Teatro Nacional - Costa Rica

A source of cultural pride for the performance arts, Teatro Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica still stands like a grand dame even after being rocked by an earthquake.  Coffee plantation owners through their tax contributions financed the construction when it began in 1891 and completed in 1897.  As of 2014, major renovation is in progress to improve the quality of the auditorium, shore up the building structure to withstand earthquakes and preserve the ornate frescoes, murals and other art works created by European artisans. The interpretation of the work life of coffee plantations depicted in the murals was based on what an Italian artist envisioned at the time.

Wat Rong Khun - White Palace/Temple - Chiang Rai, Thailand

Created by Thai visual artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat in his hometown of Chiang Rai, the main temple is dazzling white and ornate. But as you get closer, you are reminded of the dark side of life - death, human struggles and weaknesses - like in the outstretched hands trying to escape hell.

Fallen Angel - Cusco, Peru

Having dinner and drinks at the Fallen Angel restaurant in Cusco, Peru is somewhat like attending an art gallery during opening night, full of energy and buzz, yet somehow, feeling like you are in some secret hideout or boudoir at the same time.  There were many unique arrangements in each section of the restaurant.  A converted bed with lots of plump pillows covered in animal print served as seating and a glass-topped bathtub with real fish darting inside was used as a table.  A cool and creative way to recycle and of course, to sell art!

Batman Returns - a Joyce Pensato exhibition

Take a stroll over to the Chelsea section of New York City and you can drop into any of the numerous galleries to check out exhibitions by various artists - a NYC freebie.  This exhibition presented works by a local NYC artist, Joyce Pensato.  For more about her, you may click on the following link:

http://www.petzel.com/exhibitions/2012-01-12_joyce-pensato/

Sausalito II