Art & Exercise Combine for a Healthy Dose of Culture in Barrio Amon

Historic Barrio Amon will be alive with cultural activities this Wednesday evening for the first artwalk of 2011. Over 20 galleries and musuems open their doors free to the public and attendees can travel between venues on foot (U4), bicycle (ChepeCletas) or shuttle (GAM) to see the lastest national and international pieces on display.

The newest cultural center in the barrio, Downtown Yoga (a Barrio Bird partner) will also open its doors to the public for a chance to try for free the newest exercise craze, Hooping from 4:30 - 5:15 & 6:30 - 9:00. In addition, yoga fans can enjoy a 1-hour Detox and Invigoration Class for 1,000 colones at 5:30.

Visitors can also take advantage of Valentine Specials including Yoga Mats for 15,000 colones and Gift Certificates for Massages - 1 Hour $35, 2 Hour $60. Monthly Yoga Memberships are available for 15,000 Colones - unlimited classes. 

Call 8926-9867 to reserve a space for yoga at 5:30 or with questions about the ArtWalk. 

Class at Downtown Yoga

Arrive to Class on Bike and receive 20% discount on month membership, only 12,000 colones unlimited yoga. 

Hooping is possible for adults and is a FUN way to get in shape. 

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

New & Only Yoga Center in Downtown San Jose Now Open

Downtown Yoga is San Jose's newest cultural attraction. Treat yourself or a loved one during the holidays with a healthy, relaxing gift and enjoy special holiday pricing througth the end of the year. 


Offering yoga, massage and art all in one place in historic downtown Barrio Amon, San Jose, Downtown Yoga specials include: 

• $5 yoga classes (saves $5)
• 6 month membership for price of 5 ($150, save $30)
• 12 month membership for price of 10 ($300, save $60)

Downtown Yoga services can be packaged with our tours. Packages include: 


A Day in San Jose - $65, 1 yoga class, 1 hour massage, 2 hour city tour and lunch. 
Package #1 - $60, 2 hour city tour with massage and choice of lunch or yoga class
Package #2 - $50, 1 hour massage and 2 hour city tour 
Package #3 - $45 1 hour massage and yoga class


Massages Services: Basic 1 hour massages start at $40 and include Therapeutic, Aromatherapy and Relaxation. Full information here: http://barriobird.blogspot.com/p/yoga-massage-art.html.


Location: 150 meters north of Parque Morazan. Building #735, 3rd floor. Calle 7 between Ave. 5 & 7, DowntownyogaCR@gmail.com, (506) 8926-9867.

Our Building, Signs to come so don't pass us!

The studio and garden.

2011 Festival Announcements Made as Holiday Festivities Close 2010

Without a doubt, San Jose is the place to be in Costa Rica during the summer if you want to get a taste of culture and enjoy festivals. This December, while chillier than most is still full of holiday festivities to enjoy as we launch into full summer in January. A list of remaining December activities is below, as well as dates to mark on your calendars for the rest of summer. 

Lights of Christmas Fair: Come and browse artisan crafts, art and jewelry as you finish holiday gift shopping. Next to the National Theater, Dec. 14 - 19. One of our favorites AHM will be there!

Holiday Jazz Vocals, Maria Pretiz: Snuggle up with your loved ones this Fri. at one of San Jose's newest restaurants Roma Caffe. Every Fri. they offer live music, and this week is a special guest and Costa Rican composer and vocalist Maria Pretiz. No cover, 8 p.m. 


Our Land Festival: As an effort to clean up Costa Rica, this festival will be a marathon recycling event and drop center for paper, plastics, glass, batteries, cardboard and cans. After you lighten your load of recyclables get down to live music all day long. La Sabana Park, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free.

National Bands Holiday Concerts: The bands of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) will give 4 concerts this weekend at the Plaza de Democracia next to the National Museum. Celebrating 165 years of the forming of the national bands, over 200 musicians will perform Christmas pieces, Costa Rican pieces and a variety of other classics. Additionally the Christmas lottery winner will be announced during the last concert on Sunday. Starts at 4 on Sat. 3 on Sunday. 

Speed Dating: Still looking for a loved one to snuggle with over the holidays? Come to Caracas Arepia Wed. Dec. 22 to meet other professional singles. (Hate that I have to say this, but this is not a prostitution meet up, only those not wanting to buy love please). Special request to single ladies: DON'T BE SHY, come out!

