Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Friday, February 16 from 6-10 pm, a cocktail reception will open an art exhibition by Spanish artist Manuel Adria at Galleria Dante, Basilio Badillo #269, in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone. Be sure to stop by and meet the artist while you're out doing this week's South Side Shuffle.

Manuel Adria was born in Barcelona, Spain in the late 50's, still under the oppressive regime of General Francisco Franco. This left a mark on his basic education and explains somewhat the controversial facets of his artistic and sensitive spirit. In 1976, when he was barely 17, he collaborated with Salvador Dali in the creation of "Sofia Saliva," a performance made at the Dali museum in Figueras, Gerona.

Following a series of exhibitions in Barcelona, Tarragona & Milan, he embarked for the Americas. He arrived in Mexico City in 1980 where he had the opportunity to meet other artists through the Siquieros Cultural Poliforum. He first arrived on the art scene in Vallarta in 1985, and has worked hard ever since to leave his mark on the artistic scene of this town. He returned to Barcelona in 1988, but has lived permanently in Puerto Vallarta since 1996.

In the past years Manuel has also executed murals in Barcelona, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. He is in numerous collections worldwide. He also completed murals in local restaurants: Café des Artistes & Vitea and a local hospital, Hospiten.

He is a prolific and constant explorer of new shapes. His popular Bohemian style has been a big hit in Vallarta with art collectors. His works is swift, graphic and easy to approach, full of light-hearted gestures. Diverse faces and expressions produced by the juxtaposition of objects and elements. Abstract lines as character's elements, tasteful as well as ethereal, suspended beyond reality in an explosion of brightness and color. His work is definite, transparent and magnetic, a window to imagination.

Manuel has a wonderful family, who remain his biggest fans: His wife Nora, their two sons, Daniel and Marcelo and, this past year, two grandchildren. He is recognized as one of the most collectable artists in this region. Come meet this wonderful artist for cocktails from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, February 16, at Galleria Dante

While you are there, be sure to check out Di Vino Dante, a chic wine and tapas bar overlooking the gallery's sculpture garden. In late June, Di Vino Dante opened a small dining area on the ground floor in a corner of Galleria Dante, for those who like to people watch. Be sure to ask about their new three-course dinner menu.