April 2007 GALERIA BOTELLO An Artist’s Sanctuary In Old San Juan By Zain Deane Old San Juan is known for its art galleries. In fact, they are so much a part of the cultural and social scene that, once a month, the various galleries dotting the old city throw open their doors for an evening of art exhibition and free wine. The fine-art equivalent of a pub crawl is only made possible through the participation of the city’s many beautiful galleries, and few are more inviting than Galería Botello. There are two reasons why Galería Botello stands out from the (very admirable) crowd of galleries in Old San Juan. The first is the place itself: housed in a 300-year-old building on Cristo Street, the gallery is something of an eclectic sanctuary; on a hot day, you’ll feel instantly cooled and refreshed when you make your way into its arched halls to admire the work within. For a few moments of pure serenity, step into the lovely, calming oasis of a patio where, to the melody of a gurgling fountain, you can admire some of the artwork and sculptures that are meticulously arranged around you. This is a place of quiet reflection as much as it is an opportunity to appreciate artistic beauty and power. Of course, the second reason why Botello is a must-visit for art enthusiasts is its collection. The gallery showcases some of the best traditional and contemporary Latin American art, and while there is a clear focus on Puerto Rican artists, you can find some of South America’s most well-respected names here. Among the most prominent and beautiful of these are the works of owner Angel Botello, a renowned painter and sculptor. Born in Galicia, Spain, and educated in France, Botello moved to Latin America in the 1940s. The bright, vivid colors of the tropics influenced his later work, and he opened his first art gallery in Puerto Rico in 1953. His legacy and his distinctive style are beautifully encapsulated in this gallery. In addition to Botello, prominent artists on display at the gallery include Myrna Báez, Julio Valdez, Anabell Guerrero, and María de Mater O’Neill. The gallery includes paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and conceptual art. If you’re not familiar with some of these artists but love art, this is as good an introduction as you can find. True to its Puerto Rican origins, the gallery also houses an alcove dedicated to Santos, or hand-carved miniatures of Catholic saints that are a centuries-old artistic and spiritual tradition on the island. While ten-dollar Santos are available at most any gift shop, this is a place to see the real thing, hundred-year-old carved representations made by Santeros, artisans who specialize in this craft. To say the arts are flourishing in Puerto Rico is a bit of an understatement. With a massive new museum of art and several promising artists enjoying international reputations, there is a thriving community here. And Galería Botello is one of its most elegant champions. Galería Botello 208 Cristo Street, Old San Juan 00901 www.botello.com 787-723-9987 Zain Deane is the author of the upcoming guidebook, “Great Destinations: San Juan, Vieques & Culebra,” published by the Countryman Press. |
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