60 Years of Art: An anthology of Art Exhibits produced in Puerto Vallarta for over the past six decades will be on display beginning December 18, 2009 and running until January 14, 2010.

by Rubén Cham arte@bayvallarta.com

The importance of the exhibit lies in the historical significance of its contents: through the selected works, the viewer can appreciate the journey of the visual arts of Vallarta over six decades of evolution. Its central purpose is to document, promote and revaluate the art.

During the opening ceremony, acknowledgements will be made to Ramon Barragan; the organizer and participant of the first art exhibition in Vallarta and the creator of the first version of the sculpture of Miguel Hidalgo in the Park by the same name, and to Manuel Lepe, perhaps the greatest local artist in historical terms.

In 1952, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Hotel Paraíso, Ramón Barragán, Esteban Ramírez Güereño and Joaquín Rodríguez Pedroza, organized the first visual arts exhibition in this city.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since then: from the primitive or naïve style imposed primarily by Manuel Lepe, and Javier Niño as the foundation and hallmark of the Vallarta School of Painting that attracted a significant number of followers in the art market and the artistic community; over the years, the art produced in this city has gone beyond “localism” and adopted a universal character which places it in the global movement of contemporary art. This is evident in the work of artists like Fernando Sanchez or Ireri Topete.

The list of exhibitors registered to date of this writing, in alphabetical order, is: Edward Alexandre, Dr. Ayotl, Ramón Barragán, Cecilia Bojórquez, Helmuth Bornemann, Regino Carrillo, Rafael Castillón, Ada Colorina, Cinthia Corona, Rogelio Díaz, Pepe Gutiérrez, Angeline Kyba, Marcella Lepe, Manuel Lepe, Gustavo López, Jorge López, José Marca, Z. Marissa, Édgar Martínez, Luis Fco. Martínez, Héctor Montes, Luz Elena Moreno, Israel Niño, Javier Niño, Pico Reséndiz, Saúl Salcedo, Fernando Sánchez, Pedro Tello, and Ireri Topete.

The opening is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Paco – Studio & Gallery, Venustiano Carranza 512, Tel: 222-8168.

With the support of the Ayuntamiento de Puerto Vallarta, el Fideicomiso de Turismo, la Asociación de Locatarios, Autoridades Ecológicas, the local and international press, the second “Festival Cuale-Cultura en Movimiento” will take place for 10 days from January 22 to 31, 2010. The festival will be a unique program with local and international artists and performers.

From December through March, twelve Puerto Vallarta artists are opening their studios to the public for one weekend each month.

by Alex Gomez

This summer, local artists Angeline Kyba and Cathy Von Rohr came up with the brilliant idea to gather together local artists with or without representation from art galleries and persuade them to allow visitors into their studios, so they could be seen working away at their art.

These artists have agreed to open their studios on a monthly basis. Maps are available at selected local galleries.

ESTUDIOS ABIERTOS – OPEN STUDIOS

• January 23-24
• February 20-21
• March 20-21

10 am to 10 pm

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
[Read more…]

by Jerry Lafferty, Banderas News

The Peter Gray Art Museum on the campus of Centro Universidad de la Costa (CUC) will hold a reception and open house on Friday, November 27 at 5 pm to honor recent donors to its extensive art collection.

Everyone is invited to attend, free of charge, to share in light refreshments, meet and thank the new donors, and importantly get acquainted with this exciting addition to the Puerto Vallarta art scene.

By way of background, Peter Gray, whom many of you know as a strong advocate for many local charitable and cultural activities over the past 15 years, started the museum named in his honor in 2005. With his passing last year, responsibility for the future of the museum passed to a non-profit Board headed by his wife, Buri Gray, Nacho Cadena of La Leche Restaurant and the City Cultural Commission.

The objective of the Museum remains to provide students at CUC, and the City at-large, with an exposure to art that they might otherwise not experience, particularly if enrolled in technical degree programs. The art on display ranges in scope from 18th Century to more contemporary work, by Mexican and International artists, both paintings and sculptures.

Philanthropist Peter Gray founded the museum named in his honor in 2005.
All art work was donated by Peter himself, local artists and galleries, and generous patrons from Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Prominent artists on display include Joan Miro, Beatriz Castaneda, Carlos Merida, Jose Luis Cuevas, Pedro Coronel, and Pedro Friedeberg, among others.

So, please do plan to venture out to CUC for this opening event of the winter season. You’ll come away proud of one of the crown jewels of the PV art scene. While on campus, take the opportunity to explore an expanding and beautiful college, its impressive architecture, and the adjacent reptile research station where you’ll encounter “Goliath,” one of the largest crocodiles ever found in this area.

CUC is located just north of the airport. Head inland from the main highway connecting Puerto Vallarta with Nuevo Vallarta and Nayarit, turning onto the road to Ixtapa that intersects with the main highway slightly north of the new Home Depot. Travel approximately 2 miles, where, at a traffic signal, you’ll see the entrance road to CUC on the right. Parking is provided on campus, near the main entrance. To find the art museum, walk towards the reptile station, asking students along the way if you don’t see the crowd gathering at the museum.

For further information regarding this exciting event, contact Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285, Ann Lafferty at 221-6156, Elinor Prawer at 221-5032, or Dorothy Piontkowski at 209-0064.

2009 – 2010 PUERTO VALLARTA OLD TOWN ART WALK

October 28th is the date of the first Puerto Vallarta Old Town Art Walk of the 2009-2010 season. Some of the 16 participating galleries will be decorated with a theme of Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in Mexico every November 1st and 2nd.

The Puerto Vallarta Art Walk is held every Wednesday night from 6 to 10 pm from October 28, 2009, through the end of May, 2010. All galleries are open to the public each Wednesday evening and many serve refreshments and wine. The participating galleries present paintings in all media, sculptures, fine ceramics, and unique jewelry.

Entrance is free and there is no guide, so you can visit the galleries of your choice and stay as long as you like. Featured artists are often present and exhibitions are changed frequently. If you miss the opening exhibit you can visit the galleries during their regular hours.

This is a great way to know more about the art and culture of Vallarta and Mexico and to meet old and new friends.

Parking is available in secure commercial parking lots at Plaza Juarez and Hidalgo Park.