Living in Luxury I The Vibrant Arts Scene

I am often asked what it is that I love about Puerto Rico. I think one surprise to people from outside the island is the truly rich culture in the arts, architecture, and  music scene present here. It’s magnetic to a degree and often invites you to join in or participate in some way. I have taken several art classes at the Liga del Arte just to immerse myself in the Old City and to be surrounded by the energy. I’ve been privileged to be invited on several Architectural Tours of the Old City, learning about the history and evolutions defining the island. Finding my muse as I like to call it, taps into my soul. Today, I have signed up to take an art history class in Puerto Rico. I took several art history classes in college and it changed my life, the way I view things and appreciate things. Take a class, visit the world renowned museums, see the Puerto Rico Symphonic Orchestra at the Bellas Artes, tour the Galleries of Old San Juan, attend a free concert at the Conservatory of Music, go to the Ballet Concierto, see the street art of Calle Cerra, and attend one of the many art festivals (hint: there’s more than just Sanse). Step into this world, you will not be sorry you did.

List of some of my favorites is below. 

Puerto Rico’s artistic landscape pulses with the rhythm of centuries old traditions all while embracing contemporary expression. The heritage of Puerto Rico stems back to the time of the Taino Indians followed by the arrival of the Spanish colonizers where European artistic influences are still evident in the art and architecture found here. The forced migration of the Africans contributed rich musical craft traditions in bomba, plena, and salsa. All of these influences have become integral in Puerto Rico's cultural identity. 

Puerto Rico’s museums have become the guardians of cultural memory. They serve as the repositories of its artistic history and platforms for contemporary expression. The award winning Museo de Art de Puerto Rico in Santurce serves as the islands premier fine art institution, housing a collection spanning five centuries, and boasting themes from colonial religious paintings to cutting edge installations. Several other museums include the Museo de las Americas in Old San Juan, The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Santurce, the Museo de Arte de Ponce, and the Museo de Arte de Bayomon, not to mention the countless galleries.  All very distinguished in their own right and worthy of a visit. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect is how these institutions have managed to cultivate community engagement.  Offering “Talleres” or Classes, from hosting talks, to social gatherings, these spaces have become cultural gathering epicenters. They have ignited a passion for the arts by providing experiences that range from theater to music to dance to community performances that transform entire neighborhoods into their stages. 

I’ve had the pleasure of learning about internationally recognized figures like Francisco Oller, an impressionist artist most notable for capturing the landscape of the island's beauty or Jose Campeche's religious art and portraiture. Most recently street art and murals have become significant, transforming areas into outdoor galleries. Craft traditions such as the Vejigante masks of Ponce’s Carnival, on display at street festivals, to the lace making of Moca exemplify the diverse landscape in the arts present here. Puerto Rico offers a plethora of opportunities to partake and engage in the arts scene. Year Round opportunities can be found in the calendar of festivals to experience the culture first hand. The Festival Casal brings world class classical music to San Juan, to the annual art and culture Campechada, in whose namesake Jose Campeche, a celebration of the visual arts, music, dance, and  theater. And take your children to these events with you, as the museums and festivals cater to giving children tactile experiences. 

One of my favorite ways to be involved in the arts scene is to take workshops and classes. One can find classes in everything from drawing , ceramics, oil painting, water colors, photography, dance, and more in all areas of the island. But if you're not feeling your artistic inner muse calling, you can simply attend events offered, show support by attending a Gala, visit the museums or galleries, or take an architectural tour of the old city with Andy of the Puerto Rico Historical Building Society. My work has personally brought me into contact with all aspects of art on the island. Personal Art collections in some of the many homes I visit are impressive and often surprises my unsuspecting clients. There is a level of sophistication here that I attribute to this vibrant arts scene. Art is encouraged here, it's invited into your life by the people of Puerto Rico that value its traditions. Living with it is transformative but don’t just take my word for it. Whether through the contemplative silence of the museum gallery, the energetic community participation of a street festival, or the intimate connection of learning in the arts, finding a path is open to whomever wants it. Puerto Rico's artistic community continues to demonstrate that local culture, rooted in specific places and histories, remains one of humanity’s most valuable resources. 

Today, I am going to the Museo de Arte of Puerto Rico. 

Tomorrow, maybe the Orchestra.

Lucky me.  

Your Cultural Bucketlist:

Take a class at the Liga del Arte or the Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno 

Attend and Support the Arts by attending a Gala 

Visit an Art Museum 

Museo de Arte Puerto RIco

Museo Contemporaneo in Santurce

Museo de Arte Ponce

Museo de Arte Bayamón

Street Art -Walk or Take a Guided Tour of Calle Cerra

Bellas Artes- Orchestra, Theater, Ballet, Dance

Festivals- SanSe, Campechada, check the festival calendar 

Heineken Ventana al Jazz Fest-last Sunday of the month

The Cannon Club -Jazz 

Puerto Rico Historical Building Society Walking Tours 

Visit La Placita for Live Music

Take a Salsa Class