A number of fine art galleries in Puerto Vallarta showcase many different kinds of indigenous art as well as works by contemporary national and local painters and sculptors. From November through April the galleries have occasional cocktail party inaugurations for individual and collective exhibitions. There are now some 30 galleries in town. Here are some of the well-known art galleries with a number of others listed below as well.
Artesanías Watakame - Central - 327 Libertad. Tel: 223-0773
A large selection of Huichol art: yarn paintings, prayer bowls, masks and beaded sculptures of such animal figures as deer, iguanas, turtles and tigers. Extensive experience and knowledge with Huichol art and culture. In my opinion one of the best stores for native art, and carrying such masters as Jose Benitez Sanchez. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.
Galeria Arte Latinoamericano - Central - 155 Josef Ortiz de Dominguez. Tel: 222-4406
Original works by artists such as Marta Gilbert, Raymundo Andrade, Cesar Lopez, Armando Melendes and Marlene Hosey. Contemporary painting, sculpture and a wide range of posters, lithographs and monotypes. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm.
Galeria Corsica - Central - 230 Leona Vicario, Tel: 223-1821 and 735 Guadalupe Sanchez, Tel: 222-9260.
Contemporary Mexican fine art exclusively, with paintings, sculpture and art objects. Representing such artists as Ada Colorina, Jorge Marin, Paloma Torres, Rocio Caballero, Xavier Esqueda and Ulices Licea. Founded by Jean Pierre Renucci and Jose A. Villavicencio in 2001 and "dedicated to the promotion of contemporary Mexican artists." With galleries in San Jose del Cabo as well. Mon-Sat, 11am-2pm and 5pm-11pm.
Galeria Dante - South Side - 269 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 222-2477
Newly remodeled gallery specializing in original works by contemporary sculptors, as well as recasts of well known bronze statues. Artists from all over Mexico, including Luis Espiridión, Jonás Gutiérrez, Francisco Quintero and Víctor Manuel Villarreal. An eclectic and interesting collection. Includes painting and sculpture garden and fountains. In my opinion one of the most interesting art galleries in town. Closed in the summer. Opening night shows during the winter months, 6pm-10pm. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm.
Galeria Indigena - Central - 628 Juarez. Tel: 223-0800 and 222-3007
An extensive collection from various Indian cultures of Mexico: dance and ceremonial masks, black pottery from Oaxaca, unique "Day of the Dead", Huichol Indian bead and yarn work, hand blown art glass, Nahua Indian lacquer art from Guerrero, religious art, majolica and talavera ceramic pieces, as well as extraordinary bark paper etchings by internationally known artist Nicolas de Jesus. One of my personal favorites. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.
Galería de Ollas - Central - 176 Corona. Tel: 223-1045
Beautiful Mexican pottery from the village of Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico (see two photos at page bottom) made in the same manner as the inhabitants of the ancient city of Paquime over 500 years ago. These beautiful polychrome ceramics with painted designs reflect much of the pre-Columbian culture’s mythology, with modern designs and style. Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm.
Galeria Omar Alonso - Central - 249 Leona Vicario. Tel: 222-5587
This gay-owned gallery (photo right) has mainly dedicated its space to antique and contemporary photography, engraving and sculpture. Photos and pieces have been displayed by artists such as Anderson & Low, Flor Garduño, Gabriel Figueroa, Michal Macku, Rodrigo Moya, Ron Van Dongen, and Luis Gonzalez Palma from Guatemala, one of the most successful Latin American photographers today. Across the street from restaurant Cafe des Artistes. Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm.
Galería Pacifico - Central - 174 Aldama. Tel: 222-1982
One of Vallarta's leading galleries since 1987. Mexican art with an emphasis on local painters such as Rogelio Diaz, Marco Alvarez, Meridy Volz (see nude below) and sculptor Ramiz Barquet, whose splendid work "Nostalgia" is one of the main pieces on the malecon. Barquet's statue "El Pescador" (the fisherman) can be found in the little square on Insurgentes Street near the town flea market. Recommended by Frommer's and Fodor's guides to Mexico. Sculpture, paintings, graphics and posters. Owner Gary Thompson. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm.
Galeria Sol y Luna, Art for the Uninhibited - South Side - 230 Lazaro Cardenas, Tel: 222-1302
Featuring nudes in paintings, sculptures and photography with artists such as Ulises Gonzalez, Alfonso Guzman, Roger Minami, Rafael Miranda and Victor Vera among others. Cocktails every Fri, 6pm-10pm, October-April. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm and Fri, 10am-10pm
Galería Sol y Luna, Fine Contemporary Art - Central - 155a Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, Tel: 113-0475
Paintings and sculptures by international artists such as Lena Bartula, Don Quade, Randy Cooper, Lorenzo Bruderer and Roberto Lopez Ramirez. Cocktails every Fri, 6pm-10pm, October-April. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm and Fri, 10am-10pm
Galería Uno - Central - 561 Morelos. Tel: 222-0908
Now in its 30th year, Galeria Uno is the oldest art gallery in Puerto Vallarta. Showcasing works by over 30 Mexican and international artists such as Ada Colorina, Guadalupe Valencia, Francisco Curiel, Raymundo Gonzalez and Luz Elena Moreno. Paintings, graphics and sculptures. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm.
