Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The 13th season of the very popular (and free!) Malecón Sculpture Walking Tours, created and conducted by Galería Pacifico owner Gary Thompson, is underway and will continue on a weekly basis through the middle of April.

The morning tour begins every Tuesday at 9:30 am in front of the "Millennium" sculpture, next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. There, sculptor Sr. Fernando Baños (also known as Mathis Lidice) starts the tour off by explaining the history, the making, and the details on this towering figure.

Afterwards, Gary leads the tour along the Malecón, explaining the artist and history behind about 15 art works. He also points out minute details that you might have otherwise missed, giving you a deeper understanding of the significance of each sculpture. Another treat along the way is Kevin Simpson, of Colectika and Peyote People art galleries, explaining the numerous Huichol symbols that are etched into the Malecón's pavement.

The Thursday evening sunset tours start at 6:00 pm at Galeria Pacifico, located at Aldama #174, between Juarez and Morelos Streets. This 1 1/2 hour tour goes south along the Malecón to the Demetro Galeria across from Lazaro Cardenas Park, where sculptor Jim Demetro talks about his public sculptures: Dancers of Vallarta, Woman Washing Clothes, and Andale Bernardo. As well, he is always happy to explain the complex wax process he still uses to create his sculptures in bronze, while his wife Eva offers wine and snacks.

Please Note: The Sunset Sculpture Tour will be suspended on Thursday, November 22, in celebration of American Thanksgiving, but will resume the following Thursday and continue on a weekly basis through mid-April, 2019.

Gary's personal experiences and interactions with the sculptors, as well as his numerous personal friendships with many of Vallarta's other artists, make the walk both entertaining and educational. And, as an added bonus, both sculpture tours support Biblioteca Los Mangos, Puerto Vallarta's public library and cultural center. Representatives of Los Mangos are on hand at the end of both tours to explain their many worthwhile projects and services, and to gratefully accept any donations offered to help support these activities.

"I think it is an amazing project," commented Thompson. "As a non-profit organization, Los Mangos receives next to no support from the local government. In addition, I think it's important for all of us to give back to our community. I am very mindful of this, given that I've enjoyed more than half my life in this wonderful city."

No reservations are needed for these free tours, but more information is available by calling Galería Pacifico at 222-1982 or emailing GaleriaPacifico(at)gmail.com.