ARTES VISUALES

Las artes visuales comprenden las distintas modalidades de arte cuyos productos son de naturaleza principalmente visual, tales como dibujo, pintura, escultura, arquitectura, y grabado; y también artes más modernas como fotografía, cine, vídeo e infografía. También se incluye en este concepto las llamadas artes aplicadas (diseño gráfico, diseño industrial, diseño de moda, decoración), así como las artesanías y oficios artísticos (cerámica, alfarería, etc.).

Aquellas que implican objetos tridimensionales, como la escultura y la arquitectura, son llamadasartes plásticas.

Muchas disciplinas consideradas artísticas como las artes escénicas poseen también dimensiones compartidas con las artes visuales, por lo que estas definiciones no son estrictas.

En el dibujo, la escultura, la pintura, el arte figurativo, el clásico, el moderno, el abstracto, en el arte comercial y en el publicitario, la composición es un factor que proporciona coherencia formal a la obra de arte.

Definición: Componer es ordenar, seleccionar, disponer, distribuir y estructurar elementos plásticos visuales que configuran la obra, teniendo en cuenta conceptos como equilibrio, distribución de masas, simetría, luz, color, entre otros.

Finalidad: La composición depende de la intención del artista,debe tener un significado y transmitir un mensaje claro para el observador.

Factores: Existen algunos factores que influye en la percepción de la obra.

1. Por Agrupación.- Existen varias formas de agrupación:

a) Por Proximidad.- Tendemos a agrupar los elementos cuando estos tienen cercanía entre sí.

b) Por semejanza.- Los agrupamos cuando los elementos son figuras conocidas, parecidas o iguales entre sí.

c) Por continuidad.- Tendemos a agrupar los elementos a través de una continuidad significativa, es decir observamos primero los elementos principales seguido de los menos importantes

2.- Por Figura Fondo.- Tendemos a separar los elementos del fondo o viceversa; ya que a veces percibimos el fondo como figura.

3.- Por Contorno.- El contorno separa y distingue la figura del fondo y está representado por una línea continua o discontinua o en el límite de dos colores diferentes, llamado línea de recorte.

4.- Por Pregnancia.- Tendemos a rellenar visualmente aquellos espacios huecos para completar un objeto.

TALLERES PARA ESTA TEMPORADA 

2011-2012

DIFUSION CULTURAL

GALLERIES IN LA PAZ

Art galleries in La Paz have been springing up like cactus flowers after the rains.  Many are within an easy walk from one another. Here’s where to look. Also listed here are some shops that feature work by Mexican artisans.

Alianza Francesa

The French cultural centre hosts exhibitions of art. There’a almost always something new to see, and admission is free. Centro Cultural Roger de Conynk is on Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Posted hours last spring were Monday through Friday 5 to 9 p.m, and on Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s the site of films, live performances of music, roundtable discussions and other special events.

Allende Books

This is mainly an English-language bookstore, but you will find lots of art on the shelves and walls at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto. Some of what you’ll see: engravings by La Paz artist Rojo, jewelry by La Reyna Sofia and paintings by San Miguel de Allende artist Carmelo Gutierrez. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone number is (612)125 9114

Art House

Sidne Byars, an artist, collector and real-estate agent, established her first art gallery in La Paz more than 13 years ago. The first group of artists to be featured are Diedier Saint-Melin, Ivan Gudarrama, Anthony Rojas and Francisco Merino. You will also find original pieces that are functional – a clock, a lazy susan, a piece of furniture. The gallery recently moved from its location on the Malecón. The Art House is at Revolucion 655, between Victoria and Morelos (and between a vivero and Alianza Francesa). It’s a beautiful venue for art — spacious grounds, a casa antigua with plenty of room for art to breathe and a place of reflection (or coffee). For more information, contact Sidne Byars Herrero at 612 125 9599 or Cel 612 127 3191. (Updated April 9, 2011)

Bagel Shop y La Galería

The gallery is upstairs from the bagel shop at Belisario Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to  2 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Mondays. Phone: 12 55878. The upstairs gallery is also a meeting space, available to community groups. Wife-and-husband owners of the Bagel Shop y La Galería are Patty Del Valle and Fabrizio Rozas, who is also an artist. The first show features work by Fabrizio and by his father, Archivaldo Rozas. (Updated Aug. 3, 2011)

Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano

This cooperative sells regional arts and crafts in wood, shell, clay, weaving, cultured pearls and more. Open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on the Malecón and Bravo, next to the old skateboard park. Information: 128-8707

Casa Parra

This lovely gallery on Madero between Independencia and Belisario Dominguez specializes in the work of Mexican artisans and artists. It’s in the same block and two doors down from Colibrí, another shop that cries out for browsing. Posted hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. A café in the gallery opened Jan. 22 with a show of photographs by Alexandre Robertson Dufour Name of the gallery café: La Envidia de Dali café (the envy of Dali). Telephone: 612 124-2528.

Centro Cultural La Paz

The old city hall on 16 de Septiembre at the corner of Belisario Dominguez has undergone a major renovation to become a venue for art exhibitions and other cultural events. At the Centro Cultural, there are now art and photography displays. The Centro Cultural La Paz is home to the CÓDEX Península and the Salón de la Plástica Sudcaliforniana. Below is a description of the exhibitions that opened in September 2010.

The centre’s CÓDEX Península features a photography show. The collective exhibition Hombre, Naturaleza y Cultura (man, nature and culture) is an exhibition of photos that strive to show the special characteristics that make up the cultural identity of California Sur;

The centre’s Salón de la Plástica Sudcaliforniana features an exhibition of work by 18 artists. The participating Baja California Sur artists were selected by curator José Luís Alcubilla Suárez last spring through a state competition. The artist are Julieta Sánchez-Hidalgo Hernández, Fernando Tames Batha, Efrén Olalde Sanchez, Yandi Monardo, Marina Verdugo Díaz Bonilla, Gabriel Rodríguez, Vicente Cedillo, Nora E. White Toole, Francisco Barrón, Francisco Merino Orea, Fernando Osmar Ramírez Ochoa, Helga Kune, Lilia Magallón, Peter Cole, Aleta, Margarita Ruíz, Aníbal Angulo, Carlos Díaz and Guillermo Valle Peralta.

Hours for Centro Cultural La Paz: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed Monday. Phone number is (612) 122-0065. E-mail address is centroculturallapaz@live.com (updated Sept. 14, 2010)

Centro de Artes y Cultural Populares de Baja California Sur

This is the site of the old Casa de Gobierno del Territorio on Madero across from Jardín Velasco, between Independencia and 5 de Mayo. Exhibitions that opened in September include ceramics from Tonalá and leather work in Baja California Sur. (Updated Sept. 14, 2010)

Colibrí

This well-established store (“hummingbird” in English) sells muebles rústicos (traditional furniture) and the work of Mexican artisans. Along with its new neighbour, Casa Parra, Colibrí has good potential for gift-giving and browsing. It’s on Madero at the corner of Independencia. Hours posted: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 4 to 8 p.m.

El Jardin del Arte

This is the gallery and workshop at the home of artist Helga Kuhne, who also teaches classes here. Location is Insurgentes 1220,  (La  Posada area) between Tesoro and Fantasma. Telephone: 12 3 18 11 home; 044 612   103 25 11 Cel. You can also see Helga’s work at an exhibit opening Nov. 27 at Galería Kaleos (see Events page for that date).

GABO’s Galeria La Bajadita

The artist Gabo recently reopened his gallery at Independencia 106, a half-block from the Malecón. Title of the first show: “25 Años Después.” On exhibit: works by Mauro Gómez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Leonardo Diaz, Gabo and Anibal Angulo. Gallery hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (updated Dec. 6, 2010)

Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea

Exhibits change every few weeks at this major gallery, which is next to Teatro de la Ciudad at Unidad Cultural, Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also check out the vestibule of Teatro de la Ciudad for other changing exhibits.

