10022015Fri
Last updateTue, 29 Sep 2015 10pm
The Good Life Reporter

Ajijic Cultural Center director departs in a blaze of glory

The back-to-back inaugurations of a museum display of archeological relics and the newly refurbished theater stage were highlights of the kick-off of a series of special events programmed for the tail end of September by Efren González, out-going director of the Centro Cultural de Ajijic (CCA). 

The gala program held Sunday, September 20 started with the formal opening the archaeology salon showcasing 136 selected pieces from the private collection donated by San Juan Cosala resident Sergio Diaz. Ribbon cutting honors went to Larry Larson in recognition of his exceptional CCA patronage.

The assorted ceramic vessels, obsidian arrowheads, necklaces and other man-made objects originating from ancient times in the Lake Chapala region are displayed in glass cases installed in the CCA’s defunct museum shop. All  items were previously identified by renowned archaeologist Joseph Mountjoy and duly registered with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to remain in the custody of the Chapala municipal government. 

Gonzalez designated his mother Rosa Hernandez to represent the people of Ajijic at the dedication of the Teatro del Pueblo.  Recent additions include new wood flooring for the stage, an apron extension to increase the performance area, a main curtain and wing drapes and the proscenium adorned with figures representing local and universal culture painted by Javier Zaragoza.

In a bilingual review of his two and a half year tenure as CCA head, Gonzalez pointed to the acquisition of the bronze statue “Los Sobrevivientes” by famed sculptor Miguel Miramontes, the creation of a permanent art collection, the long-delayed completion of Juan Navarro’s ceiling mural “Evolucción” and the installation of a computer lab for public use as other major accomplishments.  He noted that more than 750,000 pesos were invested in the center during his term, with only 33,000 pesos coming out of the municipal coffers and the remainder derived from benefactor donations and fund-raising events.

The festive occasion closed with a concert featuring young musicians from the Academia Ukulele de la Ribera and a performance by the Son de Mexico dance troupe.

 

 

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