The Loft Gallery
It is the mission of founders Ruben Cham & John Strawn to present exhibitions featuring works of the finest contemporary and modern artists of the Americas. At The Loft, in a setting evoking the great urban Art Spaces and located in the heart of the historical gallery zone of Puerto Vallarta, respect and passion for Art is reflected in the manner of its presentation. As independent art dealers and advisors, Cham and Strawn provide value in assisting individuals and corporations in developing their collections with personalized and confidential service.
Corona 176-A, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-6353
www.theloftgaleria.com
Galería Vallarta
Galería Vallarta features a broad range of tastes and styles, primarily with a focus on Mexican artists and Mexican art. Barbara leans toward “art you can live with that reveals the talent of the artist.” In Galería Vallarta you find other collectibles such as original handmade jewelry and glassware in addition to the collection of sculpture and paintings in abstract as well as other more traditional styles.
Juárez 265, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-0290
www.galeriavallarta.com
Galería UNO
Galería Uno is recognized as the pioneer gallery in the art world of Puerto Vallarta, founded by Jan Lavender in the seventies when the town was a popular destination for the jet set that included not only director John Huston but also such notables as David Lynch, Peter O’Toole, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and even the internationally acclaimed Tamayo. Current associates Martina Goldberg and Linda Gómez helped give some of the local artists their start while continuing to feature some of Vallarta’s favorites. Located just a block from the Malecón, the organic interior provides a sweeping backdrop for the pieces.
Morelos 561, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-0908
www.mexonline.com/galeriauno.htm
Galería Pacífico
While owner Gary Thompson got his start locally at Uno, his Galería Pacífico has gained attention with artists from Mexico City, Oaxaca and Guadalajara. Gary says that on the night of his grand opening, he arrived at the gallery to find the procession for the Virgin of Guadalupe marching down his street, the horses of the charros providing natural fertilizer to further encourage his growth. Surviving that, Gary continues to provide shows of brilliant insight as well as breadth. The well-attended exhibitions spill out onto the second-floor balcony over the street.
Aldama 174, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-1982
galeriapacifico@prodigy.net.mx
Galería Arte Latinoamericano
Owners Susan Burger de Camacho and Lucy Flores de Savorgnan became friends while working at Galería Pacífico and decided to strike out on their own nine years ago. “We wanted to encourage young local artists who were ready for a gallery. We’ve grown with the artists and some continue to delight fans. Our first sale was of an artist who still shows with us even while exhibiting in Paris, New York and London.” What is most surprising? “Our clients are so loyal; some have purchased something from every artist we’ve featured.”
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez 155, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-4406
www.galeriaal.com
Galerie des Artistes
Opening Galerie des Artistes on the corner right in front of the increasingly popular Café des Artistes may have seemed a cavalier move. Looking back on the fourteen years since its founding, Omar Alonso’s eclectic gallery now anchors an intersection that includes numerous galleries, boutiques and other surprises. In fact, it was featured recently in a local magazine as the most upscale street in Vallarta. Says Omar, “We exhibit a broad range of tastes, from prints to watercolors and oils, to objets d’arte”.
Leona Vicario 248, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-0006
galeriedesartistes.com.mx
Galería Omar Alonso
If opening Galerie des Artistes seemed risky, locals were perplexed by Omar Alonso’s decision to open a gallery dedicated exclusively to photography. “I saw photography as part of the evolution of modern tastes. Not only that, I wanted to show how to truly present art, in a space that gives the viewer the quality he or she deserves: better lighting, even formalizing the process somewhat.” Regularly exhibiting photographers who are recognized artists the world over, Omar pushes the envelope with cutting-edge exhibits as he continues to evolve.
Leona Vicario 249, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-5587
www.galeriaomaralonso.com
Galería Arte Popular Mexicano
As she reflects on her gallery, owner/artist Estela Camacho of Galería Arte Popular Mexicano says, “The gallery is for those who know.” When first time visitors enter, she doesn’t feel the need to convince them of the quality of what they may or may not perceive. “We have some of the greatest masters of popular art in Mexico. While many pueblos are known for producing a certain kind of product, there is usually only one master. That’s who we feature.” She smiles. Those who know will understand. And they’ll find her gallery.
