 On April 17, 2007 the local City Hall, relatives and friends paid homage to Puerto Vallarta painter Manuel Lepe, who was a precursor of Naif art and an avid promoter of this city. Mayor Javier Bravo said that Lepe had a fate in pursuing the arts and he became an internationally renowned artist, who reflected the paradise of our municipality into his beautiful paintings. April 17 is the official day of Manuel Lepe in Puerto Vallarta, as it commemorates his birthday.
Lepe is part of the history of Puerto Vallarta, the city that saw him growing up with great soul, always caring about the local children. He had 43 exhibitions around the world in prestigious venues such as the Sciences and Industries Museum of Los Angeles, California, where still holds the record for the most visitors; more than a million people!
The reputation of Manuel Lepe as a painter extends beyond Mexico to the United States and Europe. Mexican President Luis Echeverria declared him as the National Painter of Mexico. Lepe’s paintings are found in the homes of international celebrities including Elizabeth II - Queen of England, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, and John Travolta.
Born in 1936, Lepe was the third son in a family of eleven children. He died in his prime from a cerebral aneurysm, at the age of 46. Although he no longer walks among us, his legacy will continue to live on through his memorable works of art. By Juan Pablo Hernández
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