The Walls of Puerto Vallarta
Where a wall does not divide but brings together, this is what you will find in Puerto Vallarta. About five years ago more or less, we watched Natasha Moraga, fondly referred to as Nat, begin her mission in Puerto Vallarta. A plain unattractive wall where the streets of Pino Suarez and Basilio Badillo meet in Old Town came to life under her creative hand. A magical transformation began that has now graced other walls, plus benches, stairs, sidewalks and anyplace Nat can find to toss her plaster and shape her sparkling, colorful tiles into a story that is different to each beholder.
Pulling in the community of locals, residents and savvy tourists, who want to contribute to this beautification, Nat actually donates her time and materials to most of the murals you will see about town. Her passion is to paint Puerto Vallarta with tiles and she is finding a way to make it happen.
The art of tile work is a tradition of Mexican culture that reaches back to the mid-sixteenth century. Though there are many styles and methods, color seems to be the delightful foundation that enhances other media, as well, such as the native art of the Hiuchol and rich embroidered Otomi of many native groups of Central Mexico.
Natasha Moraga calls her work Mosayko Vallarta and it’s found around unexpected corners in Puerto Vallarta, as well as the first thing you see as you enter from the north, our city’s name spelled out in large letters.
What Nat has done with her reverent benches in the once drab entrance that leads to the pier in Old Town is amazingly enchanting. It has turned an unremarkable area into that of charm and appeal. She gives new meaning to “taking a sow’s ear and turning it into a silk purse.”
Anyone can be a part of the thrilling action of Mosayko Vallarta, Nat’s vision of beauty for Puerto Vallarta. During this year of celebrating the 100th birthday of Puerto Vallarta, the goal is renewing Parque Lazaro Cardenas with Nat’s art to become El Parque de los Azulejos (Tile Park) and to be recognized internationally. With the assistance of her brother Daniel Moraga and the gathered community, Nat’s effort continues every day. Sponsorship tiles are available and this is a good way to support Nat’s dream and to leave you own name engraved in Puerto Vallarta. There are a variety of ways one can sponsor by making a business, commemoration or anniversary tile, or something personal using your imagination. Nat runs workshops on how to do this and there is still time, with classes continuing through April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Check out the website www.parqueazulejospv.com or find her on Facebook.
Que es cómo es.
Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article! (Opinions expressed are his own…)
About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole
The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies. Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.
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