Art Walk

By Josef Kandoll W

Brilliant colors paint the sky as the sun slips into the ocean beyond the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Thoughts turn to art, and for some, the Art Walk is just a casual stroll. For others, it's Old Home night. But for those "in the know," it's time to view the art world, from the traditional to the very cutting edge. Far from a guided tour, the Art Walk is an open-door event in which numerous downtown art galleries welcome visitors to view the latest canvasses and sculptures, as well as meet some of the artists. A map details the location of each galería and most serve cocktails or wine. Restaurants tend to be very busy the same Wednesday evening so make your dining reservations early.

From a movement that began in the 60s, visitors came to expect art that reflects the stones, sea, brilliant flowers and the colorful people of Vallarta. An early tendency was Art Naif, represented primarily in the work of Manuel Lepe, whose work was purchased by collectors. When other galleries opened, such as the revolutionary Galería Uno of Jan Lavender, it gave tourists not only something to do but something to buy. Other local artists began to make a name for themselves, some of them traveling outside of Mexico, such as Javier Niño, who continues to operate a galería in the Romantic Zone.

The idea for an Art Walk came about after the arrival of Barbara and Gene Peters in 1989. They opened Galéria Vallarta and, in concert with a handful of downtown galleries, began the Art Walk. Today this weekly event has grown to include nearly 20 art galleries that not only includes popular local artists but international artists and internationally recognized Mexican artists. The boundaries of the growing art world have been moved and the bar has been raised in this creative town where the late nights greet the rising sun for so many.

Galleries downtown can be enjoyed every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The Romantic Zone, the Plaza Neptuno and Marina Vallarta also have their share of galleries and even Bucerías has entered into the act with a monthly Art Trot with 13 galleries.

Barbara Peters: Co-founder of the Art Walk

Barbara Peters moved to Puerto Vallarta years ago with her husband Gene, and she opened her first space to display art in 1989 in Galería Vallarta. "I believe in art that can be lived with and reflects the talent of the artist," she says, adding that she represents artists personally chosen for their talent as well as for that something extra. "I'm here every day, and I want something I like to look at." Nevertheless, it's not just about the items being pretty, but about them having something to say, a point of view.

Within a short time, Barbara recognized the incredible potential of the destination. "There's something so magical about the light in Puerto Vallarta. And the weather allows artists to work throughout the year. So why not publicize the town as an art destination? I talked to Jan Lavendar, owner of Galería Uno, and we set up our first program of walks, including six downtown galleries. Now it's grown to include nearly 20 and shows no signs of slowing down. We've gone from walks every two weeks to every week, still keeping the same day and hours."

Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the associated galleries are open to the public. Some offer cocktails, snacks and refreshments, and in many of them you can meet the artists. Map in hand, visitors and residents traipse along the colorful cobblestone streets of downtown with perhaps a final stop in one of the many gourmet restaurants in the area. Watering holes also report increased business on Wednesday, and everyone goes home happy.

Click here for maps.