Art, music, fashion, dance and food
By Rita de Brito November 28, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Art-Space Opening
Sat, Dec 6, 2–8pm
La Obra de San Arvino
La Rosa 28, Colonia Allende

La Obra de San Arvino’s modern, gleaming white structure unfolds before your eyes with a magnificent view of the sierra looming beyond.

Arvino Kaganovitch has been working for the past four years to create his vision of a cultural/retail center for a cosmopolitan San Miguel where theater, music and art will coincide with classes in welding, pilates and yoga. Twelve loft spaces with six-meter-high ceilings flank both sides of the complex, which has plenty of on-premises parking. Completely enveloped in glass that maximizes natural light, these spaces are suitable for artist’s studios, galleries, offices, classrooms or specialty shops. All have heated floors, kitchenettes and bathrooms with showers.

Fully equipped kitchens make the three suites of the Buenos Sueños hotel affordable and convenient for day travelers and tourists.

Eventually there will be a restaurant and Arvino’s hobby shop, Gizmos, previously located on Mesones and full of radio-controlled contraptions and unusual gifts for the entire family.

Now it is time to see for yourself. The inauguration of La Obra showcases 20 painters, photographers, sculptors and musicians.

We will see the work of Keith Keller, EC Bell, Bea Aaronson, Stephen Eaker, Henri Chariot, Nora Howard, Tomas Bürkey, Carlos Rodriguez, Antonio Subiratz, Gustavo Martinez, Chi Kaplan, Maria Ayala and Bruce Stewart. Gustavo Fernandez and Rogelio Romany will display photography. Gigi of the Aspen Gallery will represent Mai Onno, David Kestenbaum and Jonathon Williams. Raphael Monzies will display sculptures and Lisa Simms will feature her wearable art.

Klaudia Oliver of Portal San Miguel will set up a “happening” with the works of Sam Seaman and Malcolm Coelho gracing the walls of her studio space.

The day will be filled with entertainment, music, door prizes, free botanas and wine. A fashion show features The Crisis Collection by Laura Reyes of Barbara Porter’s Boutique. Two dance troupes from Casa de la Cultura will perform Ballets Folkloricos and the event will culminate with Maria, San Miguel’s diva of divas.

For those who get hungry at such events, Dick Weber and Judy will make their fare available. Weber is formerly of Romanos and Judy is a renowned Thai chef from Chicago. Pat Wilds and Berit Nilsson will prepare vegetarian dishes.

You can help La Obra become a vibrant center by talking with us if you need a space to bring your dream toward reality. If you are a restauranteur or merchant, or need a meeting space for classes, contact La Obra at 154-7812 or laobrasanarvino@gmail.com.