Galería de Arte Tonantzin

The gallery owners were once lawyers in Mexico City, but they developed a passion for art. Last year they moved to La Paz, which, says Moíses, enchanted them immediately. Tonantzin (the name has connections to both the Aztec goddess and the Virgin Mary) is not just an art gallery, but a cultural space for live performances. You'll find prehistoric pieces and contemporary Sudcalifornian and Latin American artists (such as the gigantic piece pictured at the top of this page). There are concerts of live music in the gallery courtyard some evenings. Space at the gallery is also available to rent for private events, meetings, exhibitions, courses or workshops. Location: Constitución 320 (between Aquiles Serdán and Revolución), the same block as the post office. Phone number: 044-612-154-8136. Posted hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Galería Galería

The gallery, which opened December 2009, features exhibitions, workshops, art and interior decorating. It’s at Revolución 590, at the corner of Juarez. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Lucia Frausto at siritapa@yahoo.com or phone 612-1256973.

Galerías Kaleos

This gallery is in The Art Shop, Guillermo Prieto #189, between Reforma and Independencia. The phones are, 6121220145/6121223945, and they have reproduccion of Leonardo Diaz and Anibal Lopez.

Galeria La Encantada

This new art gallery has exhibitions of paintings and sculpture, as well as a wine bar, deli and occasional live acoustic music in the courtyard. Location is Belisario Dominguez 1245 (between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución). Artist Lila Magallón and her partner, Massimiliano Zingaro, have renovated a century-old house in the heart of La Paz’s historic district to create a gallery that is, itself, a work of art. Hours for La Encantada after the opening: Tuesday through Saturday, gallery and wine bar are open 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail laenantadalapaz@gmail.com You can read more about this new gallery on the FEATURES page. (updated Feb. 9, 2011)

Galería Nautilus

This new gallery, opened by Edmundo Pedraza, is at Marcelo Rubio 1640, between 16 de Septiembre and Degollado. Posted hours: Monday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Gallery phone 12 31456; Cellphone 612 14 82473. Website is http://www.nautilusgaleria.com/ Email is mailto:anautilus@gmail.com

Las Manitas

“The little hands”  is a a tiny treasure of a shop featuring high-quality Mexican handcrafts.  You will see folk art, clothing, jewelry and pieces of craftsmanship from around Mexcio. Take a look at the shop mascot, Perla — she’s a Xoloitzcuintli (Perro Azteca or Mexican Hairless Dog). The shop is next door to Allende Books and Hotel Angel Azul on Independencia at the corner of G. Prieto, Hours are 10 to 2, Monday through Saturday.  Also by appointment. Call 044 612 135 5939 or email: lasmanitaslapaz@gmail.com

Las Tres Vírgenes

It’s actually a restaurant, but this stately old mansion-turned-restaurant also features paintings by La Paz artist Ulla Behn. You can drop by whenever the restaurant is open at 1130 Madero (between Constitución and Hidalgo).

Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia

The anthropology museum sometimes features exhibits by artists or photographers whose work relates to history or anthropology. Posted hours: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The interesting museum gift shop has slightly different hours. The museum is at Altamirano and 5 de Mayo. For information, call 122-0162.

Teatro de la Ciudad

This is a major venue for live performances of theatre, dance and music. But the lobby is home to art exhibitions. The theatre is next door to  Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea at Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. The site is called Unidad Cultural Profr. Jesús Castro Agúndez.

Teatro Juárez

This building was born at the start of the Mexican Revolution: Teatro Juárez turns 100 years old Sept. 15. The theatre is on Belisario Dominguez between 16 de Septiembre and Independencia. The old theatre begins its second century of life with new seats, beautiful new galley space for art exhibitions, public bathrooms that rival those of four-star hotels and a peekaboo view onto the courtyard of the Centro Cultural nextdoor. (updated Sept. 14, 2010)

ART POP

Adorado y odiado, Andy Warhol es uno de los artistas más conocidos de todo el mundo y cuya figura puede ser comparada con la famosos de la farándula.
El padre del pop art fue uno de los artistas cuya obra ha creado más controversia en todos los ámbitos sociales, pero detrás de la simple crítica de su obra, para nosotros, existe un aguzada mirada sobre la cultura y su tiempo. Esto quizás no está presente en todas sus obras, pero sí en muchas de ellas y de las menos conocidas.

PRODUCTOS CRETACOLOR

LOS PRODUCTOS CRETACOLOR SON ELABORADOS CON LOS MAS ALTOS NIVELES DE CALIDAD.