Galeria Vertice - South Side - 179 Ignacio Vallarta. Tel: 222-9415
Contemporary art. Artists whose work is regularly exhibited include: Luis Varga, Marlinda von Rhus, Jaime Jose, Teresa Icaza and Mariano Pineda Matus.
Olinala Gallery - South Side - 274 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-4995
Opened in 1978, Olinala is the most established folk art gallery in Vallarta. A fine collection of ceremonial dance masks, carvings and other indigenous creations, mostly from the southern states of Michoacan and Guerrero. Olinala has high ratings in respected guide books. Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm.
Sergio Bustamante - Central - 275 Juarez, Tel: 223-1405 and 542 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, Tel: 222-5480
Modern sculpture and original jewelry by one of Mexico's most famous living sculptors. Life-size animals done in bronze, ceramic and paper mache. Since 1975. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 11am-6pm.
Briefly, here are many of the other art galleries in Vallarta:
Art Gallery Millan - Central - 209 Aldama. Tel: 137-3519
Sculpture, painting and mixed texture.
Arte de Las Américas - Marina - Marina las Palmas II #16 (at Dock B). Tel. 221-1985
Latin American contemporary figurative art from such states as Veracruz, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Mexico City. Sculptures in bronze and resins as well. Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm.
Arte Mágico Huichol - Central - 179 Corona. Tel: 222-3077
Huichol native art, including beaded bowls, yarn paintings by shaman master Jose Benitez Sanchez. Daily, 10am-8pm.
Arte Popular Mexicano - Central - 285 Libertad. Tel 222-6960
Pre-Columbian art, unique ceramic pieces, folk art and paintings. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm
Artesanías Flores - South Side - 282 Lázaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-5169
Huichol art at reasonable prices, along with some silver from Taxco. A family owned business for over 19 years in Vallarta. Workshops available for small groups to learn more about Huichol art. Mon-Sat.
Galeria Alpacora - South Side - 236 Ignacio Vallarta. Tel: 223-8354
Baskets, jewelry, gourds, wall hangings, textiles.
Galería Artmex - Central - 528 Juarez. Tel: 222-7620
Mexican Indian art such as Huichol beaded and yarn art, religious figures, talavera ceramic, and quality replicas of pre-columbian sculptures by "Mama Mono". Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-2pm.
Galeria 8 y mas - Central - 237 Miramar, Tel: 222-7971 and 186 Corona, Tel: 223-9700
Modern Mexican painting with works by Enrique Monraz, Lourdes Murguía Pozzi, Karla Rueda, Jose Alberto Borrego, Irma Serna, Luis Garcia Jasso and others. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7pm; Sat, 10:30am-2pm.
Galeria Corona - Central - 164 Corona. Tel: 222-4210
Offering wide ranging works from a variety of contemporary artists from Mexico City, Michoacan and Jalisco. Artists include painters Rubén Chuela, Leticia Tarragó, and Paloma Prendes and sculptors Arturo Macias and Maria Gomez. Mon-Fri, 11am-3pm and 6pm-9pm; Sat 11am-3pm
Galeria Internacional - Central - 600-A Morelos, and Locale #8, Marina Las Palmas 1. Tel: 221-0267
International art, sculpture and decor. Unusual items from all over Africa. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-4pm.
Galeria Mata Ortiz - South Side - 268-A Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-7407
Mexican pottery from the village of Mata Ortiz. Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm; Sat, 10am-2pm.
Galeria Nativa - South Side - 268-B Francisco Madero.
Authentic native Indian art: hand painted gourds, ceremonial and contemporary masks, figures, Huichol art.
Galeria Vallarta - Central - 265 Juarez. Tel: 222-0290
Impressionist paintings by Moises Gomez and Nacho Becerra, graphics, masks, stained glass, sculptures, handicraft & jewelry. Since 1989. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm.
Galeria Whitlow - Central - 233 Leona Vicario. Tel: 222-8091
Galerie des Artistes - Central - 248 Leona Vicario. Tel: 223-0006
Decorative items, art and antiques. Diego Rivera, Rafael Coronel, Feliciano Bejar, Evelyn Boren, among other modern artists. Located across the street from the Cafe des Artistes restaurant. Mon-Sat, 11am-11pm.
The Loft - Central - 176-A Corona. Tel: 222-6353
Unique works by Gabriel Flores, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Francisco Toldao, Georgina Aviles, Marianela de la Hoz, and others.
Meg Munro Studio - Central - 1225 Ecuador. Tel: 223-1142
You can call for your private viewing at her studio. Weds, 10am-7pm