Delightfully Diversified and Educational

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.

A gallery of substance, suffice it to say that one of the diverse works on view — a print of a 1748 sketch by xenophobic British artist Hogarth titled "O the Roast Beef of Old England" — was also a key exhibit at the Louvre recently, its importance arising from the fact that it is one of the first-ever political satires in artistic form.

Refreshingly, there is nothing commercial about this museum, so called because every one of its 70-plus works has been generously donated. That alone distinguishes it from the many fabulous commercial galleries Vallarta offers, yet many of their most popular artists also have pieces on exhibit here. And while the commercial galleries tend to specialize in a specific range of genres, this impressive collection deliberately runs the gamut to provide wider exposure to the possibilities inherent in art.

There's an intriguing story behind how it came to be. Dismayed by the lack of organized cultural activities on campus, and believing that the university has a responsibility to its students and the public at large to introduce them to culture in its many forms, in 2001 then-rector Jeffrey Fernandez formed a committee to change things. Headed by avid culture buff Nacho Cadena, retired British expatriate and author Peter Gray was asked to be part of it. "But I quickly ran into difficulty understanding the rapid-fire Spanish spoken at meetings, so I determined that because art doesn't require words, my contribution would be to create a gallery!"

So he and his wife, Buri, donated 17 works from their personal collection, and soon others followed their lead. Initially housed in the foyer of the auditorium, for the past two years these art works have been displayed in an attractive, contemporary glass and concrete building designed to accommodate them. In the appealingly light and airy space with room to expand as the collection does, air-conditioning protects these cultural treasures and keeps visitors comfortable, while adjustable track lighting makes everything easy on the eyes.

Here you'll discover a wide range of techniques and styles both old and new, works ranging from the 17th to the 21st century. Embracing pencil drawings, charcoals, oils, water colors, lithographs, prints, etchings, enamel work, mixed media and sculpture, subjects range from architectural sketches to nudes and landscapes.

A microcosm of world creativity, artists from the USA, Canada, England, Austria, France, Italy, Hungary, Israel and Guatemala are represented, along with some traditional Mexican art, "so kids are reminded what a great artistic heritage they have." It's interesting to note, for example, how thick the wool is on the two pieces of Huichol yarn art on view, which date back to 1975, before the thinner and shinier synthetic yarns came into favor.

So far, some three-dozen benefactors have contributed to the collection, the museum's current goal to keep growing while bringing in works from countries not yet represented. And the same goes for artistic styles. If you would like to make a donation of art, call Peter at (322) 221-5285 or email him at albans@prodigy.net.mx

The process of creating this project has had a tremendous spin-off effect, the impetus for yet other ongoing university cultural groups and resources, including folkloric and modern dance troupes, a film festival and an archeological museum. And now that the ball is rolling, there's no telling what other great cultural activities we'll soon be able to enjoy on campus!

Meanwhile, after your grand art tour, why not head right next door to the fascinating university-run Reptilarium, an exhibit and research center where you'll see and learn about crocodiles, iguanas and more.

Getting There
Both the big blue and smaller white Sistecozome buses will get you to the Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC) campus. Take one that says "Ixtapa" or "University," the trip about 45 minutes from City Hall. If you're driving from downtown PV, turn right at the Ixtapa turnoff north of the airport and then right again after exactly two kilometers, at the first stoplight. There are two parking lots, one inside and the other just outside of the university gates. A delightful two-minute stroll through the grounds and you're there, signs guiding the way and the museum instantly recognizable by the mammoth mobile hanging from its rotunda. Open to the public Monday through Friday 10 am - 1 pm and 3 - 5 pm, except on university holidays, entrance is free. The museum is wheelchair accessible and refreshments can be purchased.