Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Peter Gray Art Museum on the campus of Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC) re-opens Monday, January 9 after the holiday break. This includes an exhibition of amazing sculptures by Puerto Vallarta's own Gloria Elies.

The Gloria Elies show of more than a score of bronze sculptures, about half from private collections, is installed in the small gallery until January 21. Elies, now 88, has lived in Puerto Vallarta/Yelapa since the 60's.

Her inspiration is Mexican beach life - sensitive bronze portrait-busts of family and friends, figure studies of pets and horses and musicians and fish and fishermen. The original casting of "Los Mariachis" was sponsored by her friend and patron John Huston.

Standing guard is "Los Zapatistas" an elegant confrontation of three inter-locking horsemen. Book ending the collection, with his catch of the day, is a monumental fisherman "El Pescador." The polished brass Huachinango is modeled after the catch of Jonathan Hale (co-author of Star Wars) bagged off the coast of Mahahuitas. This exhibit is a rare view of Vallarta´s endearing charms.

The large gallery continues to hold a large part of the museum's impressive permanent collection. Please do plan to visit The Peter Gray Art Museum before the Gloria Elies exhibition is closed on January 21.

Also mark your calendars for the museum's next major exhibit to open with a reception on Thursday, January 26. We will premier an important weaving exhibit, "Esplendor del Textil" featuring incredible finely woven textiles by Zapotec artisans from the Southern state of Oaxaca. More to follow.