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Category Archives: Art
DÍA DE MUERTOS 2023 CELEBRATIONS
Puerto Vallarta is preparing for the annual celebration of the Day of the Dead Festival. SOON we will get to see the monumental Catrina erected on the esplanade of the Malecón Lighthouse during the ten days of celebrations in honor of the faithful deceased. “The Tallest Catrina in the World.” is a must-see! The monumental Catrina, stands 75.5 feet high.
The planned events will run Oct. 27th-Nov 5th
Surf Lesson’s and Hike’s in Sayulita with Adan Carano
How would you like to SURF???
and do the Hula Hoop?!
Visual artist ADAN CARANO can often be seen doing his amazing hula hoop show from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta.
Based in Sayulita, Adan gives surf lessons! 1 hr and 30 minute class costs $1600 pesos. (About $90 US at the time of this writing). Why not get a group of gays together for a day in beautiful Sayulita and get in some surf time too?
A little over an hours drive, Sayulita is known for beaches with strong surf, like the central Sayulita Beach. To the west, Los Muertos Beach is more sheltered, sandwiched between protective rocks. Galleries in Sayulita sell artworks by Huichol indigenous people.
Sayulita also offers great street food, street entertainers, spas, street bars, tattoo artists, beach restaurants and shops everywhere in the midst of a natural setting between mountains and sea… something for everybody.
He can take you or your group on a 3 hour hike to Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) ?
360 degree views from on top of the mountain! 3 hours / $1200 pesos
What about a BLACK SAND BEACH??
Patzcuaro is a gorgeous beach just southwest of Sayulita.
Playa Patzcuarito is one of Sayulita, Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems, and is one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Nayarit region. The beach doesn’t see a ton of visitors, as it lacks any kind of good road access and lies a bit out of the way for most people. That being said Playa Patzcuarito is surprisingly easy to get to and takes only 25-30 minutes on foot through the jungle. It is located north of the larger Playa Patzcuaro and south of Playa Carricitos, which are both also well worth a visit but require a bit more effort to get to. 3 hours / $400 pesos.
Get all the details on his WhatApp page 5213221383682
Sayulita is an awesome day trip and Adan can be your gay guide!
Feel free to make a request, and he will create a customized package for you!
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BEST Vallarta Tours and Experiences – Off the Beaten Path
I just discovered this amazing service in Puerto Vallarta!
OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOURS AND PHOTOSHOOTS IN PV!
Experiences for everyone! / Personal Photographer & Tour Guide
If you are looking for;
* NAKED PHOTOSHOOTS on secluded beaches, rivers, waterfalls, buildings or some pools.
* A tour to find sublime street art.
* Taste the ancient Mexican tradition of insect food experience.
* Hike to Hidden Beaches.
* Discover little gem towns, not far from Vallarta with a totally different atmosphere than the Vallarta you think or know.
* An exploration of the Vanilla fields, and one of the most amazing Botanical Gardens in the world.
* Take a Hike and explore the jungle, the rivers, beaches or waterfalls.
* Drag Queen & Kings Makeover / Party & Photoshoot.
“My name is Ezeqkiel and I’m a Gay Traveler & Photographer.
Me and my Husband love to travel, and we have been around the world, I have the opportunity to take pics from all over, my style is more street, natural lifestyle, NO POSES just NATURAL LIFE.”
His website has an awesome slide show, which gives you a first hand look to his awesome tours/experiences and photographic styles!
Tour guide / photographer Ezeqkiel says, “We want to share with you our Vallarta Experiences!
Several years ago, my husband and I, moved from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta, we came here and since the first moment, we fell in love with this fantastic place that now we call home.
We have prepared some experiences for you, in order that you can also fall in love as we do with this amazing and magical paradise.”
“As a traveler I understand the importance of have amazing experiences, and have the best memories of a place, that’s why I‘ll share with you my love and passion about traveling, about Vallarta and about my work.”
Off the Road Tours, Hikes, Experiences & Photoshoots / Personal Photographer & Tour Guide
“Let me be your guide (and photographer) in this beautiful paradise.”
More photos on Instagram @Ezeqkiel
ISRAEL ZZEPDA at Galleria Dante
ART INSIGHT from Galleria Dante!