VEN A  DESCUBRIR LA GAMA AMPLISIMA DE PRODUCTOS CRETACOLOR,  QUE ABARCA DESDE LAPICES DE COLOR, ACUARELABLES, PASTELES, TIZAS, CARBONES, GRAFITOS, ETC. 

Cretacolor es una empresa de Austria dedicada a la produccion de instrumentos para fines artisticos.En 1792 Joseph Hardtmuth un inventor de Austria fundó una empresa de lápices, produciendo los primeros lápices con mina de grafito quemado: En ese entonces, todas las minas de lapices eran cortadas de bloques de grafitos. Hardthmuth mezcló polvo de grafito con arcilla y las calento a mas de 900ºC, produciendo minas muy resistentes.

Desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial, la compañía se concentró en crear lápices de arte de gran calidad.

LOS ESPERAMOS!

 

CALENDARIO 2011

This is a sample of what you’ll find on the website Roz in La Paz,  a calendar of arts and cultural events in La Paz, México. For updated listings and directions on how to find events, go to the website http://www.rozinlapaz.com/rozinlapaz/Home.html

Until Jan. 26, art exhibition: Paintings by Margarita Cecilia Clemente are on display at the Roger de Conynck cultural centre of Alianza Francesa de La Paz on Revolución 635, between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. This collective exhibition also features the work of three fellow painters: Carla Cecilia, Alejandra Lorena and Miguel Mateo Contreras Clemente. Admission is free.

Until Jan. 30, photography exhibition: A show of photographs by Tina Modotti is at the Centro de Artes y Culturas Populares de Baja California Sur, the old Casa de Gobierno del Territorio on Madero across from Jardín Velasco, between Independencia and 5 de Mayo..  Admission is free. The show continues until Jan. 31. Read more about her life and work on the FEATURES page.

Until Jan. 31, Francisco Toledo art show: An exhibition of engravings by Francisco Toledo is at Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea, the gallery adjoining Teatro de la Ciudad. Toledo is considered one of Mexico’s most important living artists. He’s a printmaker, painter and sculptor whose work depicts worlds of the spirit where animals and humans freely commingle. Admission is free.

Until Jan. 31, photography exhibition: archival photographs of 100 years of Sudcalifornia are on display in the esplanade of Unidad Cultural Profr. Jesús Castro Agúndez, on the grounds of Teatro de la Ciudad.

Until Feb. 21, in Todos Santos, juried photo show: Selected pieces submitted to this juried photography exhibition will be on display in Visions Gallery through Feb. 21. The show is presented by The Artists of Todos Santos (ARTS) and Visions Gallery. All Baja photographers, locals, part-time residents and visitors were eligible to enter up to five photos to the competition. For more informationon the exhibition, visit: http://elcalendario detodossantos. com/blog/ 2010/12/23/ arts-second- annual-juried- photo-show/

Continuing, Watercolours show: Presencia is the title of this strikingly beautiful exhibition of work by the Sociedad Mexicana de Acuarelistas en BCS. in the recently restored Centro Cultural La Paz, on 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free. Hours listed are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exact closing date not available, but the show is listed on the cultural centre’s program for December and January.

Ongoing, exhibits at the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia:Exhibitions include a reproduction of a panel of Altamira in Spain, one of the world’s best-known cave painting sites; and the new Sala de Independencia, Revolución y Siglo XX.  Admission to the museum is 31 pesos (free Sundays and holidays for the general public and free daily for students and senior citizens). Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Sunday, Jan. 16

Theatre: The theatre group La Hostería performs La Zapatera Prodigiosa (the shoemaker’s wonderful wife), by Federico García Lorca, at 7 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz. The play is directed by Diego Barajas.  Admission is free. There are also performances Jan. 23 and 30.

No historic building tour: the San Antonio historic building tour, scheduled for today, has been cancelled.

Monday, Jan. 17

Five-day environmental event starts at Centro Cultural La Paz: The event focuses on the protection of natural areas. There will be exhibitions, videos and talks from Jan. 17 to 21 in the Sala de Usos Múltiples room and in the lobby of the cultural centre on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez.

