PaintourArt Galleria is Opening in Plaza del Otorongo
by Sissel W. Robertson
Next to the stairs leading from Plaza del Otoronga up to Presidente Cordova in El Centro, a brand-new Art Gallery is preparing for its Grand Opening Celebration in mid-July.
PaintourArt Galleria is the life-long dream of Victor Rexach, a Cuenca Expat with a burning passion for the Arts. With the opening of the Gallery, Victor’s vision of Cuenca as Global Painting Destination is moving closer to fulfillment.
As an art gallery with two additional businesses sharing the beautifully renovated building, the venue is sure to attract many people.
Where else can you take art lessons, buy paintings or just lose yourself looking, sip coffee and literally stop and smell the roses? You will soon be able enjoy the fragrance of the freshest roses in Cuenca and purchase a dozen or more to go if you want to! Owner, Rosana Malo, operates Trebol Roses Plantation outside Cuenca.
Susana Malo, chef extraordinaire, will operate Flora Caffe next to the roses. Rosana and Susana are amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting them on April 17 on Victor’s first PaintourArt excursion to Trebol Roses Plantation.
Upon arrival at the plantation home, Hacienda El Cortijo, Susana presented an array of interesting breads, spreads, fruits and beverages. The Hacienda was full of roses and antiques. It made me think of Architectural Digest.
After a pleasant and informative walking-tour around the grounds and the greenhouses, we were served lunch on the patio, surrounded by a lovely garden. The food was hot and delicious. As the wine flowed, we got to know one another.
It was an exceptionally lovely day in every way. Even the weather cooperated. Except for the weather, of course, I know from experience that when events are successful, someone has invested considerable thought and effort preparing. Victor leaves nothing to chance. It was obvious that Rosana and Susana were also well prepared.
In addition, Victor has a team of talented dependable guys to help him; tour-guide Carlos Lara, Artist Christian Leon and Pedro Alvarez from Best Experience Ecuador Travel Agency.
Before boarding the bus back to Cuenca with our creations, we received PaintourArt T-shirts as a thank-you gift!
The second tour on June 17 took us to Estancia San Juan in el Cajas. We met at Plaza del Otorongo. As the first time, our comfortable bus departed on time. On our way through the dramatic scenery of El Cajas, tour guide, Carlos, was very informative.
Our destination, Estancia San Juan, is a beautiful facility and home to thousands – maybe millions of trout living in various pools on both sides of the highway. These trout don’t work very hard for their food. It was great fun watching the feeding frenzy as we fed them pellets.
After the tour, we had the option of horse-back riding or fishing. It was hard to choose. The horses were sweet and well mannered. The leisurely ride through the gardens included passing under a waterfall. Those of us who chose to fish, like captive trout, didn’t work hard for our lunch either. The fish were caught before the baited hook reached the water!
For lunch, we gathered around a long table and enjoyed fried or grilled trout. There were other options for those who didn’t want fish. Again, the food was excellent. The waiters wasted no time refilling wine-glasses. The conversation was lively as a number of us had already become friends on the previous tour to Trebol Roses Plantation.
Then we painted. Tables were covered with table-cloths, easels, canvas, brushes and water. Acrylic paint was served on Styrofoam. We each chose a different picture to use as a starting point for our creations. It is a special experience to paint in a group. It’s hard to explain. I felt “worshipful!”
The next Tour is scheduled for Saturday, August 7. We will visit Hortensias Del Cabogana, which is a Hydrangea Farm. In the meantime, you can probably sign up for a class. In the near future, PaintourArt Galeria will offer Walking Art Tours! Small groups will depart on foot from the Gallery with an instructor/guide. A backpack with art supplies will be provided. I guess we’ll set up easels on a side walk. I have always longed to do this…
If you have “artsy” dreams or just love good fellowship, food and visiting interesting places, watch for the promotional ads. Better yet, drop by PaintourArt Galleria or send Victor an email. The Galleria will be open to the public on Friday, July 16 from 10 AM to 8 PM. Closed Sundays.
Victor, Susan and Rosana cannot wait to welcome you.
Flowers, coffee and art–all in one beautiful setting. What a concept.
Email: paintourart@gmail.com
Facebook: PaintourArtGalleria
Monday through Friday. 10 AM – 8 PM ~ Closed Sundays, free, Orotongo Plaza Av. Tres de Noviembre, Cuenca.
Sissel W Robertson: Sissel@CrazyWomanKayaks.com