Bountiful Arts

Inspired by beautiful surroundings

By Kirstin Frieze

In choosing to travel to another country on vacation, we demonstrate an openness to, and even an interest in learning about another culture, including its history, customs, traditions, cuisine and, sometimes, even its language. Los Cabos has long been favored as a travel destination because of its pristine and expansive beaches, championship golf courses and activities centered around the Baja desert and the two bodies of water that surround it. For some travelers though, that offering was not enough, and a noticeable cultural void became obvious.

Creative, well-traveled and intellectual visitors to the area created a demand for art in all its forms, and in recent years Los Cabos has infused itself with various art forms that represent a variety of cultures. Gone are the days in which paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and one-of-a-kind jewelry were hard to find here at Land’s End. In fact, just as it has in other areas, Los Cabos has surpassed many visitors’ expectations in the plethora of art offered here. Whether it’s in a small and intimate inn or one of the area’s many five-star resorts or specialty shops, art in today’s Los Cabos abounds.

The Pueblo Bonito Hotels & Resorts have a large international art collection, which is featured throughout their hotels. Boasting an impressive four properties in Los Cabos alone, this group has demonstrated a flare for culture that’s unparalleled in the area and is committed to providing beauty, style and gracious surroundings to its guests from beginning to end.

If the pink facade weren’t enough to help visitors distinguish between the Sea of Cortés fronting Pueblo Bonito Rosé and other resorts, the entryway to the hotel would be. Situated below a beautifully ornate gold ceiling and flanked by a pair of carved and gilded Italian Renaissance columns, dating from around 1500, the lobby itself is worthy of marveling. Roman gods and goddesses and other figures are in abundance throughout the property. This resort features a giant statue of Neptune, the sea god, in the middle of the reflecting pool; marble busts of emperors Caesar Augustus and Caracalla along the garden walks of the hotel’s grounds; and a bronze statue of Mercury, messenger to the gods, is the centerpiece at Mare Nostrum, the Rosé’s premier restaurant.

Although on the opposite side of Land’s End, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach can hold its own when it comes to creative expression and sheer elegance. The hacienda-style architecture is a prelude to the mainly Spanish and Mexican colonial art to be found within this lavish resort. From religious paintings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries to depictions of battles at sea and other water-inspired works, it is as if the story of Los Cabos itself, or at least Mexico, is told through Sunset Beach’s collection.

One of Cabo San Lucas’ newest resort communities, located on the Pacific Ocean side, is Capella Pedregal. This resort has taken luxury to a whole new level, and the art that they offer is nothing short of spectacular. Sure to cater to even the most distinguished art collector’s needs, Capella Pedregal has an on-site retail boutique and artisan gallery called Almarte. This unique gallery space acts as an artist’s creative studio and features the works of artisans from Baja and throughout Mexico, with a large focus on artists considered to be masters in their crafts. The space is an interactive setting for artists to create works and simultaneously interact with guests, teaching guests particular techniques in their respective mediums. In addition to the gallery, the retail boutique will be supporting this concept by selling the works of these featured artists, along with other goods like jewelry, accessories and home décor items, all created by Mexican artists.

If finding vast quantities of art in just a few blocks’ radius is what you’re after, San José del Cabo’s Art District is where you’ll undoubtedly find that perfect piece you’ve been searching for. Situated near the famed cathedral in the colonial downtown area, the Art District is now comprised of 16 independent galleries, each offering highly distinct pieces. All of them participate in the incredibly popular Thursday night Art Walk. Serving complimentary wine and tapas, each gallery within the District stays open until 9 p.m. November through June, allowing visitors to speak to the gallery owners and even some of the artists themselves.