At only 51, Israel Zzepda has already been a professional artist for more than half his life. He has been painting and drawing for more than 35 years, but also sculpts. Israel’s body of work is remarkably large given his age, but when you consider he became an apprentice at the age of 15 and a full-time art teacher at the age of 19, it isn’t so surprising. He taught both art and fashion illustration for more than 13 years, and, as a teacher, he has influenced many young artists, including several members of his own family.
There is a sensitivity, innocence and refined discipline about Israel. His work explores religious, spiritual, sexual and existential realms, reflecting truths and questioning established thinking, and he is not afraid to express himself. “The artist is a reflection of daily life. I want to be a chronicle of my time,” says Zzepda, who seeks to reflect his own unique style and honesty in all of his work.
In his approach of the human figure, texture plays an extremely important role. Instead of painting photo-realistic portraits, he sacrifices the perfection of the human figure in hopes of revealing part of the shared human experience that resides within him. “We are all good and bad, we construct and we destroy, we are of light and somewhat dark, journeying daily through the streets of the planet.” Israel’s imaginative capacity is, perhaps, the most dominant striking feature of his work.
Israel has also painted more than 1000 meters of murals, both public and private, in Cancun, Uruapan, Michoacán and Jalisco. In addition, he completed 7 murals in Sardinia, Italy, in 2011. He also participated in a collective show in Turin, Italy, on March 15th, 2014. He is also working on a new conceptual art project that delves into human and social justice in the setting of globalized power and its effects on ecological consciousness and human rights. Every 6 months the gallery receives new works that over reach our wildest expectations. His latest work, represents a new cycle of creative production and personal growth for Israel, and we are all very anxious to see where it leads.
BASILIO BADILLO 269
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Di Vino Dante Three Specials!
Di Vino Dante—the wine and tapas bar that focuses on fine Mexican and Latin American wines and mediterranean cuisine—has recently announced seasonal specials that include a delicious and attractive culinary offering at reduced prices.
Located on the famous Basilio Badillo street (#269)in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, the venue features an artistic ambiance that is perfect for casual dining.
(Adjacent to the famous Galleria Dante. The Largest Fine Art Gallery in Puerto Vallarta, representing 50 artists. Of these artists 90% of them are Mexican. Many Different styles and techniques are represented. From emerging artist to well established museum quality work. )
Tapas
Every Wednesday, Di Vino Dante offers a tapas plate and a glass of wine for only $170 MXN.
This special doesn’t apply with other promotions and is valid only paying in cash.
Pizza and Wine
Every Thursday, buy a bottle of wine and get a free pizza Caprese or De La Casa. This special doesn’t apply with other promotions and is valid only paying in cash.
Happy Hour! 2 x 1 special on Mojitos and Margaritas.
Daily from 2:00pm – 6:00pm (except on Sundays).
TripAdvisor member’s describe the venue as “the perfect place to taste creative and delicious cuisine” and as “an unforgettable experience”.
Di Vino Dante is located at 269 A Basilio Badillo street (second floor) in colonia Emiliano Zapata. For more information about specials or reservations, please call (322) 223 3734.
Puerto Vallarta Best gallery and Wine bar
We have been fans of Galleria Dante for years now. And we absolutely love the new addition, Di Vino Dante, which opened in 2013.
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante, even though two separate businesses, are both located in an old hacienda style villa at Basilio Badillo #269.
After meeting in Puerto Vallarta in 1986, Claire and Joe Guarniere, inspired by Dante and Beatrice and their mutual love of Italy, began their family business in 1988 with an Italian restaurant called “Pizza Joe” and a small classical art gallery.
In 1995, their passion for art outweighed the long hours in the restaurant business so they opened “Galleria Dante”, which is now the largest and most eclectic fine art gallery in Puerto Vallarta, exhibiting the works of more than 50 artists –from emerging to well established museum artists (both painters and sculptors). Of these artists 90% are Mexican-born. The countless pieces are arranged in the European “salon” style throughout the massive gallery’s eight rooms, including a beautiful open-air courtyard, which is my favorite part!
