First Chess Cup of Puerto Vallarta
This past weekend, the First Chess Cup in Puerto Vallarta was held on the esplanade of the stadium Agustín Flores Contreras. The four categories included expert, advanced, beginners and children under 14, with a total cup of $15,000 pesos. Opening rounds, Swiss-style, were held on Friday, April 19, at 6 p.m., with three competitions on Saturday and Sunday. The total number of participants was 62, with 12 experts, 19 advanced, 21 beginners and 12 children. The tournament had international entrees from Italy, Germany, Cuba and Chile in addition to entrees from Mexico. The president of the Municipal Chess League, Juan Manuel Navarro, explained that this was “actually the fourth tournament in Puerto Vallarta, but the first with a cup of this size.” Players were not allowed to enter in more than one category, nor was smoking allowed during the matches. Each category had its sliding scale of fees based on three groups: members of the chess league, non-members and foreigners. Final announcements and prizes were awarded Sunday night at 9 p.m. Pictured here is Rafael Villegas during play, a past winner of tournaments, who came in second in the expert category.

Beautiful Bays of the World
It’s important not to take for granted living right here on the Bay of Banderas, a member of the Club of Beautiful Bays of the World. Just recently the Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that Puerto Vallarta will host of the annual convention of Beautiful Bays of the Americas May 16 to 20. There are about 20 members of the worldwide organization, while members here in the Americas include the bays of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Punta Arenas in Chile, those of Quebec and Vancouver in Canada, and of San Francisco and Cape Cod in the United States. The organization was created in 1997 with the motive of sharing information regarding development and protection, solutions and experiences.

Culture in May
“Art is found everywhere, such as on the malecón with its sculpture walk and in the plazas and galleries where classic and contemporary art is displayed. Theater, musical events that go from baroque to new age, from classic to popular to rock to sacred, Latin American, folkloric and mariachi, all these and more are presented at the upcoming Cultural Festival in May.” With these words, Maria José Zorrilla of the Office of Culture at City Hall announced the schedule for the events. “Talents from our own country, as well as from others, make up our program. Among them are Eugenia León, German pianist Nikolaus Lahusen, the James Andrews Band Group of Jazz of New Orleans, José Fors, and the Philharmonic Ensemble of Guadalajara, among others.” The venues will vary, from the Arches on the malecón to various hotels such as the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias, the Buenaventura Hotels and the Holiday Inn, City Hall and Prepatoria Regional. A schedule is now available for the events, which will take place May 17 to 31. All events are free to the public.

Farewell to Samantha Stern
Samantha Stern, known for her range from Gershwin to popular to Broadway, will be singing her last notes of the season in Puerto Vallarta at The Palm Bar Sunday, April 28, at 10 pm. Her plans are to continue to travel throughout Mexico on her way north with her partner Emyano. “Once we get to California, we’ll fly across to New York to see my family. It’s been five months already, and I’m feeling anxious to see them.” Samantha made our lives brighter as she thrilled audiences in ‘Crazy about Gershwin’ and in her regular stint at The Palm Bar. Incidentally, Emyano was also a participant in the Chess Cup of Vallarta, where it was Samantha’s turn to cheer him on. Quietly, of course. It worked, and Emyano came in first in his category. So turn out for Samantha at The Palm Bar to wish them a safe journey and a swift return to Puerto Vallarta.
Continuing in the regular spot at The Palm Bar is Lori Paul of Vancouver, where she escaped the rain for her first time to Mexico. “It’s something good for me,” she sings, in Marvin Gaye’s song. Lori bravely sings a tune or two of her own, which she is in the process of recording for her new album in Vancouver. Lori’s voice enchants, entices, flirts, thrills. “I try to walk away and I stumble. My world crumbles when you are not here.” As at home with Van Morrison as with Billie Holliday and Stevie Wonder, she moves easily on stage and teases the audience between songs as well as with her songs. Come and hear her at your own risk because you will be back! Look for her on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, two shows nightly at 10 p.m. and midnight. Palm Bar is located at 508 Olas Altas.

