Exploring The Arts In Puerto Vallarta

While most tourists visit Puerto Vallarta towork you will find anywhere in the world. You can
experience the beaches, resorts and unmatchedalso find traditional work produced by the Huichol -
natural beauty, there is a more creative allure justa tribe residing in the mountains outside Puerto
beneath the surface. Though Puerto Vallarta is farVallarta - at Galeria Piramide. Not only will you be
from a sprawling city, the community housesable to see incredible examples of traditional bead
more galleries than any Mexican destinationand woven art, you can witness these indigenous
outside the capital. Throughout the years, artistsartisans working at the gallery.
and aficionados have flocked to the majesticOne of the most popular events in Puerto Vallarta
landscape of Puerto Vallarta. The results can beis the Old Town Art Walk that takes place each
seen throughout the galleries of the city - inWednesday during the tourism season - generally
everything from painting, sculpture and ceramicsOctober to April. On these special evenings, you
to jewelry, literature and fashion. Yet, even if youwill find at least 17 galleries open late to display
don't step inside any of Puerto Vallarta's galleries,everything from the newest work of local artists
you will still find yourself surrounded by art -to treasured paintings by Old Masters. You can
courtesy of public sculptures throughout the cityenjoy this self-guided walking tour at your own
and the paintings lining the walls of localpace with the assistance of detailed maps
restaurants. Regardless of where you set foot inavailable at any of the galleries or your resort.
this gorgeous city, you are sure to beThe Old Town is also a great place to dine, but
overwhelmed by the powerful creative spirit.make sure to save some room for
Inside the galleries of Puerto Vallarta, you will findcomplimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
everything from folk art to the most challengingNo visit to Puerto Vallarta is complete without a
contemporary compositions of the region's vibrantstroll down the city's famed boardwalk - the
art scene. One of the most well-known galleries isMalecon. Besides offering a beautiful view of
the Galeria Arte Latinoamericano - a two-storyBanderas Bay, the Malecon serves as an outdoor
collection of Puerto Vallarta's finest painters andsculpture museum. Beginning at the north end of
sculptors. Another great destination for locallythe boardwalk, you will encounter Mathis Lidice's
produced work is Galeria Dante. Featuring more"Los Milenios" - one of the most photographed
than 50 artists from the Puerto Vallartasites in Puerto Vallarta. Tourists are also known to
community, this gallery has been awarded topgather around the "Rotonda del Mar," a unique
honors in numerous publications.assemblage of chairs by local artist Alejandro
While there is a strong focus on locally producedColunga. If you want to learn more about the
artwork in Puerto Vallarta, don't be surprised tosculptures of the Malecon or the artists behind
find some famous names on the walls. Forthem, don't miss the Tuesday morning tour
instance, Galeria Omar Alonso has displayedoffered by Gary Thompson - owner of the
works by documentary photographer SebastiaoGalleria Pacifico. Ramiz Barquet - one of the city's
Salgado and European artists such as Woutermost celebrated artists - is often on hand to
Deruytter and Michal Macku. Galeria Corsica - adiscuss his famous work "La Nostalgia" and offer
popular destination for collectors - features artistsa unique perspective on the region's artistic
championed by Mexico City's Museum of Modernculture.
Art. The Galerie des Artistes - a space known forMost importantly, Puerto Vallarta has something
its many rooms of unique pieces - has also beenfor everyone's taste and price range - making it
known to exhibit works by Diego Rivera and Joseeasy to come home with a piece of this beautiful
Clemente Orozco.city. Regardless of when you visit Puerto Vallarta,
One of the most celebrated art forms of Mexicothe city will have plenty to inspire your creative
is Mata Ortiz pottery, an elegant craft on displayside. The Puerto Vallarta art scene is always
in a pair of galleries. Both Galeria Mata Ortiz andexpanding, incorporating new styles and concepts
Galeria de Ollas feature some of the best ceramicto reflect the ideas of artists and visitors alike.