In 2013, Gena, born and raised in the family businesses, opened Di Vino Dante, a wine and Tapas bar overlooking the gallery’s sculpture garden which also offers larger plates. The restaurant also rotates art from the gallery, offering the opportunity for diners to purchase art while enjoying a fine glass of wine or cocktail. . During her second year at University “UBC” in Vancouver, British Columbia, she took “Wine Science”, to complete her Science credit. It changed her life. Growing up in an Italian family, surrounded by art and after numerous summers in Italy, she had never developed a taste for wine. With her interest peaked, and a new found love of wine, she took more wine classes, in what free time she had in completing her Fine Art degree. After studying wine theory and tasting hundreds of bottles of wine, she dreamed of how to work in the business.
Both business continue to evolve and grow, the gallery always in search of new artists, the wine bar offering new menu items and an extensive wine cellar. Later this season, Di Vino Dante will be opening the rooftop garden, which will also be available for special events and private parties.
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante are located at Basilio Badillo #269 in the Old Town / Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. New artwork comes in on a regular basis, and the restaurant offers weekly specials, so even if you have visited Galleria Dante in the past, it is always worth another visit.
Galleria Dante Artist Reception Jan 27th
Galleria Dante Presents
Juan Carlos Navarro
Friday Jan. 27 2017, 6-10pm
Come meet this exciting artist!
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Fantastic Oaxaca Painted Mexican Animals
The Alebrijes are brightly colored Oaxacan Mexican Folk Art sculptures of fantastical creatures. They seem to strike a universal chord with our shared human experience. Colorful and whimsical. The first alebrijes, along with use of the term, originated with Pedro Linares. In the 1930s. Over the past 20 years this style has evolved dramatically from colorful and whimsical folk art into fine contemporary art. It is sought out worldwide by very passionate collectors who can’t seem to get enough.
JULIA FUENTES, From San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. Daughter of renowned artisans Epifanio Fuentes and Laurencia Santiago. Julia Fuentes began painting at her parent’s workshop in 1989 when she was only 13 years old. A few years later she began her art education at the School of Fine Arts where she graduated as Art Instructor in 1989. Julia and her husband Juan J. Melchor started their own workshop in 2001.
Julia’s paintings are characterized by colorful geometric shapes on copal wood figures that her husband carves which she decorates with traditional spikes combined with Zapotec details, in a fusion of the past and the present thus adding a new level of depth to Mexican folk art.
Brothers Armando and Moises Jimenez are the grandsons of the master woodcarver Manuel Jimenez, of Arrazola, Oaxaca. Manuel Jimenez is generally acknowledged as the father of Oaxacan woodcarving, who turned the small farming village on the slopes of Monte Alban into a boom town. Armando and Moises work with their wives, Antonia Carrillo and Oralia Cardenas, and their children. They carry on the tradition of sensitively observed naturalistic carving and colorful but restrained painting mastered by their grandfather.
The story of Manuel Jiménez is now part of Oaxacan folklore. He struggled out of poverty to become one of the world’s most reknown woodcarvers. His early work focused on animals and people and he continues making realistic animals. Occasionally, he will add a twist or contortion to their forms.
Isaac and Rosario Fabian are two of the better known popular artists. Using wood from the copal tree, figures are carved, sanded, and painted by hand. They usually use marble eyes in their works.
The carving of a piece, which is done while the wood is still wet, can last anywhere from hours to a month, depending on the size and fineness of the piece. Often the copal wood that is used will influence what is made, both because of the shapes the branches can take and because male and female trees differ in hardness and shape. Carving is done with non-mechanical hand tools such as machetes, chisels and knives. The basic shape of the creature is usually hacked using a machete, then a series of smaller knives used as the final shape is achieved. Certain details such as ears, tails and wings are usually made from pieces separate from the one for the main body.
After the carving, the figure is then left to dry for up to ten months, depending on its overall size and thickness. Semi tropical wood such as copal is susceptible to insect infestations, and for this reason drying pieces are often soaked in gasoline and sometimes baked to ensure that all insect eggs have been destroyed. As the figure dries, it is also susceptible to cracking. The cracks are filled with small pieces of copal wood and a sawdust resin mixture before painting. The painting is generally done in two layers, with a solid undercoat and a multicolored designed superimposed.
