Gallery of the Mayor’s Office, Art Galleries, Culture
As you make your way around Ecuador, working your way through both the big cities and small villages, you will find that art is everywhere. It may take the form of paint on canvas or it may serve a more functional purpose - such as the woven design on a straw hat. The people of Ecuador are a colorful people who delight in their handiwork and who generally strive to incorporate the elements of beauty and design into almost everything they make. Modern machinery simply cannot reproduce this care and appreciation for craft and, while certain mass-produced articles may appear to be cheaper, they certainly do not bear the same level of quality as a well-made handcrafted item.
Of course, not all art in Ecuador takes the form of crafts and there are many well-established and highly recognized artists in Ecuador. They may favor painting, sculpture, metal work or even embroidery as their favorite medium and so the average visitor has plenty of variety to choose from. What’s more, the art in Ecuador is always rather unique since it is created by people who are inspired by the culture and history of the country. Thus, when you buy something that was created by a native of Ecuador with the same care, passion and precision that has been handed down to them by their forefathers, you can be sure that you are buying something unique.
One great gallery to visit if you are looking to buy art in Ecuador is the Gallery of the Mayor’s Office in Cuenca. Situated on the corner of Bolívar Street and Borrero corner in Cuenca, the gallery is open every day of the week. It is open between 9:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday with a two-hour lunch break between 13:00 and 15:00 during which time it is not open to the public. On Saturdays and Sundays it is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and again from 14:00 to 16:00 in the afternoons. So come visit the Gallery of the Mayor’s Office and discover a wealth of local talent at affordable prices.