Harpist d’Rachel
Appearing on Sunday afternoon at Daiquiri Dick’s, harpist d’Rachel does her magic for diners during the lunch hour. A limited number of her new CD, Healing Sanctuary, are available. The CD is a collaboration with an old friend from the 80s, Dean Evenson, the flautist who is also co-founder of Soundings of the Planet. When the CD was released in January, it lost no time in reaching the charts at Barnes & Noble. Daiquiri Dick’s is located at 314 Olas Altas and can be accessed at daiquirid@pvnet.com.mx for more information.

Dining News
At Las Cavas des Artistes, Thierry Blouet will help you educate or tantalize your palate. The only wine store of its kind in Puerto Vallarta, private wine-tastings can be arranged. Carrying wines from around the world, the store also has Riedel glasses for sale. Santiago Gutierrez checks the label on a bottle of wine as Thierry comments on the vintage. Located across the street from Café des Artistes, the venture is a cooperation between Thierry and his father, another wine expert. Call Cavas de Artistes at (322) 223-3525 for more information.

News for U.S. Citizens
The U.S. Consular Agency, headed by Kelly Trainor de Oceguera, announced the agency will be closed the third Wednesday of every month for training programs starting April 17. The emergency number is (0133) 3826-5553. In related news, the U.S. Government announced the issuance of new passports. They will incorporate the latest state-of-the-art photo-digitized image, in addition to other security features. Even though the applications for new passports will continue to be processed at embassies and consulates in other countries, the actual passports will be produced in the United States. Emergency passports will be issued as usual in such cases, but will have a limited validity. Kelly says “This announcement about the new passport has confused many people. If your passport is valid, there is no need to change it until the expiration date. Except, of course, if it’s stolen or lost, in which case you would be issued the new one.” The local number of the Consular Agency is (322) 222-0069 for further information.

Put on Your Running Shoes
During the month of May, even if you aren’t a runner, you might consider running, or sponsoring a runner, for the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. It’s a fundraiser, the second annual event sponsored by the Vallarta Terry Fox Committee and headed by Canadian Consul Lynn Benoit. Start training now, put on those running shoes, and get ready for the big event on May 17. The starting line will be at Splash, along the highway to Tepíc, and the event will finish at the Colegio Americano. Registration forms are available at the Canadian Consulate downtown off the main plaza, Splash, the Four Seasons Hotel and the Marriott. Check out the website at www.terryfoxrun.org or call (322) 222-5398 for more details. All funds raised go toward cancer research here in Mexico.

Half-Marathon in June
Organizers of the 5th Half-Marathon announced June 16 as the date of the upcoming event. Competition is on the national level and the purse is $86,000 pesos in prizes. In addition to first, second and third prizes in each category, men’s and women’s, there will be an additional prize for the best marathon runner, man and woman, from Puerto Vallarta. The Hotel-Motel Association of Vallarta has promised to put together special rates and packages for the runners and their family and friends. While the event attracted over 200 runners last year, this year the association, headed by Dr. Fernando Flores López, expects upward of 300 entrants. Those interested can apply anytime before June 15 at the Association of Sports Patronage at the stadium, telephone (322) 222-0490. The application fee is $100 pesos.

The Convention Center Controversy
An editorial writer, David Cuevas Garcia, wrote his views in the Tribuna in reference to the convention center. That same day, an article appeared interviewing the municipal vice-president, Ignacio Guzman Garcia. They agreed on several points: a convention center is necessary, funding needs to be arranged, and the center needs to be multi-purpose to accommodate the various groups that the city hopes to attract. What is not agreed-upon by the interested parties is the location. Pictured here is the location suggested by David, the Corona plant right on hotel row, with good access, proximity to the hotels, a building that could be converted to multi-use, and access nearby to more land for parking. Ignacio, on the other hand, sees the major obstacle as the funding issue. “It’s clear to me,” he says, “that there are investors that will see this as an opportunity, in order not to completely have to depend on the government for funding.” David, on the other hand, expects the government to completely back the construction project for the city. Meanwhile, the arguments continue as Puerto Vallarta works on such important plans for the business future of the city.