THE BEST place in Puerto Vallarta to see all of this and much more is Peyote People and Galeria Colectika . Traveling around Mexico buying for Peyote People and Colectika, owner Kevin Simpson has had the unique opportunity to visit recluse villages, participate in ancient rituals and have befriended a number of different artists and their families. You will find a great assortment of art at all price ranges!
Peyote People Juarez 222 Col. Centro
Galeria Colectika corner of Calle Guadalupe Sanchez and Calle Allende
Galleria Dante Artist Reception Nov 18th
Come meet this exciting artist!
Thanks to his keen sense of self promotion and his undeniable talent, Marc soon found himself a place in art galleries in Montreal, Quebec city and the Eastern Townships.
Puerto Vallarta Romantic Valentines Get Away
Everything about Puerto Vallarta lends itself to romance: The blue water and green mountains, the cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, the brilliant colors and music. So planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Vallarta is amazingly simple.
February 14 – Friendship Day (Día de Amistad – Valentine’s Day); in Mexico, not just love, but friendship, as well, is celebrated on February 14.
For great gifts for your special someone visit Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates in the Romantic Zone for sinfully delicious handmade treats, Jabonarte on Lazaro Cardenas for seductive massage and bath oils or Diamonds International for jewelry on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.
Couple’s massages and spa treatments are another great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Puerto Vallarta with your sweetheart. Ohtli Spa at CasaMagna Marriott is certain to spark the romance.
Most of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta will be offering special dinners for two for Valentine’s Day and some of the more famously romantic spots include: The River Café, Trio, Le Kliff, Porto Bello, Café des Artistes, No Way Jose, Barcelona Tapas, Michel, and The Swedes. You need to reserve in advance if you don’t want to wait for ages!
And of course, no romantic evening in Puerto Vallarta is complete without a stroll along the Malecon watching the sunset and the fireworks lighting up the sky over Banderas Bay.
The beautiful heart artwork in the photo is just one of the amazing Retablo’s Crafted by the world-famous Peruvian artists the Jiménez Quispe family. For them, the making of retablo art is a family tradition. The third and fourth generations of this family, with are world-renowned artists with pieces in dozens of museums including the Smithsonian, Folk Art Museums in Sante Fe and San Francisco and many others. This family is originally from Ayacucho, high in the mountains. Both Colecktika and Peyote People carry these and other amazing pieces of affordable art!
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante Tapas Restaurant Bar
Puerto Vallarta most beautiful Art Gallery, Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante Tapas Restaurant Bar a must visit in while in Puerto Vallarta.
Galleria Dante is the largest fine Art gallery in Puerto Vallarta with more than 7000 square feet of show room and gardens on the first level. The gallery represents more than 60 emerging and established artists, of which the majority are Mexican artists. When Joe, Claire & Gena Guarniere purchased hacienda “Casa de Colores” in 1988 for their successful Italian restaurant “Pizza Joe” decorated with art treasures from their travels to Europe, little did they know that in 1995 they would be retiring from the restaurant to run a gallery full time. And once again it is a Casa filled with color!
The gallery is an eclectic blend of styles: abstract, classical, contemporary, surreal, expressionistic and impressionistic! Another unique point of Galleria Dante is the amount of sculpture exhibited indoors and out. We ship world wide! A complete inventory is posted to the website, where clients can also order online. Galleria Dante is open 9am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday and in high season also open Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. Or private viewings, after hours can be arranged thru Di Vino Dante Restaurant.
In November of 2013 Di Vino Dante restaurant in Puerto Vallarta opened it’s doors on the 2nd floor, incorporating many unique spaces to exhibit art. Di Vino Dante Restaurant is a full service restaurant where the owner, Gena is knowledgeable about wine and art. There is indoor and outdoor seating, as well as an air-conditioned space. Puerto Vallarta Restaurants also opening in late 2015 is a roof top garden and terrace for the expanded menu and private parties. This is not only a relaxing place to dine, with great food and drinks, it is a work of art.
Check out this video by WeDidYourHomeWork Venura Orozco.
Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
DAY OF THE DEAD
Most people who are not from Mexico, think the Day of the Dead is a day full of sadness, freight, and other horrible feelings. It is not; Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual that is performed happily and lovingly, to remember all the loved relatives and friends that are no longer with us, through festivals and lively celebrations. Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. On Day of the Dead, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.
Although Day of the Dead is usually a private holiday celebrated among family members, for example, Cemetery in the 5th of December Colonia is the site of traditional Day of the Dead observance for private celebrations, it is also a celebration of the whole town, and therefore Asociación Vallarta Centro prepares an Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival, a celebration that promises to be magnificent. This celebration includes the display of conventional altars and Catrinas, pan de muerto tastings (a sweetened soft bread, often decorated with bone-like pieces, that’s traditionally baked during the days leading up to El Día de los Muertos), and other traditional Day of the Dead activities. It also includes folklore dancing dedicated to the dead, a parade, singing, dancing, Mariachi music, and a firework display. All in all, besides enjoying the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta, it’s beach, sun, water activities, and tourist attractions, you will also be able to enjoy its cultural side through the famous Day of the Dead, one of the most important celebrations in the whole of Mexico.
OCTOBER 31 :: The souls of those that were killed or died of unnatural causes are remembered.
NOVEMBER 1 :: The souls of the children are honored with special designs in the altars, using the color white on flowers and candles
NOVEMBER 2 :: The souls of the adults are remembered. Schools and some offices and businesses are closed in Puerto Vallarta.
These are the days when art, religion, life, death, sadness and humor all come together in bright colors, tears and music. The dead are visited (or visit) and the living take the time to decorate and elaborate the past. The afterlife opens to the present. The graves are cleaned. The souls are refreshed.
The City of Puerto Vallarta is also sponsoring an altar competition with the entrants to be displayed on November 1 & 2 at the City Square at the Presidencia.
Display of Altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale Municipal Market, ending with a folk festival with Charros, Catrina contest and fireworks.
The festival will also include a film festival, a food tasting and a series of concerts, folkloric ballet and a presentation of a series of photos on the theme of death, as it is viewed by popular Mexican culture.
Organizers will also try to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of Catrinas in one place, the playful visualization of death was made famous by Jose Guadalupe Posada, and has received notoriety across the US and Canada as of recently.
When: October 27th – November 2nd, 2015
Place: Malecon and Municipal Market
Watch this short video about DAY OF THE DEAD.
(left : Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original ‘La Calavera Catrina,’ circa 1910. Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original “La Calavera Catrina,” circa 1910. credit: Courtesy Mexican Museum)
La Calavera Catrina (‘Dapper Skeleton’, ‘Elegant Skull’) is a 1910–1913 zinc etching by famous Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada. The image depicts a female skeleton dressed only in a hat befitting the upper class outfit of a European of her time. Her chapeau en attende is related to French and European styles of the early 20th century. She is offered as a satirical portrait of those Mexican natives who, Posada felt, were aspiring to adopt European aristocratic traditions in the pre-revolutionary era. She in particular has become an icon of the Mexican Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people. Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded.
Many shops in Puerto Vallarta sell various versions of Catrina. Some wonderful examples of her can be found at Galeria Indigena. (See more on the Gallery HERE)
And Colecktika and Peyote People. Both the same owners, both have contemporary Mexican Folk Art that will make you look a some very old traditions in a whole new way. Colecktika has more fine art – while Peyote People has a variety of affordable arts and crafts.
One of their specialties is art by the Huichol Indians. Deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico live the Huichol Indians. Very little is known about the exact origins of the Huichol, but today they are clinging to a set of customs and beliefs that make them one of the best preserved Pre-Columbian tribes in the Western Hemisphere.
“Since 1997 we have been traveling up to the ancient Huichol Indian Ceremonial Center of San Andres Cohamiata where we have followed a number of Huichol families through their daily lives and have documented the ceremonies that set them apart from the rest of the world. Through this web site we will give you a never before seen look into the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle and will be marketing their art for the money they need to host their traditional rituals and ceremonies.”
Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that provides most of the carvings to our artists as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported exclusively by us into Mexico for our artists to use in their art. We have been recognized by the Huichol Indian Traditional Government of San Andres Cohamaita for not only promoting their artwork but also for our commitment to the preservation of their customs and traditions through what we call CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY:
“Cultural Authenticity may be an invisible quality but it is what separates the ‘urban’ Huichol from those who actually live in the Sierra and are actively involved in the preservation of their cultures traditions.”
Galeria Indigena Mexican Art and Sale Oct 12
We are very excited for this coming October 12th when Galeria Indigena celebrates their 29th anniversary! This place is amazing with 5000 square feet of arts and crafts from all over Mexico! If you have never been to this gallery, watch the video on their Facebook page!
(PHOTO: Incredible CATRINA “FRIDA”
Beads on bees wax on clay.
Beaded By; Hilario Jimenez
Grandson of the medicine men (Shaman).
Enjoy complimentary drinks and discounts all day on October 12th!
“Thanks to all our customers and friends who over the years have favored us with their shopping, and at the same time we commit to continue offering quality products with attractive prices and better services, ” say the owners!
The Phantasmagorical World of New Age Oaxacan Wood Carvings
There are a couple of versions on how one of the most fascinating & intriguing examples of Mexican indigenous crafts evolved, namely that of the delightful hand carved & brightly painted wood creations begun by Pedro Linares in Mexico in the 1930s (although he began with papier mache).
The one version that appears most probable is that it was born from one of his dreams induced by an illness, but in any case the Mexican artisan is known world-wide for his or her rich imagination & in some indigenous groups, like the Huichols, with their fantastically colorful & complex beaded designs, this imagination is egged on by the ceremonial ingestion of “magic” plants like peyote, which contain mescaline. (Read Aldous Huxley’s classic “Doors of Perception” about the author’s pleasant experience with the drug.)
Out of Linares’s succession of zoomorphical illusions in a dream came an “exhibition” of fierce dragon bodies, scary bat wings & jaguar’s teeth all married to the world of reptiles, birds, insects & mammals. These figures, big & small, can be seen at most Mexican craft outlets, however the discerning art lover will quickly recognize that the examples offered at Galeria Indigena are extraordinary to say the least: here the artists have taken this art form to the nth degree with more outlandish sculpture & minutely painted detail using fine haired brushes, thus qualifying to be categorized as “New Age Oaxacan Wood Carvings”.
Galeria Indigena’s wonder-inspiring Alebrijes are another example of an art treasure that will thrill your family & friends back home.
THE DELIGHTFUL, WHIMSICAL ART OF NAUI
“The Night is Always Young” for these attractive, chubby angels who always bring a smile or two to its viewers.
Created by renowned Mexican artist “Naui”, each signed & numbered painting is a unique combination of acrylic
on canvas and finely-painted, moon-shaped ceramic faces. One satisfied client wrote: “To bring a sense of joy and humor to visitors at my new home, I placed several Naui paintings of these “Ladies of the Night” in one of my bathrooms & what a positive reception I received!” A unique work of art placed in any part of your home, make a wise choice: choose a Naui painting and take back a Mexican art treasure of true lasting value.
Three Hens and a Rooster Market
Three Hens and A Rooster Market
“Three Hens and a Rooster” is a local market that supports Puerto Vallarta’s artisans and let people enjoy the handcrafted products.
In this market you can find one of a kind jewelry items, hand woven scarves, creative art pieces, beautiful shawls, hand crafted purses, antiques, and array of healthy plants, freshly made bred, homemade pizza, bakery items and more.
Three Hens and a Rooster Market
(near the river)
Venustiano Carranza #466
Col. Emiliano Zapata C5-J
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 044 (322) 779-7595
AUGUST 1st is the last Flea Market of the Summer Season –
Puerto Vallarta in 360 Collection
The same technology used by Google Maps to allow users to experience 360º street views of locations around the world is now being used to bring people closer to previously unavailable places. Many of us have seen Google’s conspicuous vehicles traveling through the city, collecting imagery that can be incorporated into their mapping system.
Advances in their equipment now allows for a portable version of the same camera system. Worn like a backpack, Google Maps in now able to open our eyes to places we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.