Libertad 285, Centro
Tel. (322) 222-6900
Sergio Bustamante
While Sergio Bustamante may be a relative newcomer to the Art Walk circuit, his work has been popular in Puerto Vallarta since the late seventies. Manager Martha Alicia Amaral Ruesga says, “Bustamante’s work is distinctive, it’s what brings people into our stores.” Featuring not only the colorful, whimsical sculptures in ceramics, bronze and wood, his jewelry is an international favorite and his furniture is a growing commodity. With Internet sales on the rise, Martha ships pieces to any location desired. You’ll find his “Searching for Reason” on the Malecón.
° Juárez 275, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-1129
° Paseo Díaz Ordaz 542, Malecón,
Tel. (322) 222-5480
www.sergiobustamante.com.mx
Galería Corsica
While founding their first gallery may almost have been one of those happy accidents, owners and partners Jean Pierre Renucci and José Villavicencio have never had any reason to look back with regret. With two locations downtown and their latest in the Peninsula, they continue to feature some of the best artists from Mexico City. The opening of the first Galería Corsica immediately upped the ante in Puerto Vallarta. International tastes range from sexy and luscious, to somber, irreverent, and even provocative.
° Leona Vicario 230, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-1821
° Guadalupe Sánchez 735, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-1821
www.galeriacorsica.com
Galería Corona
The location on Corona Street is only part Artemisa Hicks’ magic formula for Galería Corona. “This street is the only one of its kind in Vallarta where you can walk and enjoy the galleries, shops and boutiques in the shade of planted trees just a block from the busy Malecón.” Her focus is on Mexican artists while her affection clearly lays with the classical and traditional work from Michoacán while local fans welcome the lively colors by artists primarily out of Mexico City.
Corona 164, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-4210
www.galeria-corona.com
Galería de Ollas
Another welcome addition to Corona Street is the enthusiastic Carolina Orozco of Galería de Ollas with her sublime Mata Ortiz pottery. She designed the space to show the work to its best advantage in what is a truly dynamic arrangement. In her six years with the gallery, Carolina says, “I totally fell in love with the work of the artists of Mata Ortiz so when I had the opportunity to take over the business with partners Michael and Cindy Janvrin, I jumped for it.”
Corona 176, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-1045
www.galeriadeollas.com
Galería Beatriz Narváez
With years under her belt representing other artists in Guadalajara, Beatriz Narvaez says, “I like to give young artists whether in age or at heart the opportunity to show their work.” With new artists this year, she sees the quality of work improving. “The public responds and they will tell me what they like.” While Beatriz says her own painting used to be quite figurative and realistic, her new work reflects dramatic changes in abstract subject matter. “I express myself differently now.”
Leona Vicario 241, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-1967
Nelly Estudio de Arte
Artist and owner Nelly Barquet holds court in her open, sunny space on Morelos just around the corner from Corona Street, sharing gallery space with artist and husband Ramiz Barquet. Her eclectic studio/gallery offers an array of pottery, paintings, sculptures and other objets d’arte from Vallarta and throughout Mexico. Having observed the changes in Puerto Vallarta over the years, Nelly took up the paint brush to lose herself in the colorful canvases of her creation.
Morelos 558, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-1193
www.galerianelly.com
Galería 8 y Más
Judith Ewing Morlan opened the generous space on Guerrero and Miramar to present her work as well as to anchor the Art Walk on that end of downtown. The first-floor loft, later taken over and renamed Galería 8 y Más, continues in the spirit of community with artists primarily from Guadalajara (“Tapatios”) with paintings, photographs and sculptures that often belie the youth of the maker. Currently three locations provide the public with what associate Carlos Rueda says is “an impulse toward quality and creativity.”
° Miramar 237, Centro,
Tel. (322) 222-7971
° Corona 186, Centro,
Tel. (322) 223-9700
www.artismexico.com
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