Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Puerto Vallarta Cultural Department will pay tribute to Jim Demetro, the creator of many of the city's most iconic public sculptures, on Friday, December 14 at 6:30 pm in Lazaro Cardenas Park.

Most of us are familiar with Jim Demetro. He is the talented artist who has donated to the people of Vallarta such monumental pieces as the "Vallarta Dancers" on the Malecón; the "Washer Woman" in front of Molino de Agua; "Andale Bernardo," the bronze of a burro being pulled and pushed by small boys that enhances Lazaro Cardenas Park; the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sculpture that graces the entrance to La Iguana restaurant at Casa Kimberley; and his latest installation, "The Fishermen," a complex piece consisting of a man and small boy sleeping by the pier, with a dog, a cat, and a pelican all interested in the fish they caught, which is located on the Malecon extension between Langostinos Restaurant and the Los Arcos Hotel at the western end of Manuel M. Dieguez.

Captivated by Mexico, Jim has endeavored to create public sculptures that capture the spirit of the Mexican people. He has donated these to Puerto Vallarta, and the city has placed them for maximum exposure to its citizens and visitors.

"Puerto Vallarta is known for its appreciation of artwork. I'm grateful so many people have joined me in my mission to make meaningful art that preserves the cultural heritage of this special place," Demetro says.

Originally from Battle Ground, Washington, Demetro has been sculpting professionally since 1992, and has created more than fifty-five larger-than-life, public pieces throughout the U.S. and Mexico. He has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award for artists in Southwest Washington State.

And now the Puerto Vallarta Cultural Department will honor Jim Demetro at a ceremony to be held on Friday, December 14 at 6:30 pm, next to his burro sculpture in Lazaro Cardenas Park on the South Side of Puerto Vallarta. Afterwards, the Xiutla Folkloric dancers will perform at 7:30 pm.