More Music News
A meeting was held Thursday, April 18, at the Playa de Oro hotel regarding the organization of a classical music group here in Puerto Vallarta. Called the ‘Vallarta Pops’, fashioned after the renowned Boston Pops, an invitation is out to the public of the city. They are looking for musicians to audition at a meeting at the Hotel Playa de Oro May 6 at 10 am. Marla Halil can be contacted at marla-halil@playadeoro.com.mx for more details. A résumé will be required. The group, formed by Neal Lekwa of Calbert Group in Seattle, Washington, Marla Halil, Felipe Espinoxa and Paco Beltrán, all local, are promised the support and assistance of conductor Mel Strauss. Mr. Strauss nearly single-handedly turned around the private Cornish Institute in Seattle and formed the Wenatchee Valley Symphony in Washington. The idea of doing exchanges with the successful symphony was discussed, as well as topics such as conductor training, youth programs for the community, string ensembles and international exchanges and competitions. “Something for everyone,” explained Mr. Lekwa, “the youth, adults and elderly, and mostly, something for the community of Puerto Vallarta.”

Talk About Whales
The First Symposium of the Humpbacked Whale in Jalisco was held on Tuesday, April 16. The conference was organized by Astrid Frisch Jordan of Ecotours. A marine biologist, Astrid began researching marine life while studying at UNAM in Mexico City. On a trip to Puerto Vallarta over 10 years ago, she fell in love with the whales. It’s that fascination that drives her to work toward an environment that will function not only for the whales but also for tourism and the dwindling fishing industry. “We can all work together if we make the effort.” The symposium brought together researchers, students, professors, tour guides, boat pilots and weather specialists. Data was presented to show the relationship between whales and water temperature, human ‘interaction’, boat traffic, other marine life and essential changes to the marine environment. In the conclusion of the five-hour conference, the consensus was to form a committee to coordinate the needs of each sector. As a final note, awards were given to the best photographs presented at the conference.

Tourism News
Good news from the tourism sector was reported by local tour operators, Mayor Pedro Ruiz Higuera and Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco Horácio González Pardo, pictured here. The first announcement was a new charter from the Netherlands, by Thomas Cook of Holland and local tour operator Traffic, scheduled to begin April 30. This flight, to carry up to 220 passengers, is scheduled to arrive every two weeks with plans for an increase to weekly flights. On the heels of that announcement was that of an agreement with operator Marsans of a weekly charter from Madrid with the capacity of 382 passengers as of June 3. And finally, tourism officials are traveling to Japan and South Korea to broaden their Asian base. It looks like the Bay of Banderas, with Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta combined, will become a year-round destination.

Five Star Diamond
The coveted Oscar of the hospitality industry, the Five Star Five Diamond award, was presented to local restaurant Café des Artistes April 12 by Ulrich Schwartz, representative of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Four qualities are evaluated in each restaurant, hotel or airline awarded the distinction: good taste, maintenance of the premises, quality and service. Having won the award in the past is no guarantee, as the review is done anonymously. “"It can’t be done' is not in the vocabulary of the winners," said Mr. Schwartz upon presenting the award. “The real artists are those in the kitchen. And the award belongs to all the staff, as it is a joint effort.” Other local winners are the restaurant Trio and Hotel La Jolla de Mismaloya, as well as one of our local international carriers, American Airlines.

Terry Fox Run
Honorary Canadian Consul Lynn Benoit announced May 19 as the date of the upcoming Terry Fox-Vallarta Run. Established last year in Puerto Vallarta, the marathon raised over $390,000 pesos and involved 700 participants. You can join in the marathon as part of an organization, educational group, or as an individual. If you aren’t able to participate as a runner, help out by being a sponsor. Find out how by checking www.terryfoxrun.org or pick up your pledge sheet at participating sponsors Splash, Bay Bike and Hotel Marriott among others. The Canadian Consulate also has pledge sheets and further information. Vallarta fights cancer and makes a difference.