Christmas Tope: If you haven't yet seen a tope, a horse dancing festival, The day after Christmas is a good day to do so. Starts around 12 on the 26th, Paseo Colon. Warning, this is really an excuse to get drunk in the street and ride a horse, not necessarily a good combination. Be safe!

Bullfights: I don't even want to spoil this for anyone. Let's just say Costa Rica has it's own special version of bullfights where humans are injured, not bulls. These fights are all day starting Christmas Day for about 10 days at Ampo Ferial en Zapote.

CENAC Summer Festival: The Cenac summer festival series is free and will feature concerts and art shows  for all ages to give exposure to Costa Rican artists the weekends of March 4,5, and 6 and 11, 12, 13. 

TransitArte: This festival will partner with CENAC the weekend of March 11, 12, and 13 to bring art to the parks and public spaces of the North East parts of downtown San Jose in an effort to bring people back into the city center. 

International Design Festival: Artists from around the world representing graphic, interior, fashion and art design will gather to host workshops, fairs, exhibitions and parties to display and discuss the lastest in all things design. Save the dates for March 10, 11 and 12. More info at FID. 

National Theater: The theater has announced it's 2011 calendar. For those of you that missed Lila Downs this past winter, you'll have another chance. Full PDF here. 

Christmas Lights, San Jose Costa Rica

Public Art, TranistArte 2010

Sonambulo TransiteArte 2010

Full Week of Culture in San Jose, Costa Rica

Summer is almost here with the ending of the rain, and a full calendar of events this week is a great reason to get outside! The weather has also been great for a San Jose, Costa Rica walking tour for travelers and residents alike!

Art City Tour

The art city tour is back this Wed. For those of you unfamiliar with the project, a number of galleries and museums downtown open their doors for free to the public. Buses are available for safe transit in between, as well as new tours on bike with ChepeCletas and walking tours with U4. The French Alliance will host a mini-fashion show, Shadows of the Moon, featuring a collection by designer and Belgium french teacher, Magaly Timmerman. 6 - 8 p.m.

Why is Carmen Lyra on the New 20,000 Colones Note

Visit the auditorium this Thurs. at the Central Bank Museum for a talk about beloved Costa Rican children's author, Carmen Lyra. 90 years after the publication of the famous Cuentos de mi Tía Panchita you can hear about the significance of these works in Central America's children's literacy. In Spanish, 6 p.m.

Live Hammock Making from 6-pack Plastics Rings

This Sat. bring your 6-pack plastics the organic farmer's market in Barrio Aranjuez downtown. There will be two hammocks on display and the artist, Francesco Bracco, will be showing us how to make them. In addition you can do your weekly produce shopping as well as share in the many artists organic products. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Go early if you want best pick of produce. 

Christmas Celebration & Shopping

CENAC will host a Christmas festival with typical Costa Rican food, artisan crafts and live concerts from national bands including Sonámbulo, Gaviota, Enjuague vocal, De voz a vos, Libélula y Lubín Barahona.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

French Alliance Offers Collection of Activities for Oct.

The French Alliance is a special gem in Barrio Amon, San Jose, and always open to tourists. Set in an old victorian style home, the alliance strives to connect Costa Ricans and visitors to the best of french culture, and also inclusion of work by Costa Rican artists. Here's a sample of what is going on this month:

Compañía: Eduardo Mata
A series of 15 oil paintings, this collection takes a look at people. From the artist, "Who are they to me? Who are they to themselves? Who am I to them? and Who am I to myself?" This is on display until Wed. Oct. 13.

Das weisse Band: La Cinta Blanca
A French/German film telling the story of strange events for a group of children in the months prior to WWI. Showing is free at the French Alliance on Fri. Oct. 8th at 6:00 p.m. Will be shown in French with Spanish subtitles.

European Film Festival
Running the 25th of Oct. to the 31st, 6 European films will be shown at Cine Magaly. If you have not been inside this theater, it's a must, as it's beautiful with some art deco architectural influence. Entrance is free, times are not yet available.

Baroque Musical Performance: Grupo de Música Antigua UNA
It is unclear if this will be a choral or orchestra performance. Either way it's free! 7:30, Oct. 28th

Eduardo Mata

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Pretty Things to See & Hear, Despite the Rain in San Jose, Costa Rica

A guitar festival and art openings will entertain this week. Good reasons for expats and tourists to get out despite the rain.

