Meet Puerto Vallarta's Artistic Movers and Shakers (Part 1 of 2): In a poll conducted in our Vallarta Lifestyles Newsletter last week, we learned that many of you, like us, would like to see Puerto Vallarta blossoming even more as an artistic destination. We help you make connections with some of the region's most influential organizations.
Five Minutes with Abelardo Favela: We had the opportunity to spend some quality time with this talented, charming and renowned Mexican artist during a visit in February for an exhibition of his canvases and sculptures that took place at Galeria Contempo. Enjoy a five-minute video glimpse into his life and work.
Puerto Vallarta’s Visual Arts Scene Today: Intrigued about Puerto Vallarta's art gallery scene? Looking to invest in an painting or a sculpture? This introductory article gives you a quick outlook of what to expect while exploring the local art galleries.
Who Are These Gals? (And why are they so happy?): Find out in the next issue of Vallarta Lifestyles, available next week at select shops, restaurants, galleries, real estate offices, and hotel gift shops throughout Banderas Bay.
The Huichol, Their Legacy and Modern-Day Challenges: When we think about the Huichol and their art, images of artists clad in traditional outfits, patiently attaching small beads to various pieces of carved wood in the shape of masks or animals in several shops along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón, easily come to mind. But in today’s Mexico, there is much more to the Huichol than meets the eye.
Discovering the Paintings of a Predecessor: Discover the life and works of Ramón Barragán Villaseñor, who participated in the first recorded exhibition of paintings in Puerto Vallarta, which was held in 1952 at the Paradise Hotel, a building still standing just a few blocks from the Malecón.
La Malagua Inaugurates Isla Rio Cuale Exhibit: During the second Festival Cultural Cuale in January 2010, artist collective La Malagua inaugurated their long-awaited project along Isla Rio Cuale.
Puerto Vallarta as Canvas: More than two years ago, an art project was undertaken in Puerto Vallarta that uses the city’s vacant public spaces as its canvas and concepts from the controversial graffiti art movement as its tools.
Five Influential Mexican Artists: Should you suddenly find yourself in the midst of a highbrow conversation about Mexican art, here are five names that may come up and the reasons why they might.
Reinterpreting Manuel Lepe: A much-deserved tribute to late Vallartan painter Manuel Lepe, created by Glass Gallery M owner Mariano Pérez Vivanco, has been installed at the entrance to Plaza Vallarta.
Loteria Mexicana: Growing up in Mexico without playing the game of Loteria is as inconceivable as growing up north of the border without dreaming of a trip to Disneyland.
Two New Malecon Sculptures Unveiled in 2008: Created by Ramiz Barquet, the
San Pascual Bailón sculpture was erected in the new Plaza de los Chefs in front of Vitea Restaurant.
“The Washer Woman” by Jim Demetro depicts the time-honored tradition of hand washing clothes in the river.
José Guadalupe Posada: Beyond the Catrina: Digital photography is so ubiquitous among today’s photojournalists, it is quite possible many cannot fathom the notion of patiently waiting at the one-hour photo lab for their prints to be processed, let alone having to do the processing themselves in their own darkroom.
Bucerias Art Walks Better Than Ever: With new galleries and numerous visiting artists from throughout North America, the third season of the Bucerias Art Walks promises to be exciting and full of surprises.
Viva Mexico!: First-time visitors to Mexico often marvel at our country’s vast heritage. It is no wonder that so many tourists from the United States and Canada head south and often choose to relocate here. But unless we pay close attention, we frequently fail to realize the extent to which Mexico has permeated the world. Read on and you’ll realize that, even if you haven’t been to Mexico before, Mexico’s been closer to you than you think.
Art from Shards: Step past the mosaic gateposts of A Broken Art and enter a world of creativity. Glittering glass covers part of one worktable, and along the wall piles of colorful pottery pieces invite touching and arranging.
"Lifestyles" Cover Art Now Limited-Edition Print: Talented artist Laurie Chase was inspired to paint “Beach Club Punta de Mita” because it epitomized to her the “essence and beauty of the Vallarta playa.” This enchanting painting was featured on the cover of the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of this publication. Subsequently, Chase produced a limited edition of 95 signed and numbered Giclée prints.
Adopt an Alebrije: Most alebrije artists tend to focus on small pieces, primarily due to practical reasons. Indeed, the amount of time required to complete these intricately painted woodcarvings increases exponentially with size, and focusing on a single piece often prevents artists and their families from generating income through the sale of smaller items in the interim.
Discovering Off-Malecon in Vallarta: Every city has its hidden corners, its unseen treasures. While sculpture is featured on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, those who know the city suggest that you not stop there. In fact, some of the more interesting corners are off the main drag. This piece focuses on Vallarta’s off -Malecon sculptures, as well as tidbits and stories related to them.
Taking Hand to Brush: So, you're bending the elbow a bit, practicing the gentle art of Margaritaville on the beach when you decide to get more creative. Once it's time to dig your toes out of the sand, where can you find something for the soul? Surprisingly, many locals artists offer classes, for advanced students or even beginners.
A Touch of Mexico: Is anything more captivating than a touch of Mexico in your home? We talked with three local Mexican designers, asking for ideas and input for providing that special Mexican touch. Whether you live here or want to pick up something for your home elsewhere, you’ll appreciate the input they offered.
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.
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The Huichol Universe Slide Show: For our recently-published article on the fascinating world of the Huichol, we were thrilled to feature contributing photographer Jay Ailworth's compelling images. To further enhance your experience, we feature the music of the Maxa-Keta Huichol Duet.
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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.
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. This is talavera.
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.