Music News
Now appearing at The Palm Bar, singer Lori Paul is Canadian soul extraordinaire. Her voice is her instrument, and she sings a mix of jazz, R&B and soul. On her opening night, Lori appeared in a long black gown with killer heels and a seductive black boa. As her voice rang out or vibrated with those low chords, the crowd responded. “I consider myself a soul singer,” she says, as she begins to sing Billie Holliday. Lori starts out seated on a high stool center stage and, as her voice grows, she stands and the boa is flung to the floor. Don’t miss her as she also shares some of her own music. Scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, there are two shows nightly at 10 p.m. and midnight until May 10. The Palm Bar is located at 508 Olas Altas.

Garbo
Garbo, a new club on Púlpito, is taking its place next to the already established Chiles and KitKat. A throwback to an earlier era, Garbo will be providing the live music of Trio Cubano on Monday and Wednesday at 10 pm. Friday and Saturday are nights for jazz, shows beginning about 11 p.m. Stop in for a drink to check it out and come back for the music. Say hello to the owners, German and Javier. Located at Púlpito 142, check out their website garbomx@terra.com for more information.

Santa Barbara
Continuing at Santa Barbara at 351 Olas Altas is Donald Ross, pianist and vocalist, with his cabaret act Wednesday through Sunday from 10 p.m. to closing. The popular club is also the scene of Karaoke on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Bingo on Thursday and Saturday at 8 pm. The Melville Boys, a play by Norm Foster directed by Eileen O’Leary, continues to receive raves on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with shows at 8 p.m. Dinner theater is $250 pesos per person, and the show has been extended through the end of the month.

Art News
Museum hold a féte for Manuel Lepe Day
Museum Manuel Lepe hosted a féte on Manuel Lepe Day, April 17, to honor two friends of the artist, Don Lencho Torres Arechiga and Doña Pina Cortes de Torres. Marcella Lepe, Manuel’s daughter, invited the family and friends of the artist to raise money for the museum and to attract community interest in continuing the work and upkeep of the museum of one of the earliest artists of the city.

Trio hosts group exhibition
The popular restaurant Trio, in the gallery on the second floor, hosted a group exhibition on Wednesday, April 17. Artist Jaime Antonio Rodríguez, pictured here with artist Gela Tapia, was a participating artist, along with Marta Gilbert, Yolanda Marroquín and José Guerrero. The crowd proved that the art events, despite the season, are a magnet for the community. “We are an additional space for artists or galleries, and have this kind of an event twice a year, usually at the beginning and end of each season,” explained Carmen Torres of Trio.

Bernice Starr remembered at Los Mangos Public Library
The library, la Biblioteca de los Mangos, was the scene on April 11 of homage paid to the dearly beloved Bernice Starr, philanthropist, artist, author and community member. Chairs were set out in the front entrance, which filled up quickly, and late arrivals sat on the low border walls and stood out under the trees. A solemn, yet joyful affair, was MC'd by Ron Walker. In speeches, sometimes funny and other times reflective or tearful, speakers such as her adoptive daughter, Lulu Rodriguez, her friend Joannie Blakely, and her art teacher Lucille Shipley paid tribute. A choir sang a number of songs, in addition to a couple of duets. The final song was "Sing, Sing a Song", in which the entire group of attendees, around 200 people, was encouraged to join. Finally, the announcement was made by historian Carlos MunguÌa that the exhibition salon would now be called the Bernice Starr Salon in her memory, and a cover was pulled off the plaque at the entrance. The ribbon was cut by a visiting niece and nephew, and the crowd was ushered into the salon where paintings by Bernice Starr from Claire and Joe at Galeria Dante were viewed. As the sun went down, the stories among the people proved that the memory of Bernice Starr will not fade. Look for a profile on Bernice in the upcoming issue of Vallarta Lifestyles.