Lecture series on Noam Chomsky: The Monday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 7 p.m.. Jan. 17: Rebelde sin Pausa (rebel without a pause).The series is coordinated by Silvia Yee. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Tuesday, Jan. 18

Weekly organic market: A fledgling sidewalk market of organic and natural foods is in business Tuesdays from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (but may sell out earlier). Look for venders on the stretch of Madero Street between 5 de Mayo and Constitución (you’ll see the organic Mexican foods store Sabores de México and Caprichos restaurant on that block). The market has expanded to Saturday on a trial basis at a different location -- see the listing under Saturday for details. For information, call 612-142-0725. 

Cultural presentation: There's a one-hour cultural talk in simple Spanish Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at Se Habla…La Paz Spanish Language school. For more information, call the school at 122-7763. The presentation, which includes handouts, is open to the public and is free. Walk-ins are welcome.

French film series: The Tuesday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Jan. 18: Cada Uno su Película, by Theo Angelopoulos. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Theatre: Entre Cruces y Pitahayas is the title of this performance by Grupo Ollín, directed by Guillermina Sainz, at 8 p.m. at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos.

Wednesday, Jan. 19

Poster exhibition opens: This photography exhibition of posters in 29 indigenous languages of Mexico focuses on the electoral process in indigenous communities and the prevention of electoral irregularities. Opening is at 6 p.m. in the Centro Cultural La Paz.

International film series: The Wednesday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free. This month, there is a presentation of the series Berlin Alexanderplatz, adapted from the Alfred Doblin novel of the same name and directed by Rainer Werner Fasbinder for German television. The series continues through February. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Thursday, Jan. 20

Writers’ group: The Sea of Cortés Writers’ Group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays to read aloud from their work (poetry, prose, fiction or nonfiction pieces) and get feedback from other writers. The group meets until about noon. New members are welcome. For more information, call George at 612-123-4669, e-mailgeorge_potvin@yahoo.com

Friday, Jan. 21

Piano recital: Nicolás Carrillo presents a concert of classical music at 8:30 p.m. at Alianza Francesa’s Teatro-Espacio Angular Esterito. Cheese, bread and wine will be served afterwards. Admission is free. This is the kickoff of Alianza Francesa’s 2011 concert series. The theatre is at Valentín Gómez-Farías 525, between República and Guerrero in Colonia Esterito.

Writing contest deadline: 2 p.m. is the deadline for entries to the Premios Estatales de Poesía, Cuento, Novela, Ensayo y Dramaturgia “Ciudad de La Paz 2011.”  Entries in the categories of story, poetry, novel, essay and drama must be in Spanish and there’s a residency requirement. For more information contact Coordinación de Vinculación y Fomento Editorial, Colonia Centro, C. P. 23000, La Paz, B.C.S. Para mayores informes al teléfono 01(612)122-11-16, de 9 a 15 horas, de lunes a viernes ó al correo electrónico: vinculacionyfomento@gmail.com  

Saturday, Jan. 22

Outdoor market: The Tuesday sidewalk market of organic and natural foods was expanded to Saturday on a trial basis. Look for vendors at 10 a.m. in the park at the corner of Revolución and Constitución (across the street from the post office and Corazón restaurant). The Tuesday market is still at 10 a.m. on Madero Street between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. For information, call 612-142-0725. 

Children’s library workshop: The "Library workshop” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. offers stories and crafts and the cost, including materials and light refreshments, is 80 pesos. It’s one of several activities at AbraPalabra, a non-profit children’s library on the grounds of the Galería Galería art gallery on Revolución at the corner of Juárez. The library is free and open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the CLASSES page for a full list of activities at AbraPalabra.

Photo show opens: The gallery Casa Parra presents a show of photographs by Alexandre Robertson Dufour at the gallery’s new café, which is inside Casa Parra, on Madero Street between Independencia and 16 de Septiembre. The show, which opens at 6:30 p.m., is entitled “La Ciudad donde no Pasa Nada” (the city where nothing happens). The gallery’s cafe is named La Envidia de Dali café (the envy of Dali). This lovely gallery, which specializes in the work of Mexican artists and artisans, is definitely worth a visit. Gallery phone number is 612 124-2528.

CineClub at Centro Cultural La Paz: Los Nuevos Comienzos (new beginnings) is the theme of this month’s film series. This week: Whale Rider, a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. at the cultural centre on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free.

