A posthumous tribute to artist Víctor Romero Llamas is featured among three new exhibits now showing at the Centro Cultural Ajijic.
The farewell show is coupled with a selection of colorful paintings by his widow, Isela Martínez, hanging in the second-floor gallery. A third exhibit features a collection of sculptures and ceramic and glass art creations by San Juan Cosalá artist Sergio Cuevas Corona, which fills the ground-floor salon.
Víctor died on April 9 at age 73, succumbing to a prolonged battle with kidney disease. He was born in Ajijic on November 2, 1953. His development as an artist began in the early 1960s, around the age of eight, when his painting skills emerged at the Biblioteca Pública founded by Neill James. Youngsters attending the children’s art program were given access to art supplies after completing homework assignments or honing reading skills in books drawn from the library shelves.
Víctor was blessed with a keen eye that gave him the uncanny ability to copy any image he came across on the pages of the library books. As time went on, he developed a passion for painting the scenery of his hometown, sometimes creating reproductions from photographs he found of village streets and Lake Chapala landscapes.
Víctor was known for a generous spirit and his keen interest in teaching art to local children through private classes and the Lake Chapala Society’s continuation of the children’s art program. His widow, Isela, was among the older students who learned at his elbow, going on to become one of his most accomplished protégés. He also frequently contributed works to Cruz Roja fundraisers and other charitable causes.
Victor was laid to rest on April 11, following a funeral Mass at the San Andrés Parish. He leaves behind his spouse, two grown children, 39 grandchildren from various relationships, plus a wealth of fine art and an enduring legacy of local talent.