Paco Rentería wows audiences
Just this last week Paco Rentería with his group, ‘Wind and Sand’, performed twice in Puerto Vallarta. An interpretive player, he is considered one of the world’s best guitarists. The first performance, on Thursday the 4th at the Camino Real hotel, was also the scene of video-taping. On Friday the 5th, Paco and his group appeared at Los Arcos in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The packed crowd was moved to cheers and applauses throughout the concert as Paco varied the rhythm, ‘dueling’ with his violinist, Manuel Macias. Paco also tried out his English with the crowd several times as Canadians and Americans clapped and cheered him on, increasing his sales of his CD, “Paco Rentería Live”, available locally.

Appearing at The Palm Bar
Canadian songwriter and singer Lori Paul is scheduled to appear at The Palm Bar from April 16th to May 10th. She will perform from Tuesday through Saturday with two shows nightly, at 10 p.m. and Midnight. Her CD, “Lori Paul Now or Never” will be available. A regular performer at the Vancouver Int’l Jazz Festival, Lori has been singing on-stage since the early eighties. In addition, Lori plans to organize with owner Mark Rome a special Sunday afternoon performance to donate all moneys collected to a local charity. Check their website at ThePalmBar.com for more details.

The WIZ breezes into Puerto Vallarta
The musical “The Wiz”, based on the American classic “The Wizard of Oz”, is appearing downtown at the Agustín Flores Contreras auditorium at Hidalgo and Zaragoza. Directed by Gay Dewar of the British American school, the players are from the secondary level. They are raising funds for an upcoming trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Dorothy, Daniella Garcia, is pictured with ‘Toto’. Nightly performances are at 7P.M. on the 11th, 12th and 13th of April with an entrance fee of fifty pesos. One matinee performance is scheduled for Saturday the 13th at 12noon with a charge of thirty pesos. Join the community in support of our students!

Movie news
This weekend, the 12th to the 14th of April, the Office of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, OCV, is heading out to Los Angeles to attract business. This is the first time Puerto Vallarta has participated in the annual Film Location Expo which will be held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Representing the city in a large 12X6 foot booth, the hope is to convince location scouts and producers to consider our fair city as the site for their next movie. Or the one after that. Considerations are location, cost, facilities and comfort among other things. We’ll see how we measure up to other competing cities, such as Vancouver, Boston, Salt Lake City, Miami and Montreal. As weather is always a factor, perhaps we have more than a running start. Puerto Vallarta gained its early reputation in the sixties with the classic “The Night of the Iguana”, a Tennessee Williams story directed by John Huston.

Speaking of filming in Puerto Vallarta, we can expect to see movie crews head this way as early as September. That should be a nice boost, as that month is traditionally the slowest month of the year in hotel occupancy. The movie, based on the book “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze”, a thriller by the popular writer Robert James Waller, known for his earlier “Bridges of Madison County”. The story is considered an anomaly for the previous writer of romances. It’s a suspenseful chase story of a foreign writer living in Mexico with his Mexican girlfriend who by being in the wrong place at the wrong time become involved in an international CIA pursuit.

The final movie news is the death of Mexican diva Maria Félix. Known as ‘Maria Bonita’ after a song written for her by Agustin Lara, she lived like a queen and died the ‘death of Kings’, in her sleep. Known as much for her personality as for her acting, she was a unique. “The life of an actress is a dream and if it’s not a dream, it’s nothing” was one of her well-known quotes. Maria’s life was the dream of many as she wowed Spanish-speaking audiences for decades, making a total of 47 films. Many of her roles were of outspoken women, chosen purposely to create the persona that she fulfilled in her own life. Dying quietly on her 88th birthday, Maria’s funeral at the theater of Bellas Artes was attended by not only dignitaries and the entire theater and movie community by most notably by the people of Mexico who loved and adored her.

‘Uitzitzilin’ by Juan Manuel Gomez to be released
The long-awaited publication of Juan Manuel’s collection of stories is here, with a book-signing scheduled for the 26th of April at 8PM at the Sheraton Hotel in Puerto Vallarta. Beginning with a creation myth of the five ‘dioses niños’, or child-gods, told by a grandfather, it’s at once a serious and funny interpretation of the trouble the children get into. Each is attributed to have created different natural species, such as butterflies, birds, animals, and, of course, alligators and frogs. The illustrations are by well-known local artist Ada Colorina, represented by Galeria Uno. Some of the work can be seen there on sale. Come and enjoy the tales by a local writer, winner of the children’s book award in March this year.

