Artistic Inspiration

Inspiring art dazzles the senses

By Sarah Muñoz

The romance and drama of Los Cabos’ sky, desert and sea provide infinite inspiration for a vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural offerings that break imaginations wide open. In fact, even before you’ve set out to explore your surroundings, you might find a dazzling display of Mexican and international works right in your hotel of choice.

Leave it to Los Cabos’ majestic resorts to display private museum-caliber artwork throughout. Secrets Marquis Los Cabos alone is filled with thought-provoking pieces, such as bronze sculptures from Jorge Marín, whose work is permanently displayed in repositories in Mexico and the U.S. The VIP Reception Lounge boasts a painting by Cuba native Carlos Ríos, while Canto del Mar Restaurant inspires with works from Fernando Garrido; the Suspiro Bar, meanwhile, is home to paintings and statues by Colombian artist Ana Mercedes Hoyos. Even individual rooms and suites feature original paintings by Mexico’s own Agustín Castro.

Original art also graces the public spaces and suites of Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort. Its lobby holds works by contemporary realist Dorothy Churchill-Johnson, cultural master Rodrigo Pimentel and muralist Fernando Andriacci, while a beautiful mermaid sculpture by the noted DeLoss McGraw welcomes guests. An imposing mural in the dining room was created by Hampton Hall, whose pieces have even made it to the private collection of the Sultan of Brunei. And in each particular suite, individual pieces by Barbara Weldon and handcrafted furnishings by various artisans add to the luxurious ambience. Other hotels and resorts housing their own collections of must-see art include ME Cabo and Esperanza-An Auberge Resort.

Even retailers are delving into Los Cabos’ arts scene. Luxury Avenue in Cabo San Lucas is showcasing works from both renowned and up-and-coming Mexican artists in permanent and temporary exhibitions. Elena Villarreal, owner and founder of Luxury Avenue Los Cabos, explains: “Our goal is to highlight the creative artistry of Mexico by showcasing this rich aesthetic alongside the world’s most prominent fashion and beauty designers.” One permanent exhibit features almost 70 pieces of Mata Ortiz pottery, made and painted by hand in the state of Chihuahua and available for sale.

The Cultural Pavilion of the Republic, the first structure of its kind in Cabo San Lucas and in the entirety of Baja California Sur, is also enhancing the region’s cultural expressions with year-round concerts, performances, exhibits and other events. It’s a venue for one and all, yet also seeks to ultimately celebrate Mexican culture. With a modern feel inside and out, the Cultural Pavilion features everything from open-air and closed theater spaces to a shopping center.

Holidays in Los Cabos are celebrated in grand style and with much attention to their cultural background. In December, for instance, you might run into celebrations honoring Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, while the first days of November see altars and candles coming out to honor the Day of the Dead.

Gallery Hopping
It’s little wonder that historic San José del Cabo has become the place for artists from all walks of life to showcase and sell their works in the town’s many art galleries and studios — the colors and landscapes of Los Cabos are provocative and inspirational. Perhaps that’s why noted painter Frank Arnold chose San José as the site for his lauded gallery and working studio. Stop by and you’ll discover insightful plays of light and color in his oil paintings, as well as expressive sculptures that have made him a favorite of collectors worldwide.

One of Los Cabos’ most popular events is the Thursday evening Art Walk, which takes place from November through June. Galleries stay open until 9 p.m. so locals and an international crowd can enjoy the many original pieces available, new expositions and meet-and-greets with visiting artists. Some galleries offer local goodies and wine. Companies such as www.bookcabo.com offer excursions for the Thursday Art Walk that include transportation from and to hotels, an orientation and historic overview of the area, a visit to the galleries — with time for shopping and walking around, of course — and even dinner.

But you don’t have to wait for Thursdays to stop by the dozens of enchanting art enclaves here. In Plaza Paulina, you’ll discover the works of metal sculptor and painter Julián García Forcelledo in his gallery, Arte Julián García. Here, García Forcelledo’s nature-inspired pieces are often showcased alongside paintings from other artists.

San José is also home to Galería de Ida Victoria, a three-level space with a collection of original works from new and established artists. This is a wonderful place to spend time admiring the sculptural, photographic and painting pieces from around the world — and should you choose to buy something for your wall, the gallery has its own custom frame shop. The gallery also offers workshops in a variety of mediums and hosts periodic exhibitions. It’s a perfect spot in which to hold a private reception, thanks to more than 20 skylight windows and a dramatic domed ceiling.

An established mainstay of the San José art scene, Frank Arnold’s abstract painting style exhibits a unique color sense and comfort level with the medium as he pours his innermost feelings onto the canvas. The gallery’s location is in the established art district, which has become an international attraction for artists and visitors to Los Cabos. His work has been shown in several prominent venues, as well as his own Frank Arnold Gallery. For more information, visit www.frankarnoldart.com.

The weekly Art Walk is just one of many cultural happenings taking place throughout the year in San José. The last Saturday of each month finds an evening fiesta with folkloric dance and music right on Plaza Mijares, the de facto meeting place in town. Each Sunday sees a kid-friendly gathering with clowns and children’s activities in the same plaza, while the Miguel Lomelí Ceseña City Theater offers free admission to international films on Wednesdays.

Once you’ve visited all the galleries of Los Cabos, you might want to explore the town of Todos Santos, about an hour away and also filled with numerous galleries and talented artists. Tour operators such as Transcabo offer day trips to the town of “All Saints.”

Julián García Forcelledo: Creativity Sparked From Within

A solitary man influenced by Spanish artists.

By Rick Stedman

Like Paris in the 1920s, artists in the 21st century are flocking to San José del Cabo. The magnetic force found at the tip of Baja California Sur has drawn many creative types, and the numerous galleries showcase their creations. One artist who felt that creative tug 31 years ago is Julián García Forcelledo. His paintings and sculptures are some of the best on the planet.

Born in Mexico City in 1950, García Forcelledo worked with and found inspiration from Spanish painter Virgilio Ruiz and Mexican sculptor Enrique Jolly. “These two individuals were quite influential in my early years as an artist,” says García Forcelledo. “I learned from them how to be an autodidactic sculptor, which I have been doing for the last 18 years.” Like a monk, an autodidactic artist is one who works strictly alone.

But when not being a solitary artist and creating inspirations from within, García Forcelledo loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. “Since I moved to the Los Cabos area to be by the sea, I have a love for scuba diving. This is such a great place to call home, and I would never think of leaving.”

Though García Forcelledo remains a steadfast resident of Los Cabos, his creative work has traveled elsewhere. He’s had his work on display at the La Paz Baja Museum of Anthropology. Locally, García Forcelledo’s work can be found at Casa Paulina in the historic district of downtown San José del Cabo.

“My goal as an artist is to continue creating art that brings locals and visitors to my gallery, and to San José,” García Forcelledo says. “And to do that, I always look inward to find inspiration that results in the creative efforts of my work. This is a lifelong process, and I’m happy to take this road.”

To view García Forcelledo’s work, visit his Web site at www.juliangarciaf.com.

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