Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Thursday, December 11th, Di Vino Dante will welcome artists Mary Jane Miller and Valentin Gomez, who'll be giving a free 30 minute slide presentation on 'Icons,' followed by a 15 minute Q&A and a preview of the art show to follow at Galleria Dante on Friday night.

Come out at 6 pm sharp (the presentation only lasts one hour) and enjoy free cocktails while learning about the fascinating process of "iconography." What better time to explore this ancient art form than when Mexico is celebrating a religious holiday? And who better to explain the art than experienced iconographers like Mary Jane Miller and Valentin Gomez?

The technique dates back to the Egyptian mummy portraiture; earth pigments suspended in hot wax used during the first century evolved into the use of dry pigments and egg yolk. Miller sought out the expertise of her life-long partner, Valentin Gomez, to elaborate on what had become a fascination with all techniques involved in iconography throughout history. She is challenged and fascinated with the icons' intrinsic and mystical elements.

You won't find a pair of artists like this anywhere in the world. Both of them began their current work at the same time, not knowing one another and in different countries. It was chance that brought them together as friends and fellow adventurers in techniques nearly lost in today's world. The term "repousse" refers to the hammering of silver/pewter into flat sheets then engraving and tooling it on both sides to create form and designs used to "cover" the precious icon image. The technique evolved and was widely utilized by the 8th century. By the 16th century, it had reached its glory, incorporating gold, jewels, pearly inlay and filigree. Gomez is the master of repousse!

These two partners have worked collaboratively since August 2000. The quality of work you see here is just the beginning of what they hope will long endure in the archives of contemporary work created in this millennium.

Di Vino Dante is located above Galleria Dante at Basilio Badillo #269 on the South side of Puerto Vallarta. For more information, call (322) 223-3734.

Open Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm, or by appointment during the Summer months, Galleria Dante is located at Basilio Badillo #269 in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone. For more information, call (322) 222-2477, or send an email to info(at)galleriadante.com.

Click HERE to learn more about Galleria Dante.