La Encantada Galeria opens: The opening is 8 to 11 p.m. The new gallery features exhibitions of paintings and sculpture, as well as a wine bar, deli and live acoustic music in the courtyard. Location is Belisario Dominguez 1245 (between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución). Artist Lila Magallón and her partner, Massimiliano Zingaro, have renovated a century-old house in the heart of La Paz’s historic district to create a gallery that is, itself, a work of art. For more information, e-mail laenantadalapaz@gmail.com You can read more about this new gallery on the FEATURES page. Hours for La Encantada after the opening: Tuesday through Saturday, gallery open 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (closed 2 - 4 p.m.); café and wine bar open 5 to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 23

Theatre: The theatre group La Hostería performs La Zapatera Prodigiosa (the shoemaker’s wonderful wife), by Federico García Lorca, at 7 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz. The play is directed by Diego Barajas.  Admission is free. There is also a performance Jan. 30.

Monday, Jan. 24

Lecture series on Noam Chomsky: The Monday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 7 p.m.. Jan. 24: Moralidad Contradictoria(contradictory reality). The series is coordinated by Silvia Yee. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Tuesday, Jan. 25

Weekly organic market: A fledgling sidewalk market of organic and natural foods is in business Tuesdays from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (but may sell out earlier). Look for venders on the stretch of Madero Street between 5 de Mayo and Constitución (you’ll see the organic Mexican foods store Sabores de México and Caprichos restaurant on that block). The market has expanded to Saturday on a trial basis at a different location -- see the listing under Saturday for details. For information, call 612-142-0725. 

Cultural presentation: There's a one-hour cultural talk in simple Spanish Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at Se Habla…La Paz Spanish Language school. For more information, call the school at 122-7763. The presentation, which includes handouts, is open to the public and is free. Walk-ins are welcome.

French film series: The Tuesday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Jan. 25: La Comedia de la Inocencia, by Raoul Ruiz. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Dance performance: The dance academy Jussad presents this performance under the direction of Adela Juárez Salcedo at 8 p.m. at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos.

Wednesday, Jan. 26

International film series: The Wednesday night series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free. This month, there is a presentation of the series Berlin Alexanderplatz, adapted from the Alfred Doblin novel of the same name and directed by Rainer Werner Fasbinder for German television. The series continues through February. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Thursday, Jan. 27

Artist group: The informal artist group with Frank Hills and Pat Solem that used to meet Tuesdays at La Concha has a new meeting time and place: join Frank and Pat Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the new space over the bathrooms at Marina de La Paz.  The room is large, with folding tables and chairs, running water and a nice view of the marina.  It's free, a chance to network and to create.  

Writers’ group: The Sea of Cortés Writers’ Group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays to read aloud from their work (poetry, prose, fiction or nonfiction pieces) and get feedback from other writers. The group meets until about noon. New members are welcome. This week, the group meets at a different location; for more information, call Allende Books at (612)125 9114, drop by the bookstore at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto ,call “Shorebird” on VHF radio at 8:30 a.m. or e-mail george_potvin@yahoo.com

Historical photograph show opens:  “La Paz Black & White, Exhibition of Historical Photographs from the 20th Century” opens at 7 p.m. near the fountain at Marina CostaBaja. There will be live music, cocktails, a book sale and presentation by state archive director Elizabeth Acosta Mendia and Luis Alberto Rochin. Admission is free. The exhibition will be on display until Feb. 27.

“Jam Literario” at Centro Cultural La Paz: The program describes this literary event as “literature en vivo.” It’s at 7 p.m. in the open-air patio of the cultural centre on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez.

Art show opens: An exhibition of drawings by Diego Avilés opens at 8:30 p.m. at the Roger de Conynck cultural centre of Alianza Francesa de La Paz on Revolución 635, between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. The show continues until Feb. 9. Admission is free.