Included among the participating galleries are Old Town Gallery, Galería de Ida Victoria, and the Los Cabos Amber Gallery and Fine Art Annex. Old Town Gallery, one of the original members of the Art District and located inside one of San José’s historic buildings, is just the gallery for those looking for works focusing purely on Los Cabos, Baja and Mexico as a whole. The theme here is “Mexico Through the Eyes of the Artist.” Galería de Ida Victoria offers a selection of contemporary art by a wide variety of international artists, and will play host to more than 20 visiting artists throughout 2010. Workshops are available both in-studio and on location around Los Cabos, determined by the artists’ schedules. Known for its professional framing facilities as well, this gallery is one-stop shopping at its best. Los Cabos Amber Gallery boasts the only collection of fine amber products in the area, including jewelry, decorative containers and sculptures, all handmade, from amber that was selected from the Chiapas region of Mexico. What better way to get out and about, have some delicious food and spirits, and absorb some international culture, all while enjoying a great Los Cabos evening!

While in San José del Cabo, be sure to visit Frank Arnold Gallery, located at 1137 Calle Comonfort. Art was even infused into the gallery’s façade, where native stone reflects the traditional architecture of the region. Originally from the San Joaquin Valley in California, Arnold uses this as his second gallery/studio, the first of which is in Fresno. As an artist himself, with pieces displayed in galleries around the world, the gallery shows Arnold’s own work, primarily abstract paintings, but showcases visiting artists’ works as well. Using numbers in many of his pieces, Arnold’s artwork is sure to spark many a conversation.

From simple sketches to outlandish abstract creations, from historically significant to beautifully contemporary, Los Cabos hotels, galleries and shops are ready to compete with even the most sophisticated European city by offering art around every bend. From the food served in the myriad of international restaurants to the décor in the unique and immaculate hotels, and even otherworldly souvenir ideas, this region has creative beauty in the bag.

Frank Arnold
The Lure of Los Cabos

By Rick Stedman

The lure of Los Cabos has attracted yet another quality artist to the area: Frank Arnold Gallery recently opened in the San José del Cabo art district. In joining the Los Cabos art scene, the gallery accommodates both Arnold's abstract paintings as well as works of visiting artists. The storefront itself is inviting, featuring native stone in a Mexican modern design with subtle colonial touches inspired by the traditional architecture of the region.

Art has always played a role in Frank Arnold's life. "When I was 8 years old, I wanted to enter an art contest at the local fair because I was so taken with color and light," he explains. "I can't remember a point of realization as an artist, but I think it has been such a long progression that 'Art' and I have grown up together."

Born in Long Beach, California, Arnold graduated from Fresno State University. Over the years he's experimented with several mediums such as clay, wood, plastics and metal. But his heart is abstract painting. "Abstract figurative is my favorite at this time," he admits. "I think it feeds my need to use a lot of color, both visually and in volume of paint."

In the mid-1980s, Arnold opened his first gallery in the Warehouse District of downtown Fresno, the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Part of the attraction to Los Cabos was the similarity in weather with Fresno. "The weather (in Cabo) is perfect for painting 10 months out of the year, similar to central California," says Arnold. "I feel Los Cabos is on the verge of becoming an international art mecca." He plans on dividing his time equally between the two venues.

As an artist, Frank Arnold's work is in collections worldwide. His abstract painting style exhibits a color sense and comfort level with the medium as he pours his innermost feelings onto the canvas. Each work is representative of his ongoing self-exploration of past and present life experiences. "While my art is abstract, I am honest with myself," he says. "Others put their own meaning to the work, but for me, like a dream, once complete, some meaning is again hidden."

Another aspect of the creative process is witnessing the reaction of others. Arnold especially enjoys the emotional response of each person as they apply their own feelings and impressions to his visual work. "Everyone sees something different in abstract painting," he says.

Arnold is co-founder of ArtHop, the largest monthly gallery participation event in the San Joaquin Valley. He also has conducted numerous classes and participated in group shows and symposiums. His work can be seen at the Denise Roberge Gallery in Palm Desert, California, as well as on his website at www.frankarnoldart.com. Visit the website for the Los Cabos gallery hours and special events.

Click here to browse the shops in Cabo and other areas of Baja, Mexico.