Efrén Gonzalez, director of the Centro Cultural de Ajijic, recently announced plans to take the center to another level of functionality for the community.
“Basically we have a wonderful large building, with some wonderful murals, Maestro Miguel Miramontes’ epic piece of sculpture, walls on which to hang large shows that surround echoing empty spaces,” said Gonzalez. “To keep interest in all facets of the arts growing in our community we need to develop a real stage with the proper equipment and spaces so we can host plays, concerts, dance and other events.”
Two alternative sets of preliminary plans for a stage and theater installation will be revealed to the public as the highlight of the jam-packed day of cultural events on Saturday, August 16.
We have accomplished much here. We’re teaching computer classes and are continuing to add murals to the building. Last year we sponsored a drive to purchase a good quality piano so that concerts could be held in the building.
“To reach this newest goal, we have been working with architect Leon Felipe Hernandez and with university theater instructors and local theater experts so that we can complete a professional stage, lighting, and sound. This project will serve both the Mexican and expat residents of Ajijic for many years and bring new life to the arts.”
“First up on the artistic agenda will be the collective exhibit featuring the work of 15 to 20 local artists in the center. Visitors may view the works beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing through the day. The center receives a 15-percent commission on works sold from the show.
Around 1 p.m. the mood will switch as lakeside’s favorite guitarist, Lauro Brujito, performs in the Ajijic plaza. Brujito plays a variety of stringed instruments and genres of music. Regardless of the songs he selects to play from his repertoire, he is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Gonzalez will be the center of attention at 3 p.m. when he begins one of his popular painting demonstrations. He will complete a full-size painting in less than 90 minutes as those in the plaza watch his technique and progress. Then at 4:30 p.m., he switches roles and takes up the auctioneer’s gavel as a series of paintings and other art works go on the block to be sold to the highest bidder.
There will barely be time for a break after the auction before the members of the Ballet Folkloric of Ajijic dance into the plaza at 6 p.m. An hour of color, music and enthusiasm will follow as the locals present the traditional dances of Mexico.
The day’s only event with an admission charge begins at 7 p.m. when a spectacular dance troupe from Ocotlan takes the simple Casa de Cultura stage with a performance of Bali-Polynesian dances. Tickets for this event are 100 pesos per person.
Gonzalez will push ahead with the theater project as soon as this initial unveiling of the preliminary plans is over. In mid-September, he intends to hold an official presentation of the selected plans for the public and the Chapala mayor. At that event he hopes to have early estimates of the costs involved and ways in which the public can help achieve this huge project.