Puerto Vallarta - This past Friday evening, with more than 200 avid supporters looking on, the Peter Gray Art Museum on the campus of Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC) held a grand celebration of its first 10 years of existence. And there was much to celebrate:

• The Museum was relocated about 8 years ago to a beautiful and spacious stand-alone facility, from its first home in the lobby of the University auditorium.

• The Museum collection has grown 7 fold from its beginning of 17 art pieces donated from Peter’s private collection. It now numbers more than 120.

• CUC students can be seen daily roaming the Museum to complement their mostly technical degree programs.

• A student visit program for local 4th graders is gaining momentum.

The evening was kicked off with a tribute to Peter’s vision and initiative in establishing the Museum in 2002. Nacho Cadena, representing the non-profit Board established to oversee the Museum after Peter’s passing, told the story of Peter’s sales pitch to the City’s Cultural Board and the University - of his idea to start a museum on CUC’s campus. He felt it important that the technical students at CUC have some exposure to the arts. The City and the University bought in, and the rest is history.

Nacho was followed on the speaker’s platform by Carlos A. Palafox, representing CUC, who amplified Nacho’s comments regarding the importance of the Museum and providing its students with a more well rounded education.

The last to speak was Buri Gray, Peter’s wife, who thanked everyone for keeping Peter’s vision alive.

On display within the Museum was a moving tribute to Peter’s life and leadership. Two videos of his contributions to Puerto Vallarta played continuously, and a wide selection of Peter’s personal art work was on exhibit.

Outside the Museum, a talented Spanish/Latin music group entertained while guests enjoyed wine and tasty lite fare on the lawn and new brick patio.

The Museum is open when school is in session, on Monday-Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm. There is no entry charge, and free parking is available near the main campus entrance, only about 100 meters from the Museum. Memberships and Sponsorships are available and encouraged, to assist in museum maintenance and upkeep and to fund improvements to the Museum’s facilities and programs. Please call Buri Gray at 221- 5285 for more information or to volunteer.