Kim Tolleson has always had a unique approach. Growing up in Texas as the son of business owners, he had business in his bones, but wanted to follow a more creative path. Two years ago, after many years owning a gallery that specialized in one-of-a-kind international home décor in Santa Cruz, California, Tolleson moved to Ajijic with no real intention of going into business.
On one of his early morning ramblings, he found an interesting but derelict property located close to the Malecon, between the Old Posada and Yves Restaurant. Flooded with sunlight and overlooking the serenity of Lake Chapala, he decided it would make a perfect art studio. First, years of rubble had to be removed. It needed structural work, a good cleaning and repainting, but Tolleson was up to the challenge.
Founded on the premise that guitars are a work of visual art as well as musical, you will find a colorful feast for your eyes. Tolleson started with 45 unvarnished, unpainted guitars from Paracho, Mexico’s well known village for guitar production in the state of Michoacan. He passed out these “raw” guitars to the 30-plus artists of Ajijic and asked them to produce a work of art. In response to his request, you will find everything from Huichol beading to unimaginable flights of fancy on display. Each one represents the unique talents of Ajijic’s wealth of creative artists.
Each time an artist’s work is sold, Kim gives them a new “virgin” guitar for their next interpretation. So far, Tolleson has sold 40 guitars and counting. Many of the buyers face the challenges of new era flight restrictions. One took their purchase on board in a guitar case. Another had to have a special container built at Mail Boxes, Etc., so don’t let this detain you from returning home with a truly unique souvenir from your visit to Ajijic! Prices range from 3,000 to 9,500 pesos depending on the size and intricacy of the rendering, with the majority around 4,500 pesos.
Since its opening just over a year ago, Tolleson has been joined by Emily Allen, a self-taught artist from the Minneapolis area. Their days are spent painting surrounded by a truly eclectic array of artfully rendered guitars and their own acrylic and oil works.
Galeria del Lago and Art Studio is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They are located at Calle Morelos 1-B, near the steps of the Ajijic Malecon.
This weekend, Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10, Galeria del Lago will be a part of the Ajijic Society of the Arts second annual Open Studios Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The tour benefits the Children’s Art Program at the Lake Chapala Society and makes the studios of over 70 artists available. Get your 50-peso ticket (admits two) and map at Diane Pearl’s or the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).