Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's something about Puerto Vallarta that has always seemed to attract artists and art lovers. Often referred to as "Mexico's Art Mecca," Vallarta boasts more art galleries than any other coastal destination in Mexico.

Its various galleries form an important network in the art market, offering everything from paintings and sculptures to pottery and folk art created by local artists, internationally famous painters, young emerging artists, and Mexico's most celebrated masters.

In addition to the galleries, various public spaces showcase artistic exhibitions year-round. The Malecón is filled with fantastical sculptures created by noted artists from the state of Jalisco, and it is not unusual to find paintings, sculptures and art in all mediums at seasonal markets and in public parks and squares.

An example of this is the Art Village by La Isla, a concept that aims to showcase more than 100 art works by 15 Vallarta painters, in an area of the outdoor shopping center known as 'The Fair,' every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 to 10:00 pm through April 22.

The artists who will be exhibiting include: Ada Colorina, Quetzal, Federico Leon de la Vega, Rafael Camacho, Isela Mariscal, Beatriz Narvaez, José Moreno Aparicio, Talia, Marina Narváez, Ernesto Mata, Carmina Díaz and special guests.

This is a great opportunity to meet some of the Banderas Bay region's most recognized artists, talk with them about their artistic creations, and perhaps even acquire some of their art to take home with you as a permanent reminder of your time here in Vallarta.

In addition to this, exploring the La Isla shopping center is a pleasant experience. Spread out over 33,000 square meters, the plaza is filled with upscale boutiques and jewelry stores, handicraft and souvenir shops, restaurants and food stands, and wide open spaces with gardens and waterways, all in a vibrant natural atmosphere where you can enjoy a walk, a meal or shopping with family and friends.

The Tourism Trust congratulates the artists and event organizers for keeping Puerto Vallarta's reputation as a great outdoor gallery alive. The Art Village by La Isla exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, visit LaIslaPuertoVallarta.mx.