Felix Murillo and Andrea Raffo give some color to Pacific Park

The exhibition “Colores y texturas para un poema” ("Colors and textures for a poem") was held from July 2 through July 11 in downtown Tamarindo. Going through the door of the condo awoke the romance of even the least curious person. You can see the Pacific Park from anywhere in Tamarindo, but when walking toward it you could see the incredible colors of the sample contrasting with the colors of the building. Murillo has more than 20 years of painting in his country, Costa Rica, and is internationally recognized in countries such as Germany and Spain. Andrea, who was born in Mexico and is from a Peruvian family, found her passion for working in glass in Playa Negra under the instruction of one New Yorker. "Anyone in the community who want to display his/her art will find an ideal and free space at Pacific Park," said Karina Flecha Delaunay, manager of the condominium. As a result, a symbiotic relationship is formed since both parties benefit. (Info@pacificparkcr.com)

Despite the bad weather that has prevailed in the area, they managed to sell some works thanks to the joint efforts of Andrea Raffo and Elena Lamíquiz, who is a representative of Felix Murillo. For Karina, it was a real pleasure to work with them.

At first glance, the exhibition was a success. Andrea and Elena shared with us the reasons for mounting the exhibition specifically in Tamarindo’s Pacific Park. Firstly, Andrea chose Tamarindo because it is the closest point to civilization. She lives in Playa Negra, which is 30 minutes away by car, where she owns a hotel-restaurant next to her gallery and workshop. According to Andrea, Negra is small and desolate, but she has always been able to keep herself busy and in business with the tourists that pass through.

Andrea explained that another reason she mounted her exhibition at Pacific Park because the park has been providing a space for art shows since last year, and she thinks it is fantastic that there is a local place that encourages art. Elena, meanwhile, informed us that they have a wide portfolio of clients in the Central Pacific and wanted to open a new market in Guanacaste. Pacific Park provided them with a space and an interesting opportunity to do so.

As to the results of the exhibit, they both said that it was difficult because it rained a lot, unlike other years. However, they both agreed on the fact that they met wonderful customers from different countries. Andrea said that it was difficult to call the attention of the local “Tamarindean” public, but that her work experience with Murillo was quite good. She added that Felix and company were a wonderful tribe that added "pure essence" to the work.  According to Elena, the best thing that happened was to expose Andrea for her high artistic and, above all, human value. Elena also expressed her gratitude to the public of Tamarindo, to David, bassist of Indigo, and Carlos from “La Buena Vida” for their friendship during her stay in Tamarindo.

Andrea's work ranges from small glassware to architectural works such as doors and windows (www.amanoglass.com). Murillo has the gift for working with different mediums, such as oil and acrylic paints, and has expressed his art in murals, sculptures and "body-painting." They opted to bring the most-known pieces of their art to Tamarindo, which include their magical and colorful fish as well as a very interesting sample of a collage (www.felixmurillo.com).

Is there going to be a second exhibit in Tamarindo?  "Why not?" said Andrea, and Elena, despite her hectic agenda for this year, said "The people of Tamarindo has treated us so well!" I suppose this shows their desire to return, despite their busy schedules.