In recent months, Google staff has visited our destination, creating beautiful images of the Marietas Islands, Marina La Cruz, Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Las Caletas, among others. These locations now form part of Google’s Special Collections-Mexico, an increasing collection of landmarks located throughout the country.
Vallarta Lifestyles’ Managing Editor, Paco Ojeda, has been creating 360º spheres in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas for many years. His personal collection also resides in Google, and has been visited over 190,000 times. Feel free to explore his images by clicking here.
Galeria Indigena Fine Mexican Native Art Puerto Vallarta
The first time we drove past Galeria Indigena, there was a girl outside dressed as “Catrina” and I knew we had to stop in! We made the cab drive turn around and drop us off!
When you walk in the door – it’s sensory overload! Rows of fantastic arts! This place is huge!
The store has an extensive collection from various indigenous cultures of Mexico: dance and ceremonial masks, handcrafted Oaxacan black clay pottery by Zapotec indians, unique Day of the Dead items in ceramic and paper mache’, sacred Huichol Indian bead and yarn work, hand-blown glass, Nahua Indian lacquer art from Guerro, religious arts and figures, majoloica pottery from Tlaxcala and talavera ceramic pieces from Pueblo with some 800 designs, Mata Ortiz pottery, as well as extraordinary bark paper etchings by internationally-known Nahua artist Nicolas de Jesus. The collection of items will wow you!
While we were there picking and choosing what we wanted to take back with us, we started talking with the owner, who has been in business 27 years! He offered us a beer and gave us a private tour of his growing collection upstairs! (Which is not yet open to the public). I just want to work in this store!
For the past 27 years Ignacio Jacobo (“call me Nacho”) and his wife, Maria del Camen Najera, traveled throughout their native Mexico searching for indigenous art which they offer for sale in their 5,000 sq. ft. Galeria Indígena. (Indígena is Spanish for “native” or “indigenous.”
“Nacho’s” inventory comes from some 54 Mexican tribal regions. He says that many of the skills are passed on from generation to generation, with each generation modifying the basic efforts and utilizing new technologies and skills. He is forthcoming in telling the stories behind most of his inventory. I’ll share some of them with you.
ROWS of Catrina’s at all prices! I don’t think I have ever seen so much Day of the Dead art in one shop! You have to allow a good hour to browse this wonderful treasure trove of art!
Sidenote – Some 100 years ago (1913), Mexican artist and cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada created the La Catrina’s calavera, the skeletal skull covered by a broad-brimmed hat decorated with ostrich feathers.
Some say that he was parodying poor Mexicans for putting on upper-class European airs. During the years 1946-47, Diego Rivera created a mural that featured a skeletal La Catrina fully dressed in finery. Rivera depicted himself as a young boy holding La Catrina’s bony right hand while behind him stands Frieda Kahlo with her hand on his shoulder. Posada stands at La Catrina’s left. The mural is now at the Museo Mural Diego Rivera in Mexico City. La Catrina has morphed into Mexico’s symbol of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) signifying Mexican’s belief in the neutrality of death.
The Indigena gallery is one of my personal favorites for gifts. But secretly I want ONE OF EVERYTHING for myself!
Galeria Indigena – Central – 628 Juarez.
Tel: 223-0800, 222-3007
Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 11am-3pm.
FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK!
Colectika Gallery and Peyote People Art
COLECTIKA GALLERY
is a wonderful shop with room after room of amazing Mexican art. Located at the corner of Guadalupe Sanchez and Allende. Owner Kevin, together with his wife Beatriz work directly with artists and their families.
Here you will see very old Mexican traditions in art but interrupted in new colors, forms and techniques!
This evolution in traditional Mexican folk art is adapted from the outside world and allow Native and Mexican folk artists alike a whole new way of expressing how their ancient traditions and beliefs fit into today’s modern world.
Artists like Jacobo and Maria Angeles, Afonso Castillo, Saulo Moreno, Guillerimina Aguilar, Florencio Lopez, Santos Bautista, Luis Castro and Jose Benitez are very well recognized and have been shown in museums and galleries the world over!
(On a recent visit, artists Jacobo and Marie Angeles were on hand, doing some live wood carvings).
The store provides a wonderful tour of many rooms; some indoor and some outdoor. Art in every corner and at many different price points.
