t’s not for nothing that the word “art†is embedded in the name Puerto Vallarta! With the exception of the capital, Puerto Vallarta has more important art galleries than anywhere else in Mexico. Artists from around the world gravitate to Puerto Vallarta’s beauty, which they mirror in their work – fashion, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, painting, poetry, writing, the list is endless.
The first gallery opened in the early 80’s. Now critics say its  Mexico’s Art Mecca. Puerto Vallarta boasts over 30 art galleries and museums featuring art in all mediums. Both internationally famous artists as well as up-and-coming young artists live and create their artwork here, and the large number of galleries, art museums, and an eclectic mix of resident artists have made Puerto Vallarta a renowned international art community.
Despite Vallarta’s growing fame, local art is still priced fairly. Galleria Dante owner Claire Guarniere says, “Art collectors who know the value of art are always impressed with what they can buy in Vallarta.†Located in the Romantic Zone, the newly expanded Galleria Dante features artists in an indoor-outdoor space that invites the viewer to partake in the entire scene. An interior courtyard with an intimate pool is surrounded by classical and modern sculpture, as if the art is on parade. Walls of cement and brick display lush abstracts of Montreal’s Jean-Gabriel Lambert, Israel Zzepda’s classic dreams of erotic abandon, and more.
Partners Jean Pierre Renucci and Jose Angel Villavicencio of Galeria Corsica have a talent for finding the best up-and-coming artists out of Mexico City. Their rainbow circle includes the intriguing Jorge Marin, who gives his sensual bird-men gymnasts’ bodies, and Rocio Caballero’s playful male and female nymphs, who gambol underwater with nude abandon. On a corner in the same neighborhood, which also boasts gourmet restaurants and boutiques, is the exclusive Galeria Omar Alonso, showcasing vibrant black-and-white photographs cleanly displayed on stark walls, punctuated by the ruptured metal nudes of Olivia Guzman.
Downtown Art Walks are held biweekly late October through April. During the “Art Season†the public is invited to attend cocktail receptions during “Art Walk†inaugurations. With maps in hand, patrons stroll from gallery to gallery enjoying the art of the Downtown and Marina galleries’ art walks. In Puerto Vallarta we are fortunate to be able to enjoy the fruits of many artists’ talents. It is a little Mecca for those who collect, study, or just take pleasure from viewing.