Friday, Jan. 28

Caravan and concert: Music, drama, displays and information are part of this event at the kiosko of the Malecón at about 4 p.m. The gathering is the last of a day of events that includes a caravan from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz and a boat regatta in the bay to protest mining in BCS. Expect traffic congestion along the caravan route from Forjadores and UABCS (at 2 p.m.) to the Palacio del Gobierno and down Bravo Street to the Malecón. For more information, go to the websitehttp://www.paredonesamarillosno.com or e-mail info@aguavalemasqueoro.com

Concert: The group Jazz-tazz Bus-ban, under the direction of Rubén Barranco, performs at 8:30 p.m. at Teatro-Espacio Angular Esterito on Valentín Gómez-Farías 525, between República and Guerrero in Colonia Esterito. Admission is 75 pesos. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, Jan. 29

Children’s library workshop: The "Library workshop” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. offers stories and crafts and the cost, including materials and light refreshments, is 80 pesos. It’s one of several activities at AbraPalabra, a non-profit children’s library on the grounds of the Galería Galería art gallery on Revolución at the corner of Juárez. The library is free and open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the CLASSES page for a full list of activities at AbraPalabra.

CineClub at Centro Cultural La Paz: Los Nuevos Comienzos (new beginnings) is the theme of this month’s film series. This week: Elsa and Fred, a Spanish-Argentine film about two people who, at the end of the road, discover that it's never too late to love or to dream. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. at the cultural centre on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free.

Sunday, Jan. 30

Theatre: The theatre group La Hostería performs La Zapatera Prodigiosa (the shoemaker’s wonderful wife), by Federico García Lorca, at 7 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz. The play is directed by Diego Barajas.  Admission is free.

Monday, Jan. 31

LOOKING AHEAD

Feb. 1, La Paz book group: The group gets together the first Tuesday of each month at the home of one of its members. This month, the meeting starts at 1 p.m., one hour earlier than usual. The group discusses La Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Everyone is welcome. For more more information contact Allende Books of La Paz at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto, (612) 125 9114.

Feb. 6, Voting day and SuperBowl Sunday: Citizens of Baja California Sur vote today for a new governor and municipal mayors, which means the sale of alcohol Feb. 4-6 likely will be restricted. It’s also the Super Tazón, so if you want to buy booze for game day, you may want to plan in advance. Check with your favourite sports bar about the liquor policy.

Feb. 12−19, Todos Santos Arts Festival: The festival features folkloric ballet, a classical guitar concert, musical theatre and more. For more information, go to the website www.todossantoscultura.com or e-mail Heriberto Parra Hake,hparra@prodigy.net.mx

Feb. 13, Heart-nourishing activities at La Duna: Centro Ecológico at La Duna offers a  variety of activities to do the heart good for Valentine’s Day. The morning session includes yoga, lunch and a workshop in reflexology; the evening session includes dinner, tango and star gazing. Cost is 350 pesos per person or 650 pesos per couple for either morning or evening program; it’s 600 pesos per person for both sessions. For information, visit the website at http://www.ecobaja.com/, e-mail Gabriela Flores at ecobaja@roadrunner.com or call Mariana Ledesma at Cel. 612011903278 or e-mail noche.estelar@gmail.com

Feb. 27, Baja Love Ride is in La Paz: This 1,000-mile bicycle ride from Rosarito to Cabo San Lucas, scheduled to last 15 days, will be in La Paz Feb. 27. The goal is to raise money for children’s charities. For more information, contact "Mexico Living" john@theprintsupplier.com 

Feb. 27, tour of historic houses in Todos Santos: This is the 17th year for the tour. All proceeds go directly to support educational and medical programs for children, so the organizers are asking sponsors, volunteers and attendees to mark their calendars to reserve that weekend. For information, contact Sharon Morris, 612-108-3502 or 612-178-0104. 

March 4-13, film festival: The 8th Annual Festival de Cine de Todos Santos is March 4-6 at Teatro de La Cuidad in La Paz and March 11-13 at Teatro Manuel Marquez de Leon in Todos Santos.

April 9, Home and Garden Tour in Todos Santos: The tour will feature La Cachora Norte. Escuela Pacifica, will be hosting the event. Date has been changed from March 12.  For information, contact Michele Campbell at 612-178-0107 in Todos Santos or e-mail aboutmichele@gmail.com 

GRACIAS to the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura, Centro Cultural La Paz the Dirección de Cultura, the Asociación de Empresas Hoteleras Y Turisticas, Acción Cívica y Festivales of the city of La Paz, Alianza Francesa de La Paz and other cultural organizations for contributions to this website.