The Guadalajara Reporter

Ribera Arts Review – May 11, 2013

Auction

Efren Gonzalez, local artist and manager of the Ajijic Cultural Center, will hold an art auction on Friday, May 17, beginning on the north side of the Ajijic Plaza at 6 p.m.

The auction will benefit the project to complete the sculpture donated to the town by master sculptor Miguel Miramontes.

Besides a tent up to shade everyone from the sun and heat, there will be refreshments served. Come out and help.

Those artists who wish to donate work to be auctioned should contact Gonzalez at (376) 766-5381.

The task of finishing Miramontes’ work is well underway at a foundry in Guadalajara. For Ajijic to own a work by this acclaimed sculptor will put Ajijic even further on the country’s artistic map, Gonzalez believes.

Those artists who wish to donate work to be auctioned should contact Gonzalez at (376) 766-5381.

New store

Gonzalez has other changes in progress for the Ajijic Cultural Center, including the installation of new murals, a small museum of pre-Hispanic artifacts and a store featuring the work of local artisans and artists.

In fact, the new store will open for business on Monday, May 13. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find children’s art, photography, pottery, T-shirts, greeting cards, calendars and folk art.

Though a “grand opening” is set for a later date, the store should be an interesting addition to the center. Find it by simply walking in the main door and straight ahead to the right.

Collective show

Enjoy the opening of the exhibit “Exposicion Colectiva del Arte de la Rivera” on Friday, May 24, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Salon de Eventos La Huerta, located on the Carretera in west Ajijic.

The exhibition will display the works of various artists using a variety of techniques and styles. The works will include etchings, oil paintings, water colors, mixed media and sculptures by artists from Guadalajara, Ajijic, San Juan Cosala and other Lakeside towns.

Featured artists include Isidro Xilonxochitl, Cathy Seaboyer, Jesús López Vega, De-Paul Durham, Gabriel Mariscal, Antonio López Vega, Jesús E. López Garcia, Luz Preciado, Pat Apt, José Duran and Federico Luquín.

Cocktails, snacks and live music will be provided.

This lavish display of artwork will be part of the Friday Artisans’ market where you can also purchase home-made foods, wearables and gifts. The market is sheltered with secure, on-site parking. Put this on your calendar.

At Gonzalez Gallo

This month, several cultural events are scheduled for the public at the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center in Chapala (the old train station). They are:

n Thursday, May 16, 4 p.m. Piano recital by Diego Cobos of the University of Guadalajara.

n Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. Piano recital by Maria Dolores Aguilar of the University of Guadalajara.

n Sunday, May 25,  6:30 p.m. Literary event organized by Evelia Lara.

n Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m. Piano recital by Veronica Serranno of the University of Guadalajara.

These are all family events, open to the public. There is no charge for admission.

The Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center is located at Avenida Gonzalez Gallo 1500 in Chapala. The telephone number is 765-7424.

Thanks from art class

DeLayne Giardini and Danielle Pagé send many thanks to ASA members Bobby Lancaster and Lauri Jensen for coordinating the jewelry class at last Saturday’s Lake Chapala Society Children’s Art Program.  The kids made necklaces for their moms for Mother’s Day.  It was a fun and productive day!  

Giardini and Pagé also want to thank the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) who they say has been very generous to the program for many years.

Projects for the kids are always required, so if anyone would like to share his or her craft or art, let them know.  Stop by any Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Chapala Society’s back patio to check out the program. 

They can always use more volunteers. Call (376) 762-1721.