The weekend of January 17th and 18th, 2016 was gloriously sunny and just perfect for the annual art exhibition and sale held at Xanadu Island Resort by the Island Watercolor Group. Half of the proceeds of the sale will be donated to the “Women in Need” organization to help young girls and women on the island.
Art lovers and tourists enjoyed strolling through nature’s art gallery at Xanadu where tall trees form a natural canopy with the sound of birds and the waterfall in the background.
The artists, Judy Sheinbaum, Rose Escalante, Violet Henderson, Linda Kirk, Susan Lala, Sandy Day and Donna Richmond displayed a wonderful variety of original watercolors and mixed media.
For a small town San Pedro has a surprising wealth of talented local artists and galleries. You could spend an afternoon browsing through a gallery or participating in some hands on fun for yourself or your children.
On Back Street opposite the sports field and right next to the local art vendors, your will find the San Pedro House of Culture. Here you will be able to view different displays at different times, perhaps local art work, or a cultural display. Whatever display you may find when you visit you can be sure that it will be very interesting and informative.
Local artist Kirt Jason Cruz has a show room on Middle Street quite close to the RC School. His story, though sad, is also one of determination and encouragement.
“I was born in San Ignacio on 14 August 1978 to award winning artist Pedro Cruz. I grew up next to my Dad looking at his art and I was blessed to have an artistic skill in me. I was born right handed but on the 21st of September 2006 while I was in the Independence Day parade, I suffered a spinal injury that left me paralyzed from the neck down. The doctor told me I would never walk again. But having art in my soul, I started to move my hands after 4 months in bed. I lost the ability to use my right hand to do art, so my brain told me that I needed to switch hands and now I paint with my left hand. And the art is so powerful it gave me hope. After 9 years of determination I now walk again. If I did not have art, I think I would still be paralyzed. I thank God for the talent he gave me and I also want to share my talent with the world. Art is my passion.”
Melody Sanchez, is a talented local artist who owns and runs the Belizean Melody Art Gallery which can be found on Middle Street heading north towards the bridge.
Every Thursday at 2 pm Melody has a “Painting Party” at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar – grab a board and easel and make new friends. Have fun painting with the sand under your feet, the water just steps away and the cool breeze blowing. Sign up at www.paintnsplash.com
There is fun for the kids as well – just ask at the Xanadu front desk and we can set up an afternoon of art activities for them at Melody’s Art Gallery.
Belizean Arts Gallery can be found at the Fido’s Courtyard on Front Street. It is owned and operated by Lindsey Hackston who has been sharing the creative talent of the Belizean people for almost 2 decades.
The Gallery of San Pedro Ltd. can be found on Middle Street opposite the Post Office. It boasts the artwork of many local artists but is not restricted to paintings – there is art of every kind available – the largest selection of Arts & Crafts in Belize. 1500+ Belize-made paintings. Pop on in and see if you can find a unique piece of art work there for you!
