Puerto Vallarta - An enthusiastic crowd estimated at more than 300 attended the opening of the newest special event at the Peter Gray Art Museum - "Artist of the Museum."

On Friday, February 8th thirty local artists were invited to exhibit one of their more recent creations, to display adjacent to their earlier works on permanent display within the museum. This was truly an historic event for Puerto Vallarta. Never before has such a broad collection of artists had a venue to exhibit their work as a single collection.

The spectrum of art being produced in Puerto Vallarta was never more apparent, with contemporary mixing with naïf, oil with watercolor, sculpture in bronze, stone, and wood, all beautifully displayed in the bright confines of the impressive Peter Gray Museum.

Artists represented in the exhibition include legends such as Manuel Lepe and Ramiz Barquet, along with current favorites Ada Colorina, Javier Nino, Rogelio Diaz, and many more. Most were on hand to answer questions and to talk art in general with an enthusiastic crowd. Museum curator Bill Megrail and University President Dr. Max Greig provided opening remarks.

The exhibit will remain on display through March 23rd. Entrance is free of charge to both members and the general public. The museum is open Monday through Friday 11 am - 6 pm and on Saturday 11 am - 2 pm.

The museum is located on the campus of Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC,) a few miles north of the airport. Proceed on Highway 200 to the turnoff to the right just past Home Depot, heading toward Ixtapa. After about 2 kilometers, turn right at the intersection marked with a CUC sign. The university will be on the right, with free parking just after entering the main gate. The museum is a short walk down a tree lined walkway, with a beautifully manicured sculpture garden pointing the way to the museum on your left. We encourage you to venture out to the museum some sunny day, to view not only the exhibition but the adjacent Reptile Conservancy and surrounding campus as well.