Art Walk
Mesones area
Sat, Jul 25, 6–9pm
13 galleries & shops
Lower Mesones, Centro

Amble through art galleries
By Henry A. Vermillion

Of the following, which are your favorite leisure activities? Choose as many as you like: Looking at/shopping for art, jewelry and antiques (at great prices); enjoying free treats and drinks; listening to live music; meeting old friends and/or making new ones; going to parties.

If you enjoy any of these options, you should not miss this summer’s Mesones area art walk.

In recent years, lower Mesones and adjoining streets have become a favorite in-town destination for art, artesanía, jewelry and antiques. Thirteen art galleries, jewelers, shops, restaurants and bars are teaming up to host a gala evening for their new and old friends. The art walk galleries and shops are all located within a three-block area which encompasses lower Mesones, Hernández Macías, Hidalgo and Relox. All offer refreshments, live music and special bargains.

Pick a street and work your way up. Three host locations are on Hernández Macías.

Galería Quinta Irma (paintings and handmade ceramics) is at 56-A.

El 23 is a new bar at Hernández Macías 54.

Garrison & Garrison Books is inside the Hotel Sautto at 59.

You could start at the bottom of Mesones instead.

Galería Izamal, at Mesones 80, has fine contemporary painting, photography and jewelry. Restaurante El Ochenta, in the patio behind Galería Izamal, offers special prices for the evening.

The Sunset Bar on the rooftop across the street at Mesones 101, also has special prices and, for the first time, is using its indoor rooftop space to feature an art exhibit.

Galería Cofradia Tostado, upstairs at Mesones 76, has a unique collection of striking contemporary and older paintings, sculpture and unusual objects for collectors.

Evita Avery, at Mesones 93, has the best collection in San Miguel of fine old Mexican ceramics and classic antique folk art.

Galería Magenta, at Hidalgo 29, is newly re-organized and re-energized. As you are heading up Mesones, veer off a half-block north to the new location. After that slight detour, get back on Mesones.

Galería Arriba, at Mesones 33, is the upstairs studio/gallery of Karl Gerzan, a keen and humorous recorder of Mexican images.

Happenings, a new co-op gallery, is inside The China Palace complex at Mesones 57.

Joyería Sua, at Mesones 77, offers finely crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.

Galería Relox 46 represents some of San Miguel’s finest painters and sculptors in a spacious, elegant setting at Relox 46.

All in all, the Mesones area has a great deal to offer, and on Saturday the public is invited to explore and enjoy. If you have any questions, call Henry Vermillion at Galería Izamal: 154-5409.