Puerto Vallarta Art and Galleries

Best Huichol Promoter: Jacinto López Ramírez: Jacinto Lopez Ramirez, a Huichol artist and shaman, passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of traditional Huichol art forms. In the late 1960s, he was one of the most significant influences on the commercialization of bead art, currently practiced by many Huichol artists, including his wife, Angelita, and most of his seven children.

Best Vallarta Art Gallery Outside of Vallarta: Córsica Galería de Arte: Corsica Galeria de Arte can take pride in something no other local gallery can to date. In addition to their two popular locations in downtown Vallarta, they also operate successful galleries by the same name in Los Cabos and Mexico City. Founded in 2001 and dedicated to the promotion of quality contemporary Mexican art.

Best Local Young Actors: Young, yet experienced, these four Puerto Vallarta residents are part of our city’s Municipal Theater Group, directed by Alberto Fabian. Combined, they have spent decades on stage, garnering awards both in and out of Puerto Vallarta. What are their goals and role models?

Most Awarded Spanish Writer You Didn’t Even Know Lived in PV: Francisco Haghenbeck: It would seem Puerto Vallarta has been casting its spell on talented citizens who relocate to this wonderful place we call paradise since day one. One of the latest additions to our local pool of inspiring talent is fiction and comics writer Francisco Haghenbeck. Unbeknownst to him (and to us!), his short story “Waiting for Liz,” published in the last issue of this magazine.

Best New Art-related Event: Extended Borders: Shifting Cartographies: Downtown Puerto Vallarta will come alive with contemporary art May 28 to June 1, 2008, for the first annual “ Puerto Vallarta: Arte Contemporáneo” festival. With the theme Extended Borders: Shifting Cartographies, this unprecedented event will bring international artists together to participate in special exhibitions, public art demonstrations and panel discussions.

Best Festival Graphic Designer: Vallarta Wine Fest, Jalisco and Nayarit: Both elegant and convincing, the visual concept Vallarta Wine Fest implemented during its first two years has been pivotal in bringing the event to the forefront of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary activities. The campaign was designed by Cadena + Asociados Branding, under the direction of Ignacio Cadena’s son, who anchored the concept under a unifying theme: “A Cultural Fiesta.”

Best Cultural Promoter: Nacho Cadena: Local restaurateur Nacho Cadena has been organizing cultural events in Puerto Vallarta since the ‘70s. Not only are his events consistently good, his unstoppable creativity has earned him a steady following among locals who have come to expect nothing but the finest choices in cultural entertainment. “It’s taken perseverance and a quest for quality, and thanks to that, all my events are well-attended.”

Best Public Art Installation: The Art of Chase: “Recuerda Quién Eres” (Remember Who you Are), reads the message in a colorful mural located on the right just as you enter El Centro from the north. It was created by Chase, a successful Belgian artist, along with his talented colleague, Blue. In just 10 days, these graffiti artists transformed four previously neglected public walls around town, covering their rough surfaces.

Best New Sassy Musical Group: The QuesaDivas: If 70 is the new 60, then those “sassy and 60” QuesaDivas are the new 40! The QuesaDivas was the inspiration of group founder Norma Schuh. “I love to sing, but I never considered myself a singer! It occurred to me that there were other women who felt the same.” The 13 members of QuesaDivas have a love of music and, although they may not be ready to sing solo.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.