Art news
A successful Art Walk in downtown Puerto Vallarta was the second-to-the last one for the season. This week included were sculptor-painter Hania Leñero, at the Galeria Arte Latinoamericano. Hania is a sculpture teacher at the art workshop on the island of the Rio Cuale in downtown. A winner of the sculpture award by the Department of Culture, Hania was also invited to Tenerife with the group of local artists for a show in June. Her paintings, often tongue-in-cheek comments on life, will be on display for two weeks, until the 24th of April.

Appearing at Galeria Uno was the Spanish artist Teodoro Nieto Anton, known for his landscapes of a more traditional genre, with a special light and color that he remembers from his hometown, Ayllon, in Segovia. Even his still-lifes take on that light. He is charmed by Puerto Vallarta, and is happy to come back each year for his exhibitions. Nieto Anton’s work will be on display until the 24th of April.

Judith Ewing Morlan presented “A Second Look”, an exhibit of the artists from this year, several of whom were present. As usual, it was a well-organized show, with musician Ken Talbot playing his accordion in the corner. Gayle Marshall, John Thomson, and Judith herself were some of the artists who appeared. The show will be on display for two weeks.

Last Saturday, the 6th of April, Galeria Dante had a collective exhibit as well, with artists Meg Munro and Pepe O’Gutierrez appearing. There was a nice crowd throughout the evening, many of the fans and friends of the artists showing up to close off the season. Meg has been working hard since her last show, with a number of new watercolors. She told how, as a teacher, she has gained a new perspective on the talent that each person has. Pepe introduced his wife, Paty, his muse, and told how he combines his artwork, his real passion, with his business, a restaurant that he runs with his brother. It’s all about balance.

Restaurant news
The often-mentioned Café des Artistes is the scene of an awards ceremony on Friday, April 12th, for its “Five Star Diamond Award” by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. A representative of the academy, Dr. Ulrich Schwartz, appeared to make the presentation. This award is presented after a number of anonymous visits to view the ambience, the quality of the food, the presentation, the service, and the menu selection. The world is the stage and Café des Artistes is at the forefront.

Another event at Café des Artistes is the bi-monthly fundraiser for the foundation “Arturo y los Hijos de Dios”. For a donation of 600 pesos per person, the evening includes drinks, dinner and desert at the award-winning restaurant on Tuesday, April 16th. Organized by Robin Bouchard of the foundation and Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes, this series of fundraisers is to continue helping the eighteen families that are receiving assistance. Robin is proud of the fact that 100 percent of the donations goes towards helping others. The goal is that as each family becomes self-subsistent, they will in turn help others in need. Call Café des Artistes at (322)232-28 or the foundation at (322)338-51 for reservations.

“Sentenced to Life” with Bill Reed
Appearing at the Writers’ Group of Vallarta this past Saturday was author Bill Reed, who spoke to the very-well attended meeting of his friendship with director John Huston. The author of a number of books, including his recent “Tarzan: My Father”, co-authored with Johnny Weismuller, Jr., Bill has tales to tell. “Crazy Ivan” recounts the story of his time in the navy as a specialist in locating submarines. He lives here in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Silvia, whom he met while on vacation in Conchas Chinas. The forum was opened to questions from the writers and he told of the four years of taped conversations with John Huston while working on his book “Sentenced to Life”, with many of the titillating details edited out before publication.

There’s no Business like Show Business
Performing at The Palm Bar on Sunday night was Samantha Stern, recently acclaimed for her solos in the recent “Crazy for Gershwin” by Spotlight Productions. Her show is a mixture of show tunes and popular favorites, with a comfortable rapport with the listeners. Samantha comes to us from New York, after touring ports of the world on a cruise ship where she met her partner. “We love Vallarta, the people here have been so wonderful to us.” Appearing through the end of April, show time is 10 pm. Her voice is a pleasure to hear.

