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Feb 27 Art Openings
Talented local painter and sculptor Francisco San Miguel will present his new art exhibit at the Cultural Mezzanine in La Petite France on February 27 at 8 pm. The earthy, monumental and forceful nature of his curving wood sculptures always draw great expectation as does its suggestive title, "Cover of Night". 10% of the exhibit proceeds will be destined for the Children Rehabilitation Clinic,Vallarta Santa Barbara.
Evelyn Boren, internationally known for her colorful impressionistic watercolors and oils, will be exhibiting her new work at Galerie des Artistes on February 27 at 6 pm. Her paintings have been described as “the windows that penetrate the walls on which they hang and offer us a view into her colorful world.”

Vallarta Gains New Sibling
Just after the sister-city recent agreement with the Brazilian destination, Angra dos Reis, another sisterhood relationship has been established to the north with Highland Park in Illinois. Mayor Daniel M. Pierce and Mayor Pedro Ruiz Higuera exchanged traditional gifts and possibilities for future cultural and commercial agreements such as visiting students and teachers, as well as a sporting activities and investment potential. Members of the Highland Park Sister Cities Committee had many words of praise for this destination and commented this city was quite a different experience to that of Cancun, which, though nice, lacks the Mexican authenticity of Puerto Vallarta.

Celebrities Visit the North
The north side of the bay continues to attract celebrities. Meg Ryan stayed at the Four Seasons in late January and Italian designer Giorgio Armani is one of the expected visitors during March, following the invitation of his Italian friend in the fashion business, Paolo Casarini. It is also rumored that Miami Vice star Don Johnson plans to become a future resident in Punta de Mita.

Sculptor Opens Workshop in Vallarta
Formally trained in Italy, with experience in the traditional arts and architecture for over 30 years, Mexican sculptor Manuel Palos is opening carving workshops in Puerto Vallarta. This artist combines his aesthetic detail to engineering and architectural projects, creating magnificent pieces in stone, bronze, reinforced fibreglass and more specialized exotic materials. This reputed craftsman has performed his monumental stone carving in many private residences in the States, where he set up Manuel Palos Sculpture, Inc. The inauguration ceremony of the workshop will take place at Calle Brasil 1039 on February 28. See Folkart.com/palos for more information.

Six-foot Rabbit in Vallarta
Spotlight Productions will stage “Harvey”, a comedy written by Mary Chase, February 14 to March 15 at Santa Barbara Restaurant. The play promises to be quite an imaginative delight as the main character, Elwood, enjoys a very special friendship with a six-foot white rabbit. Since Spotlight's productions usually sell out, an early booking is recommended. Tickets are $250 pesos and are available by calling (322) 222-4477 or (322) 223-2048.

Whale Museum Opens in Vallarta
With a history of environmental concern, photographer Eduardo Lugo has opened a long-cherished desire, his mini whale museum on calle Juárez at the entrance of Pueblo Real. Located opposite the school, 20 de Noviembre, children are becoming some of its most enthusiastic visitors. In addition to tours, they offer a collection of material, photographs and video sessions in an effort to promote environmental awareness.

Vote for Your Favorite Vallarta Restaurants
Do you have particular favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta? Well, you can help support them by entering our Readers’ Survey for Vallarta Restaurants. This survey is being publishing in the Feb. issue of Vallarta Voice, but it is also available on-line so you can participate as well. Just click on the best restaurants link and follow the instructions. The results of the poll will be featured in both Vallarta Lifestyles and Vallarta Voice and on virtualvallarta.com, so your favorite restaurants will receive great exposure. Help them out by participating in Vallarta’s first restaurant poll!

Annual Art Issue of Vallarta Lifestyles
Check out the Winter/Spring 2002 issue of Vallarta Lifestyles, featuring a special section on Vallarta art and golf. For subscriptions from the U.S.A. or Canada pay only $30 USD. Residents of other countries please add $10.00 USD to subscription rate. Receive four issues per year: allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the first issue.
To subscribe, send a check to Vallarta Lifestyles, 705 Martens CT. #78-299, Laredo, TX 78041-6010; or subscribe online. You can also find a selection of the articles from this issue online at VirtualVallarta.com/vallarta/llifestyles/index.html.

Another El Salado Development Proposal
At a meeting with the El Salado Estuary Trust, Felipe Ochoa and Associates, Inc, presented their proposal for the use and development of the estuary and its surroundings. After research and evaluation of possible uses, they propose developing the area as a natural, recreational and cultural preserve. The natural preserve would be divided into a concession area, a public use area and a restricted area. They suggest that the area surrounding the estuary include a research center that would feature a crocodile farm, a botanical garden, research facilities and a visitors' center. They also propose a multipurpose center that would host sports and cultural events and conventions. Finally, the proposal includes the creation of a theme park and a commercial zone.

New Wal-Mart to be a Super Store
The new Wal-Mart currently under construction next to Sam's Club will be a Super Store, carrying a full line of groceries in non-bulk quantities. The steel is already up for the new store and, if they continue at this pace, the store could be opened as early as May.