C U LT U R E & A R T

“When art is shared, the traveler becomes a witness and the destination turns into an experience.”

I was born in La Paz, Baja California Sur. For many years, personal circumstances led me to live far from Los Cabos and from my home state. However, after my mother passed away, I felt a deep need to return to my roots—driven by nostalgia for my parents and the desire to be close to my land. This was the only place where I could truly feel that connection.

At the time, my sister Marta was living here. That was eighteen years ago, when I recognized the opportunity to develop my passion for art. Some cultural projects already existed.

Figures such as Julián García, along with other artists and gallery owners, began their work in downtown San José del Cabo more than 30 years ago. They started at Casa Paulina, in an environment where the streets were still dirt roads, and small paper bags filled with sand and candles were used for lighting.

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be here. Although I didn’t initially plan to open a gallery, I began organizing exhibitions in hotels and noticed that tourists were looking for places to visit. That’s when I realized I needed my own space—and, for the first time in my life, I committed to a fixed schedule.

I chose San José del Cabo because my grandfather and my mother were born here. Although the family home had already been sold, it is comforting to know that they lived just across the plaza, right in the town center. Sometimes I walk by the estuary or Palmilla and remember that my mother played there as a child and visited with my grandparents.

I feel proud to be the only native gallery owner. Over time, one learns to value these moments of reconnecting with people with whom one once shared friendships, dreams, and goals. Some interests change, others remain, and the new friendships I’ve made have been incredibly enriching. The sunrises and sunsets of La Paz continue to amaze me with their beauty.

Culture Should Be for Everyone I attended the first meetings of the San José del Cabo Historic Center Association when business owners sought to protect the area, as my dream has always been to bring art closer to the public. I worked to attract master artists and have collaborated with and represented creators with distinguished careers—some of whom have exhibited in national and international museums.

Today, I continue to promote local artists, although few are native to the area. Even so, it is essential to connect emerging talent with established artists so they can grow and sustain themselves professionally.

My goal has always been to show art to everyone. When I began interacting in the area, municipal workers recommended that I contact the Historic Center Association. I also sought to become part of the Art District, but I was told I needed at least 1 year of experience operating a gallery in downtown.

Eventually, I decided to formally join the Historic Center Association in 2008—a challenging year marked by economic crisis and recession. What motivated me was seeing that everyone shared a genuine desire to support the community. That year, I managed to present an exhibition by master artist Carmen Parra, who has participated in museums, biennials, and competitions, and has even represented Mexico City. It was a challenge, but they trusted me, and together we made it happen.

The Importance of Collaborative Work At that time, Enrique Silva was president, and several initiatives were launched, including Queso, Pan y Vino. For years, we met every Monday at nine in the morning, each member serving on different committees. I was assigned to the gallery committee, which later led me to serve as the board’s secretary.

As in any association, there were moments of disagreement, but we ultimately achieved the major project of remodeling the Historic Center—although this process even led to differences of opinion with some friendships.

The task was not easy. We presented the project to the municipal president, the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and the governor. Administrative changes forced us to restart the process several times, but eventually we secured the funding. Irene Bustos contributed to the architectural project; what we see today is the result of that collective effort and dedication.

Unfortunately, the municipal portion of the project has not been fully maintained—something that would be wonderful to see completed. It was a significant and highly visible initiative, and I consider it a fundamental pillar of the Historic Center’s current success. The greatest challenge was convincing authorities that our work was in the public interest.

The board was deeply committed and democratic; opinions were respected, and decisions were made collectively. There was tremendous talent involved, as coordinating and promoting an association is no simple task. After Enrique Silva, Rosa Luz Treviño assumed the role, followed later by Blanca Pedrin.

Looking Ahead Today, I believe it is essential for more young people to become involved, contribute new ideas, take on responsibilities, and truly care for this place. Documenting our history is key so that new generations of entrepreneurs understand the foundations and guidelines that define us and must be respected.