Exploring the Arts in Puerto Vallarta

While most tourists visit Puerto Vallarta to experience the
beaches, resorts and unmatched natural beauty, there is a more
creative allure just beneath the surface. Though Puerto Vallarta
is far from a sprawling city, the community houses more
galleries than any Mexican destination outside the capital.
Throughout the years, artists and aficionados have flocked to
the majestic landscape of Puerto Vallarta. The results can be
seen throughout the galleries of the city - in everything from
painting, sculpture and ceramics to jewelry, literature and
fashion. Yet, even if you don't step inside any of Puerto
Vallarta's galleries, you will still find yourself surrounded by
art - courtesy of public sculptures throughout the city and the
paintings lining the walls of local restaurants. Regardless of
where you set foot in this gorgeous city, you are sure to be
overwhelmed by the powerful creative spirit.

Inside the galleries of Puerto Vallarta, you will find
everything from folk art to the most challenging contemporary
compositions of the region's vibrant art scene. One of the most
well-known galleries is the Galeria Arte Latinoamericano - a
two-story collection of Puerto Vallarta's finest painters and
sculptors. Another great destination for locally produced work
is Galeria Dante. Featuring more than 50 artists from the Puerto
Vallarta community, this gallery has been awarded top honors in
numerous publications.

While there is a strong focus on locally produced artwork in
Puerto Vallarta, don't be surprised to find some famous names on
the walls. For instance, Galeria Omar Alonso has displayed works
by documentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado and European
artists such as Wouter Deruytter and Michal Macku. Galeria
Corsica - a popular destination for collectors - features
artists championed by Mexico City's Museum of Modern Art. The
Galerie des Artistes - a space known for its many rooms of
unique pieces - has also been known to exhibit works by Diego
Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.

One of the most celebrated art forms of Mexico is Mata Ortiz
pottery, an elegant craft on display in a pair of galleries.
Both Galeria Mata Ortiz and Galeria de Ollas feature some of the
best ceramic work you will find anywhere in the world. You can
also find traditional work produced by the Huichol - a tribe
residing in the mountains outside Puerto Vallarta - at Galeria
Piramide. Not only will you be able to see incredible examples
of traditional bead and woven art, you can witness these
indigenous artisans working at the gallery.

One of the most popular events in Puerto Vallarta is the Old
Town Art Walk that takes place each Wednesday during the tourism
season - generally October to April. On these special evenings,
you will find at least 17 galleries open late to display
everything from the newest work of local artists to treasured
paintings by Old Masters. You can enjoy this self-guided walking
tour at your own pace with the assistance of detailed maps
available at any of the galleries or your resort. The Old Town
is also a great place to dine, but make sure to save some room
for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

No visit to Puerto Vallarta is complete without a stroll down
the city's famed boardwalk - the Malecon. Besides offering a
beautiful view of Banderas Bay, the Malecon serves as an outdoor
sculpture museum. Beginning at the north end of the boardwalk,
you will encounter Mathis Lidice's "Los Milenios" - one of the
most photographed sites in Puerto Vallarta. Tourists are also
known to gather around the "Rotonda del Mar," a unique
assemblage of chairs by local artist Alejandro Colunga. If you
want to learn more about the sculptures of the Malecon or the
artists behind them, don't miss the Tuesday morning tour offered
by Gary Thompson - owner of the Galleria Pacifico. Ramiz Barquet
- one of the city's most celebrated artists - is often on hand
to discuss his famous work "La Nostalgia" and offer a unique
perspective on the region's artistic culture.

Most importantly, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone's
taste and price range - making it easy to come home with a piece
of this beautiful city. Regardless of when you visit Puerto
Vallarta, the city will have plenty to inspire your creative
side. The Puerto Vallarta art scene is always expanding,
incorporating new styles and concepts to reflect the ideas of
artists and visitors alike.

About the author:
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Puerto Vallarta
[http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrmx-casamagna-marriott-puert
o-vallarta-resort-and-spa/] for the Marriott Resorts.