Huichol Indian Beaded Mexican Folk Art; Oaxacan Wood Carvings; Oil paintings to Catrina and Day of The Dead. It’s a world where skeletons come alive to celebrate life. Shaman converse with their Gods and nahuales shift from human to animal form under the light of the moon. Something here for everyone.
They also own a shop called Peyote People at Juarez 222, Colonia Centro. Peyote People is more of a store than a gallery – though there are art pieces here as well. Prices are very affordable.
The story behind the store is quite fascinating! Deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico live the Huichol Indians. Very little is known about the exact origins of the Huichol, but today they are clinging to a set of customs and beliefs that make them one of the best preserved Pre-Columbian tribes in the Western Hemisphere.
Since 1997 Kevin and his wife have been traveling up to the ancient Huichol Indian Ceremonial Center of San Andres Cohamiata where they have followed a number of Huichol families through their daily lives and have documented the ceremonies that set them apart from the rest of the world. Through their web site they give you a never before seen look into the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle and Peyote People help market their art for the money they need to host their traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that provides most of the carvings to our artists as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported exclusively by us into Mexico for our artists to use in their art. We have been recognized by the Huichol Indian Traditional Government of San Andres Cohamaita for not only promoting their artwork but also for our commitment to the preservation of their customs and traditions through what we call CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY:
“Cultural Authenticity may be an invisible quality but it is what separates
the ‘urban’ Huichol from those who actually live in the Sierra and are
actively involved in the preservation of their cultures traditions.”
Located at the corner of Guadalupe Sanchez and Allende.
Colectika Gallery & Peyote People
Learn about the Puerto Vallarta art walks and schedule HERE.
Art and Culture during Vallarta Pride 2015
The Vallarta Pride Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that during the third annual event that celebrates the vibrant LGBT community in our destination, a number of art and cultural events will take place to add to the various entertainment options scheduled from May 17 to 25, 2015.
• International Art Show
The week long Art Exhibition showcasing local, national and international artists will take place from May 18 to 25, 2015 at the local Art Gallery, Galería Omar Alonso. The main theme of the exhibition will be “Unity”, the official motto of Vallarta Pride 2015. The LGBT community contributes in many ways to society and art is one of them. The exhibition will open Monday, May 18, 2015 at 6:00pm. A wine and appetizer reception will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 to coincide with the last ArtWalk of the season.
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00pm
Location: Galería Omar Alonso
• The Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus
On Monday, May 18 and Friday, May 22, 2015, ACT II Stages will welcome the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus, composed of talented Mexican and foreign singers. This will be the fourth gay pride concert offered by the famous local gay choir.
Time: 8:00pm
Location: ACT II Stages – Main Stage
Event Sponsor: Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus
• International Film Festival Screening
An International Film Festival Screening will take place from Tuesday, May 19 to Sunday, May 24, 2015. This event was recently added to the Vallarta Pride festivities and will mark UNITY as the theme and celebrates the creativity and diversity of the LGBT community worldwide. Appetizers and refreshments will be available at the movie screenings.
Time: 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: ACTII Red Room, ACT II Main Stage, Puerto de Luna and Mantamar Beach Club
For more information on the events scheduled for the 2015 Vallarta Pride, or the official Facebook page.
Galeria Colectika presents Oaxaca wood carvers
Galeria Colectika will be hosting two of the most famous Oaxaca wood carvers, Jacobo and Maria Angeles, on a special event to take place Wednesday, February 18, 6-10 pm. Last year was truly special for the award winning couple, as they participated in the creation of a 1200 piece nativity scene for the Vatican Museum. 142 carving families were involved in the monumental project but Jacobo and Maria were responsible for carving and painting Mary, Joseph, the Angel and baby Jesus.
Their nativity scene was inaugurated on the 10th of December by Pope Francis. Jacobo and Maria were on hand to describe why they made Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus darker than the Angel.
At Colectika, the artists will demonstrate how they carve the traditional Copal wood, create the natural pigments that they use to decorate their pieces and share experience creating the Nativity scene for the Vatican Museum.
Galeria Colectika is located at Guadalupe Sánchez 858 in El Centro. For more information, please click here.
