The Junction of the mystic artisan and the contemporary sculptor

Puerto Vallarta is one of those extraordinary cities in which mystic artisans and a nurtured community of sculptors have merged.

Through their art (elaborated in wood and squares of synthetic stamen) the Huicholes have explained the complex symbolism of their religious experience that mark the cycle of life. Througout the years their works have been recognized internationally and some of them are all over the world in museums and private collections. On the other hand, sculptor's work is intended to remain on the streets of Puerto Vallarta.

The fantastic sculptures that decorate the "Paseo del Arte" begin in the north end of El Malecon (pier) in the amphitheater Los Arcos or the theater Aquiles Serdan. They continue to be in La Fuente de la Amistad (friendship fountain) by James, Bud, Bottoms, donated in 1987 by the city of Santa Barbara in California, sister city of Puerto Vallarta. A few steps further we find Italian C. Espino's Neptuno-Nereida, donated in 1990. Then in front of the lighthouse we see the superb sculpture "El Caballito" by Rafael Zamarrita, almost next to it there is a sculpture made by Sergio Bustamente consisted in strange figures going up a stairway, it is one of the most admired. In the center of the pier, we can find 16 eclectic sculptures by Alejandro Colunga: "La rotonda del Mar", then "La Naturaleza como Madre" (nature as a mother) by Adrian Reynoso. Ramiz Barquet contributed with "Nostalgia" set up in May of 1984 in the north side of the pier. It ends with the imposing sculpture "The Millennia" by Mathis Lidice, set in October of 2001.

Mystic art and contemporary sculpture can be converged with easiness. This creates a great community.