The four abstract stone figures produced during the recently completed Encuentro de Escultores have been placed on provisional display along Chapala’s waterfront Malecón.
Starting out with two-ton blocks of raw cantera, distinguished artists Estela Hidalgo, Dolores Ortiz, David Agredano and Estanislao Contreras carve
ms representing the theme of water and lake conservation works in the course of the 10-day marathon that took place in the open air workshop set up under tents stretched along the beach.d out for
At the closing ceremony held on Sunday, January 18, the sculptors signed a notarized act establishing ownership of the sculpt
ures to the city of Chapala. Each of the artists received an inscribed commemorative plaque in thanks for his and her creative efforts. Certificates of appreciation were handed out to the numerous local businesses, government officials and private citizens who lent support to the project.
Guadalajara architect Pablo Robles Gómez, a specialist in urban design, was introduced as the professional who is spearheading a community committee that will select locations for the permanent installation of the art works. Although Robles comes to the table with certain ideas in mind, he stressed the committee members will take public opinion into account to reach consensus on the most ide
al spots. Appropriate materials and design for display bases will also come into the discussion.
“We want to find places where the art fits harmoniously into the urban context without detracting from the landscape and where the scenery doesn’t overwhelm the individual sculptures,” the architect observes. “They should become local icons, identified as points of reference by the populace.”
The Orquesta Típica de Chapala closed out the event with the performance of lively Mexican tunes that added a festive note to the occasion.