Merida Art Galleries

With the growth in numbers of both private and public art galleries, Merida is definitely on the map art wise. Two major factors have caused this happening: Merida was named Cultural Capital of the Americas in the year 2000 and around that same time, Merida all of a sudden became an ex-pat haven drawing many North American, Canadian and European people to live here. Many of these people wanted to or needed to work. Some of them brought their love of art and business sense to Merida and opened art galleries.

This was the beginning of a dramatic change in the art offerings in the White City. When gallery hopping take note that some have Mexican style split working hours where they close for siesta. Others work straight though. Also, check their closing days, as some close on Sunday, others on Monday and some on Tuesday.
A sincere thanks to Paula Sievert of Galeria Merida who helped us with the info.
The private galleries in town are:

Galeria Merida
Owned by New Yorker Paula Sievert, is the largest private gallery in Merida. Specializing in art by local Yucatecans, she changes the shows every 4 – 6 weeks and does four major shows a year around the equinoxes and solstices. She also has a space for artists in residence. Calle 59 No 452-A between 52 and 54. T 924-0117. Open 11 AM – 6 PM daily. Closed Tues. Or by appointment.
www.galeriamerida.com

La Luz Galeria
Is located in what is being referred to as Gallery Row in Santa Ana. La Luz Galeria promotes Cuban artists along with local Yucatecan artist Alonso Maza and Australian Ann Thomson. Calle 60 No. 415A between 45 & 47. Tell 924 5952 Open Mon – Fri. 10 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 7 PM. Sat. 10 AM – 2 PM. Closed Sunday. www.laluzgaleria.com

Casa de los Artistas
Casa de los Artistas, also located in Gallery Row on Calle 60 No. 405 between 43 & 45 is owned and operated by Mexican artists Abel Vazquez and Melva Medina. Both internationally known artists, they promote and sell their works which include sculpture, painting and drawings. Open 10 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. Melva and Abel are continually offering workshops and classes in painting, sculpture, etc. so they are the people to contact if you want to take classes.
www.artistsinmexico.com

Galeria Tataya
Is located on Calle 72 #478 between 53 & 55 in the fashionable Santiago neighborhood. Gallery owners Francois Valcke and Gerardo Martinez opened their gallery where your will find finer pieces of Talavera ceramics, unique handcrafts and folk art, lovely antiques, custom designed wrought iron pieces and a collection of contemporary art that includes paintings, drawings and photography. Open Tues – Sat 11 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 7 PM. Closed on Sun & Mon. www.tataya.com.mx

El Drangon Sabio
(The Wise Dragon) is located on Calle 60 No. 381A between 41 and 43. Italian Francesco owns this gallery where according to him he sells beautiful things! that include antique furniture, Italian 18 K gold necklaces, fine silver, photography, wood sculpture and works by Mexican artist Fernando Ancona Ojeda. Open 10 AM – 12 noon & 2 PM – 8 PM. Closed Sat. PM and Sun. Also by appointment.
Tel. 928 9068. www.bazardragon.com

Georgia Charuhas
Is a renowned, respected and much loved artist, has been living in Merida for 35 years. Her colonial home in the Santiago neighborhood is her workshop and gallery. Georgia’s paintings are whimsical and soulful at the same time. Georgia invites interested collectors and fellow artists to visit her studio.By Appointment Call 923-0495 or email artoriginals1@yahoo.com www.georgiacharuhas.com

Habemus Galeria
Is a private gallery located in the north of the city owned by three artists/partners: Sandra Nikolai, Rosa Elena Palmer and Ana Rosa Aguilar. The address is Calle 11 #101-E x 20 Col. Mexico Norte. They exhibit paintings.
www.habemusgaleria.com

In La'Kech Gallery
(The Other Me). Barbara McClatchie is a photographer with a gallery space on Calle 60 No. 595A between 73 & 75, five blocks south of the Main Plaza. While small - it accommodates 10 to 15 large works - it is elegant and well lit. In La’kech does not yet have fixed hours. Anyone wishing to see the current exhibition can call her or the individual artists which are posted on the website or in the display windows. Passers-by can ring the doorbell to be attended. www.galeriainlakech.com

Katrin Schikora
Working in high quality ceramic, her specialty is lighting, be it wall sconces, table lamps or mood lighting. Her studio is in Cholul, a small town just minutes from Merida. To get to Cholul, you can either drive out there in your personal or rental car, or take a taxi to the village and then a trici-taxi to her home/studio.
You might want to call first. 921-5127 or cel 999-995-3769
www.katrin-schikora.com

DAVID SIERRA STUDIO 57
This local artist has a studio/gallery on Calle 57 between 52 and 54 and is open in the mornings.

VISUAL ARTS CENTER IF THE CULTURE INSTITUTE OF YUCATAN
Calle 60 No. 411 between 45 & 47
This gallery is always presenting collective shows in various mediums.

El Cervantino
Visual Art, Jazz Lounge
Calle 47 No. 520-D between 64 and 66 Close to Santa Ana Park
Contact Eduardo Cervantes

Luis Corral, Miguel Angel Reyes & Neri Falconio
Work out of their studio where they have a large collection of modern and figurative works that can be seen in the morning from 9 AM – 2 PM Mon– Sat. Closed Sun. because he is showing at the Jardin de Arte, an outdoor side walk exhibition on the Paseo Montejo that goes from Calle 47 up to Ave. Perez Ponce. Studio: Calle 55 No. 510B between 62 & 64.

Galeria Victoria
This gallery is located on Calle 44 between Calles 63 and 61.

Art Gallery Tours
Galeria Merida and the Merida English Library have joined forces so that you, can visit the art studios and galleries of four local artists each week. In an air-conditioned van you will be driven around town to these art havens of internationally exhibited artists. Thursday 9:45 AM from the library (Calle 53 between 66 and 68.) This is the perfect time to purchase a wonderful piece of local art. $350 per person, Limited to 8.
www.meridaenglishlibrary.com

Recommended reading
 Art Festival 2008
 Anthropological Museum
Casa de los Artistas
 La Luz Gallery
 Katrin Schikora
 Mayan Art
 Museums
Sidewalk Sculpture Exhibit
The Calle 60 Stroll

Visit our maps
 Map of Merida Historical Downtown
 Map of Merida Downtown
 Map of Merida City