As we head off on this tour for “Art Lovers” let us take a lesson from local culture and include a dose of Nature’s artistic perfection as we begin this journey. Start at the south end of Jaco Beach. Between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning, you will see the unfurling of a breathtaking event, totally overlooked by most people. Between 45 and 65 pelicans flying in a single line, soar and drop, like the tail of a kite, as they head south towards Hermosa. They fly close to the water’s edge, making picture-taking a breeze.
Walk north along the beach, passing Paloma Blanco’s original home (copied after the original owner stayed at a place in Mexico and fell in love with it and, consequently, arrived in Jacó carrying those plans), as far as Calle Hidalgo. Turn East and then North onto Avenia Pastor Diaz.
On Pastor Diaz, you will pass the first ‘Soda’ (outdoor café) to be found in this part of Jacó. Soda Hidalgo was begun by Antonio Hidalgo. Ask for ‘Carne with Roger’s sauce’ if you choose to eat there. It’s a secret recipe made specifically for a dear personal friend of Antonio’s and if art extends to the palette, this is it. Simple, melt-in-your-mouth, art to the tongue.
Continue walking north. Just past Avenida Santana, look across the field, east, towards the hills and you will see a glorious rendition by famous Floridian wall art painter, Fletcher, for Perico Azul, on the outside wall of an apartment compound.
In front of the Municipality building is a statue. This is a representation of an ‘Indian’ named Huetar, who is a warrior hero – curious for a pacifist nation. It is not until you understand why he fought ‘continually’ that you will understand the appreciation of this choice. This man fought against domination by the Spanish. Of all the countries in this region Costa Rica is considered the most advanced. It’s partly because they “out-danced” the would-be conquistadores.
Turning East, and a two block jaunt, passing the Amapola Hotel, you reach a small gallery called Murillo. This is the new forefront, modern and bold: dazzling.
On the return, Lynn Gensemer’s Chungo Interior Design store, sometimes has her exquisite mosaic tabletops on display. These are individually designed to match your décor and the scenes are local. For appointment to view Tel 2643-3473, Cell 8836-4102
Back on the Main Street (Avenida Pastor Diaz) within Jaco’s downtown, there are a smattering of galleries. Galerie Heliconia, across the street from POPS (the ice cream place) is where you can buy good pieces. The founder of this gallery is an accomplished artist herself and made the effort to seek out and woo artists from the countryside as well as take recommendations from art-connected San Jose studios. If you are a collector, spend the time going through the canvasses stacked in the back room as well as looking at the best pieces that they choose to showcase.
Our most famous Jaco artist, Galli, sold his almost beachfront property and moved back into the hills as development noise started to interrupt his passion. There are still many of his pieces to be found. Galli is most famous for his realist brightly-coloured frog, captured against a flat green leaf. He paints all wildlife with equal strength and colour. His signature twist in which he cuts off the beak of the toucans in all of his representations (either the tips are beyond the edge of the canvas, or hidden behind something else in the picture), will help you discern a Galli quickly. These days, he works from his computer, creating impressive seascapes.
Continuing north, Guacemole has two storefronts, one across the street from Los Amigos outdoor restaurant and one close to Banco de Costa Rica. These clothes are each a work of art. Every piece is hand-painted with wax and dyed individually by artisans trained and overseen by the Argentinian designer-owner, Pancho. Beautifully finished and hard-wearing they are well worth the price. If you want a souvenir to cherish, this would be my top recommendation.
For an eclectic, knowledgeable mix of good local artists, stop by the offices of CR Beach Investment Real Estate office (please do not interrupt the daily business) on the east side of the Main Street, in a two story shopping centre, called Il Galeone, above TCBY ice cream. The walls are filled with originals picked by the discerning eye of the owner-broker, Jeff Fisher. Over fifteen years, he has built up an enviable collection.
At the first crack of thunder, turn East towards the mountains to watch the rain. It hovers a little behind the horseshoe of hills in a gray mass that turns the greenery much more lucid. Sweep your eyes across the dinosaur backbone of Jaco’s surrounding hills. It’s magnificent, isn’t it? It used to be pretty daunting for travel, however from the Central Valley. Jaco was originally accessed by beach by boat; not overland, which explains why Jaco is one of only two places in the country where titled land actually includes the beach front properties. The law states that property owners must have access to a road. Jaco Beach was the original ‘road’.
Loop back to the beach to watch sunset, the best rendition of perfection in colouring available in Jacó, today and every day. All art lovers yearn to be able to pull together such a joyful sweep of unexpected nuance and juxtaposition. The perfect end to another magnificent day in paradise.
Source: The Jaco News