Puerto Vallarta Art and Galleries

Hikuri Magic: Step under the gaily striped awning of “Hikuri” at Coral 66 in the fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and enter an extraordinary world – a microcosm created by Aruna Piroshki, Wayland Combe-Wright and their daughter, Kaerolik.

Galeria de Ollas to Feature Miniature Pots: An unassuming thimble gives clues about the size of these exquisite miniature pots, only 1.5 inches tall, created by Mata Ortiz artist Guadalupe Gallegos.

Local Artist Prepares for Upcoming Season: Preparing for the fall 2007 gallery season’s opening in October, internationally acclaimed artist Laurie Chase is expanding the focus of her newest collection of canvases to capture an expanded range of locations in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Banderas Bay area.

Gustavo Perez Ceramics Come to Puerto Vallarta: Mexican artist Gustavo Pérez is considered the best ceramist in Mexico, his signature visual style full of personal meaning and spirit. Internationally, he is represented by the acclaimed Frank Lloyd Gallery. These unique creations are now available locally at Mata Ortiz Art Gallery, Plaza Peninsula. (Slide Show)

Living with Art in a Tropical Environment: The paper and chemicals traditionally used in photography make it especially vulnerable to damage, such as fading, mold and disintegration, from exposure to light, humidity and heat. Special technology and products used in the printing and mounting processes, along with temperature and humidity-control of the space where photos are displayed or stored, can circumvent the risk.

Best Sister City Organizers: Highland Park: The concept of cities establishing fellowships worldwide has been enriching communities since its inception by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1965. Through the years, Puerto Vallarta has benefited from this program by successfully partnering with cities such as Mission, TX, Santa Barbara, CA, and Highland Park, IL.

Best Multimedia Exhibition: Drop Dead Gorgeous: Unabashedly celebrating surreptitious binges with a touch of humor and a sense of fashion, Daniela Edburg’s unconventional Drop Dead Gorgeous photographic series on display at T-Fuller Fine Art this past fall gave us all something to talk — and perhaps feel a tad guilty — about.

Best Use of Glass: Galeria EM: Intrigued by that funky little palapa-roofed building across from the entrance to Marina Vallarta? Well, you should see what’s going on inside! And you can, half-hour tours of this glass studio and showroom given in English or Spanish to those curious about the making of translucent magic from A to Z.

Patrick Denoun: An Endless Stream of Artistic Energy: For more than 20 years Vallarta was fortunate to have Patrick Denoun as a resident artist. Originally from France but more a citizen of the world, Patrick provided us with art that was continually evolving and fascinating, for Patrick was not one to be complacent and just paint what he knew would sell.

The Peter Gray Art Museum: If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check out this charmingly eclectic collection of quality art on the University of Guadalajara campus in Vallarta's Ixtapa neighborhood, just northeast of the airport.

Discover the Nuevo Cine Mexicano: Five Films You Must Rent: Attend your local cineplex and, if you pay attention to film credits, you'll find an increasing number of incredibly talented Mexican artists contributing in many different capacities to high-grossing films.

Behind the Scenes at a Talavera Factory: As you discover Puerto Vallarta, it is difficult to miss the ubiquitous oval-shaped ceramic door signs outside many of its buildings, or the square hand-painted tiles that adorn their different rooms, or the ornate plant holders, picture frames, plates, mugs and even bathroom sinks available for sale in many of our gift shops.

Public Art an Appealing Peninsula Feature: Happily, the folks behind the Peninsula residential and commercial development share the vision of Puerto Vallarta as a thriving art destination, incorporating colorful fresh pieces into their exciting new shopping center.

South Side Hot Spot: We dare you, double dare you, to say the name Basilio Badillo to the person next to you without hesitating — or peeking at its syllabic pronunciation below. Because this happening north-south street, also coined “Restaurant Row” and “Calle de los Cafés,” is one you will definitely want to discover again and again.