Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - All art lovers and friends are invited to come join local sculptor Jim Demetro on the west side of the gazebo in Lazaro Cardenas Park on Friday, February 28th at 6:30 pm for the unveiling of his latest bronze sculpture, "Andale Bernardo," which he is donating to the City of Puerto Vallarta.

Demetro's sculptures are located all over the world. We are fortunate to have him in residence part of the year and donating another piece of his work to the city and people of Puerto Vallarta. In the 13 years that he has been living here, he has donated two other public sculptures to the city: the "Vallarta Dancers" on the new Malecon and "The Washer Woman" near the pedestrian bridge at Molino de Agua.

His newest sculpture, "Andale Bernardo," honors all the workers, burros, residents, and visitors who make Puerto Vallarta such a wonderful place.

Burros were instrumental in the building of Vallarta, hauling sand, rocks, and cement up and down the hills. Jim wanted to preserve their history for future generations. He spent several months last spring sculpting the original statue in clay at the Gallery above Oscar's Restaurant on the River Cuale Island using local models. He allowed lots of people to participate by adding a piece of clay to the donkey, boys or the little dog.

The statue is now ready in bronze, thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Isabel Manore of Casa Isabel Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, and numerous donors.

Jim is also extending his deepest gratitude to others who were instrumental in getting the sculpture to its permanent home: Puerto Vallarta Mayor Lic. Ramon Demetrio Guerrero Martinez, Cultural Director Sergio Zepeda Moreno, Architect Francisco Marugan, foundry owner Gustavo Lopez Ochoa (who also cast the Washer Woman), President of Neighborhood Association of Emiliano Zapata Maria Magdalena Avelar Mondragon of Hotel Eloisa, Oscar's Restaurant and Gallery, owners of Hotel Los Arcos, Galeria Pacifico and its owner Gary Thompson (who guides the weekly Tuesday morning Sculpture Walks and represents Jim's work), Prof. Enrique Barrios Limon (the founder/leader/choreographer of the youth folkloric ballet Xuitla), and La Quiza gallery owner Ruben Cham.

"Puerto Vallarta is known for its appreciation of artwork. I’m grateful so many people have joined me in my mission to make meaningful art that preserves the cultural heritage of this special place," Jim says.

Please come and join Jim and his wife Eva for the unveiling! Afterwards the Xiutla dancers will perform as they do every Friday (November-April) at 7:30 pm, and the bimonthly Viva Mexico celebration with delicious food for sale from local restaurants is also happening this week in Lazaro Cardenas Park, on the South Side / Zona Romantica of Puerto Vallarta.