Artistic Treasures
By Josef Kandoll W

Puerto Vallarta's breathtaking views and blue green waters have long served as inspiration to artists from all over the world, but this quaint beach town is not just about the beaches and the nightlife: it also has much to offer to those who enjoy art, music and culture in a tropical setting, with the sun and water as the backdrop.

In Puerto Vallarta, the sunset's fiery colors frame musical afternoons and lead into lively evenings where visitors enjoy the Latin rhythms that vie for attention with the more traditional mariachi and the danzón of the municipal band. Flowers attract birds and butterflies, while spicy aromas drift past alert passersby. Even the most jaded discover paradise in this corner of the world, quickly placing it squarely in the center of their universe.

You can begin experiencing Puerto Vallarta's artistic offerings by enjoying the sculptures that populate the beautiful Malecón (seaside promenade) fronting downtown clubs, boutiques and restaurants. Or by visiting its art galleries, which far outnumber churches in this nevertheless devout seaside resort town. In fact, during the weekly downtown Art Walk, nearly 20 galleries keep their doors open late to introduce visitors and artists to the dynamic art scene. Restaurants and clubs plan extra staff around this burgeoning cultural event.

Lovers of indigenous art can find intricate beaded sculptures and yarn paintings. These are mostly made by the Wixarika, or Huichol, a surviving culture from the pre-Hispanic world. The first-ever Festival of Indigenous Peoples took place this year with a special month-long celebration in Puerto Vallarta, which included the participation of more than 120 members of the Wixarika community, along with exhibits of art, dance, music, ceremony, medicine and healing.

The traditional and popular mariachi music, characteristic of colonial Mexico, originated in Jalisco, the state where Puerto Vallarta is located. The party starts when the sharply dressed musicians arrive with their cello, violin and trumpets. Accompanied by tequila, Mexico's fiery spirit in molten liquid form, the music comes to life as history meets the present. Feet tap a staccato on the boards as folklore performances of dance wow both locals and visitors. The local Xiutla dance troupe travels internationally in the off-season, while continuing to offer free performances at Los Arcos Amphitheater at other times.

Puerto Vallarta also has plenty to offer when it comes to ceramic objects and jewelry. Mata Ortiz's pottery reaches back to pre-historical times, while painted talavera pottery recalls the influence of the Spanish. Tiles, earthenware and blown glass are typical local offerings, while special copas (glasses) for margaritas depart in many a suitcase. For those who like wearable art, beads strung in casual arrays are accented by jewels of varying quality and color, and beach buys are almost as fun as boutiques and streetside stands. Silver rings vie for attention with chokers and wristlets that match any outfit.

Mexico has always been valued for its dramatic beauty in nature as well as for art crafted by human hands to embellish our daily existence. Whether you prefer something you can carry, sit on, or remember in a frame or your mind's eye, you will discover in Puerto Vallarta everything you dreamed of within your reach.

Beyond the Cutting Edge
By Josef Kandoll W

In just six short years, Jean Pierre Renucci and partner José Villavicencio not only founded the most exciting art galería in years, Galería Córsica, in downtown Puerto Vallarta, but nearly single-handedly changed the face of the art world in this increasingly cosmopolitan coastal pueblo. From the first day he visited this city on a trip from Montreal where this Corsican native was living at the time, he says "I identified completely with Puerto Vallarta from the first moment."

Within Galería Córsica, the two partners are proud to present some of the country's top talent. "Our focus is on artists who exhibit in galleries in Mexico City, many of whom already have an international following." The secret, he admits, to his success is "having a good eye. I don't represent someone for commercial reasons but because I like their work. The fact that we've been so amazingly successful is almost beside the point. I wanted to do something that I really like, so our decision from the beginning was to be very choosy."

Attending art school in his youth, Jean Pierre studied with sculptor Cesar Baldaccini who "taught me the difference between good art and art that is commercial. I'll never forget how it changed the way I saw things. Forever." Jean Pierre and José have expanded from their original tiny but elegant space to two downtown Vallarta spaces. Additionally, they have galleries in the modern Plaza Peninsula and in Los Cabos, as well as a corporate office in Mexico City.
www.galeriacorsica.com