Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Friday, December 1st from 6-10 pm, during this week's South Side Shuffle, a cocktail reception will open a father/daughter art exhibit featuring the works of Guadalajara artists Oscar Zamarripa & Alejandra Zamarripa at Puerto Vallarta's largest and most eclectic fine art gallery, Galleria Dante.

Oscar Zamarripa

Born in Guadalajara in 1949, Oscar's career as an artiststarted some 45 years ago. He studied in the Fine Arts school at the U of G, where he received the Luis Echeverreia medal for the best student of sculpture. He is in a constant quest for perfection, working up to 20 hours a day.

Spring 2014 marked a highlight in his career - every artist's dream to be invited by a prestigious museum to exhibit! The MUSA (Museum of the Arts) in Guadalajara had the honor of inviting Oscar to a beautiful exhibition of his works. It was a memorable evening and the show lasted 2 months. Over the years, his admirers are in awe as his jumps between mediums: bronze, silver, resins, polymers, metal, stainless steel, wood, granite, alabaster, onyx, petrified wood, semi-precious stones, ceramic, found objects and stained glass.

We marvel at his exquisite, elaborate textures, elegant curves, use of color. He is a master of the ancient technique of estofado, which involves a special paint finish over silver & gold lead that has been applied to finely chiseled wooden used within the Catholic church for centuries Oscar always personalizes his "one of a kind", two-sided sculptures with his unique style of "magic realism."

Every sculpture has a story, every story includes a time and place in the memories of Oscar, past and present. "For me it is very important not to forget my childhood experiences, so I have recorded them into my sculptures. They are stories that I would like to share with others."

To know Oscar is to love him. He has joy in him, as do his sculptures. You rarely meet anyone who is such a nice person, hard worker and so talented all at the same time. "My work arises from my need to share my soul with the viewer, through images of my childhood, rescuing pre-Hispanic dances and rituals, keeping them alive in time. The cultural roots of my people are recognizable in my work."

Alejandra Zamarripa

Born in 1975 in Guadalajara Alejandra is one of two daughters born to Rosa and Oscar Zamarripa. She was raised in a family of artists. Her mother a dancer, her father a set designer and long time sculptor and painter. Many of her aunts and uncles are artistic, so she was raised surrounded with artistic stimulation. Ale herself teaches ceramics to a small group of friends. She has always explored other mediums working in silver and bronze as well.

After graduating with a degree in Architecture, and working for many years, she found herself drawn back to sculpting, when faced with a lull between Architectural projects. What started as a moment of boredom and lack of work in her trade, has fired up her passion and confidence in ceramics.

For her exhibit, Ale presents both bronze and ceramic sculptures. She has a wonderful sense of color and attention to detail. Her first exhibit was in 1999 in Tlaquepaque. Her first exhibit in Puerto Vallarta was in 2003 at Galeria Uno, alongside her famous father.

This will be the 8th time she has exhibited in Vallarta. How can one family have so much talent? This father / daughter duo will not disappoint you.

While you are out doin' this week's South Side Shufle, please stop in at Galleria Dante to show your support of this Master artist; to celebrate his incredible career and that of his talented daughter.

While you are there, be sure to check out Di Vino Dante Wine & Tapas Bar, a relatively new addition to the old hacienda that houses Galleria Dante and the gallery's sculpture garden. Located on the 2nd floor above Galleria Dante, with a small dining area on the ground floor for those who like to people watch, Di Vino Dante is open daily from 2-11 pm.