in the early 80s at Tuba City High School on the Navajo Reservation where we were both Artists in Residence.

I remember the first time I saw Dancing Di dance, she fluttered around like a butterfly and could sting like a bee. She was at once a swan, as she elegantly glided on stage, then she moved like a snake and became a mermaid swimming in a sea of fire.

Mark was there too, throwing Di around with brutal elegant grace. We were all captivated by their every move: her sparkling eyes, her forever radiant smile, and her forever flowing long black mane.

I knew immediately I had found my muse, a soul mate. As a mask maker I needed a kindred spirit with a shared vision to bring my inanimate art to life. Actually, I wanted to put a mask on Mark. Di was fine just as she was.

It wasn’t long after then, that we collaborated on Calacas Encantadas, the Enchanted Skulls. A spectacular psychedelic spectacle of controlled chaos. The choreography of six skeletons expressing their exuberance and passion for life. For over a decade, Las Calacas danced in every Día de Los Muertos celebration in the Valley to the delight of thousands. It was the centerpiece of our community festivals as they performed in our city streets and parks.

Our next adventure was the Blue Box where the Masked Dancers disappeared into a small box. Then the tearjerker “Los Ancianos y La Muerte”, and finally the exuberant “Fire and Water.”

Just before Covid, we were excitedly brainstorming on our next collaboration and future dance retrospective – eager to create new works featuring masks.

Di, you helped me realize a lifelong dream as an artist. I couldn’t have done it without you. And WE could not have done without you. You made it look easy and made sure we all had fun.

I see you dancing up there away in the clouds! Your love rains down upon us. You will forever inspire and make us proud.

Sayonara Comadre!