The Problem with Gas
On a more somber note, a couple of price increases are rumored to be on our doorstep. In addition to the temporary boosts we frequently experience during Semana Santa and Semana Pascua, permanent rate increases are expected soon for the taxis. A local publication stated the rate hike was confirmed, but Silvia at the Syndicated Union of Chauffeurs denied that one was on the way. Another source from Guadalajara revealed that there are petitions being discussed there for the state of Jalisco but they have not yet reached an agreement. Otherwise, nationally, gas prices were to increase after April 1.

“Bartholomew” Reappears
Coming up on April 11 at 8 pm is the tribute to dear-departed Bernice Starr at the Biblioteca de Los Mangoes, the library on Francisco Villa. She was instrumental in the establishment of the library. Bernice’s first book, “Bartholomew”, was illustrated with her colorful paintings, which are available locally through Galería Dante. A book signing was held for her at the library in the spring of 2001 and again at Galería Dante in the fall of that same year. Many tributes have been paid her since her recent death. She will be sorely missed by the community, her friends and her fans. In her honor, the exhibition salon will be named “The Bernice Starr Salon”.

An Apple a Day
The ‘forbidden fruit’ was never proved to be the apple, but artist and culinary expert Martha Chapa plays with the idea. Martha’s exhibition at La Petite France is a combination of her love of painting and cooking. In addition to the exhibit of her paintings, many being self-portraits, she offered cooking classes. At the opening April 1, introduced by Don Nacho Cadena, she read a short tribute to Puerto Vallarta that she wrote to express her gratitude and attachment to the city. After a ribbon cutting, the public followed her upstairs to the gallery, where wine and hors d’ouvres were served to the packed house. The exhibit will run until April 8 and the restaurant will feature her recipes through the same date. Call 293-0900 for reservations.

Step into my Skin
Artist Juan Carlos Macías opened March 27 at Galería Uno. Juan Carlos is part of a group of artists in Guadalajara that includes Sergio Garvál, also represented by Galería Uno, María Fernanda Matos, who showed in January at the Galería Arte Latinoamericano, and Ismael Rodriguez. “Sometimes we get together once a week,” Juan Carlos said. “Artists work alone, and it keeps us going.” His paintings, large, not pretty, are a look into the eyes or the lives of the mildly marginalized. The paint on the surface looks how their skin must feel.

Spring Forward, Fall Back
Just when it seemed easier to wake up in the morning, the time has come to change that watch again. Many studies have been done to prove or disprove whether socially, scientifically, emotionally or psychologically there is any difference as to the hour in relation to the sun. Needless to say, Vallarta has decided to go the previous route of changing the watch along with the north. Last year, if you remember, daylight savings time was much shorter, beginning in June and ending in September. Last word, remember to change your clocks Saturday night.

Destination Vallarta
Just recently it was announced after studies in tourism that the second-most popular destination in the country is Puerto Vallarta. It might have been difficult to sense that through this season, not necessarily an easy one economically for some. After Semana Santa, when the hotels in the city were 98% occupied, at least the season was able to close with a bang. On April 3, an event called Gala Vallarta was held at the Fiesta Americana hotel to open a two-day pre-Tianguis event for the hotels and tour operators. The MC was Miss Jalisco, Bernardette Lomelí, who is a native of Vallarta. Two groups of mariachi were featured, along with a fashion show by designer Rosario Mendoza, with the models on the catwalk in dresses of manta that were inspired by different locales in Mexico.

Homage at Manuel Lepe Museum
Marcella Lepe, director of the Manuel Lepe Museum, announced an evening of tribute to be paid to Doña Pina Cortés de Torres and Don Lencho Torres Arechiga, both Vallartenses. The museum, in trouble for funding, will be forming a non-profit organization in order to receive assistance from the municipal and state governments. Currently, as a private institution, it is not able to request funds. Manuel Lepe, one of the early artists who put Vallarta on the map in the art world, is considered an institution in his own right. Stop in to see his colorful work at Juárez 533, Centro, right down from Galería Rosas Blancas. At the tribute at 8 p.m. April 17, Marcella plans to announce what she called “good news for Vallarta”.