“When two dreams come together, wonderful things happen,” proclaimed Angie Garay during the March 28 celebration for the completion of the splashy Hola Ajijic mural gracing the outside of her family business, Total Body Care Spa.
Garay had long dreamed of seeing the building’s long exterior wall on Calle Juárez decorated with the kind of colorful street art that has become a village hallmark. She was more than thrilled when artist Amanda Turner approached her with a proposal that fit right in with her vision.
Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Turner arrived in Ajijic last November after traveling through Central America. Bringing previous experience with painting interior murals, she was delighted to take the opportunity to fulfill her longtime wish to create an outdoor work of art on public view. Armed with a design inspired by the area’s lush landscape and friendly atmosphere, Turner started the painting the first week in March, finishing it in 12 days. Dozens of friends, art lovers and spa clients showed up to offer congratulations at a lively street party thrown for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.