Public Sculpture Walking Tours, 2007 - 2008


A new activity that I'd like to mention is our walking tour of Public Monumental Sculptures that happens every Tuesday morning at 9:30, starting with the Millennium sculpture next to the SW corner of the landmark Rosita Hotel, located at the northern end of the Malecon since 1948. The details are included in the attached document, but I would like to expound a bit. Puerto Vallarta is unique in Mexico for its oceanside promenade, El Malecon, and the extent to which it is adorned with so many fascinating sculptures of high quality by internationally known artists. Add to this a number of major sculptures scattered throughout downtown and in other parts of the city, and Puerto Vallarta's devotion to public sculpture makes it rank on the world level. Considering also that Vallarta is regarded by many as the most important national market for art sales outside of Mexico City, and think of the preponderance of art decorating so many hotels and restaurants here, not even counting the special exhibitions that a large number of them schedule throughout the year, then one must regard Puerto Vallarta as a very "artful" place. The Old Town Art Walks from 6-10 PM every Wednesday from Nov. through March has become incredibly popular with visitors and residents alike.

Coming on this free tour (or telling your friends about it) is a good way to acknowledge as well as become informed about the many beautiful creations embellishing our great little city. It will be offered every Tuesday morning through April 17th, and it lasts approximately 2 hours. I will be the guide and will provide a lot of background info on each sculpture as well as a little inside scoop on some of them. I will be joined every week by Mathis Lidice, who will explain the inspiration behind his creation, "Millennium" as well as describe the significance of the many elements comprising this fascinating work. The tour will end at the Galeria Pacifico where Ramiz Barquet will be working on a new sculpture and be available to explain the lost wax system of casting bronze sculptures. He will also answer questions about the his three public sculptures featured on the tour, including the famous couple on the bench, "Nostalgia, which is located in front of the equally famous Carlos O'brians Restaurant Bar.

A second point important to make is that, although the tour lasts nearly two hours, we sit down at many of the sculptures and always seek shade where possible. I talk a lot, so there's time to rest. However, this activity isn't for the walking impaired, the exceptionally old or the very, very young. Comfortable shoes are advised as well as personal water supplies and sun screen. Photography is encouraged but one must come with all necessary film, memory cards, etc. I hope that you'll be able to partake of our events and activities or that you'll tell friends about it if you can't.