International Guitar Festival
The 17th International Guitar Festival will bring 23 guitarists from 8 different countries and Costa Rica to the stage at the National Theater, Sept. 29 - Oct. 3. Grammy winning guitarist, Andrew York, will perform Saturday night. All detailed guitar festival info is on the website.

Art Opening at Museum of Contemporary Art & Design
Mudar el Piel: Karla Solano will open Thursday night at 7 p.m. The exhibition will take a look at the body, as a whole and individual parts. While this isn't a unique topic for artistic review, I hope we'll see some thought provoking pieces and not an overuse of nudity for shocking effect.

Opening at Des Pacio
Juegos Textuales: Miguel Imbach also opens Thurday night just down the street from MADC at 7:30. A video and then text will be read. This will all be in Spanish, but a good chance to see what some local artists are up to in San Jose.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Japan meets Costa Rica in a Flurry of Art

Music, dancing and art were wound together, and topped with latin and asian eye candy last night at the opening of  'Zentica'.The Costa Rica Musuem of Art brought the two cultures of Japon and Costa Rica into the same space at Casa del Cuño, at the newly remodeled, La Aduana.


40 pieces, 20 Costa Rican and 20 Japanese, include sculptures, jewelry, paintings, videos and more. It is very interesting to see the differences between the artwork of the two nations. Overall, the Costa Rican pieces seem to work more with pastel colors, blending images, and taboo topics. The Japanese pieces were simple, yet bold, using solid colors, and almost alway integrating or dipicting natural elements such as birds, flowers,  wood, etc. It's all worth checking out yourself. 


Guests were entertained by a number of live art performances. Artist Kazunobu Yanagi, painted while a band played an electric rock/meditation type of chant. Later, 4 women performed live dance as they simultaneously did larger than life oragami folding. 

Costa Rican artist, Fabio Herrara shows us his 'office'. I think this is a great dipiction of San Jose.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Art City Tour Tonight 8/25

This year's 4th Art City Tour will shuttle guests on free buses between 15 downtown musuems and galleries. Enjoy.


1. Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo  2. Museo Nacional  3. Jacob Karpio Galería
4.  Museos del Banco Central  5. Casa de Cultura Amón  6. Museo del Jade, Instituto Nacional de Seguros  7. Restaurante Olio  8. Fundación Teor/ética  9. Museo Teor/ética  10. Boutique Kiosko SJO  11. Restaurante Kalú  12. Galería Nacional, Museo del Niño  13. Instituto de México  14. Gráfica Génesis Espacio Escénico  15. Steinvorth **A partir de las 20:30 horas**

Getting Serious About Design in San Jose, Costa Rica

The launch of a new designers' association in Costa Rica is a very important step towards what I am calling a cultural revitalization that is going to explode exponentially over the next two years in San Jose. 

The Asociación de Diseñadores de Costa Rica, supported by the Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated last night at La Aduana, using the new tech and art facility on the east side of the building. 


The group's intent is to support designers of all kinds from Costa Rica. About 95% of designers are small business operations, and this will provide a platform for workshops, peer-to-peer information sharing, and inspiration. I hope this group will also become a force to launch costa rican designers onto the global stage. 

Thursday's Art & Music Lineup

Thursday presents many options for visitors and expats to enjoy Costa Rican art and music, as well as works from Central American, Carribean artists. Start at 5 p.m. and enjoy for the rest of the evening. 


Music to Close the Afternoon - Teatro Nacional. 
The National Theater offers Thurs. early evening performances  for the low price of 1,000 colones. The Orchestra of the University of Costa Rica will perform from 5 - 6 p.m., and will be presenting the most notable and admired work by Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741): The four seasons. Guest violinist,  Eva Liebhaber will join the group in this important Baroque period performance. 


Art Opening, MADC, - La Esperanza (Hope)
The Museum of Contemporary Art will open its new exhibition this Thurs. at 6:00 p.m. Works of 28 artists from Central America and the Carribean will be on display exploring this very basic human emotion: Hope. We'll see an analysis of this concept, it's virtues, weaknesses and contradictions, stepping away from our everyday unilateral view of this simple, yet extremely complex experience. 


All Star Concert of Costa Rican Musicians - Jazz Cafe, Escazu
Again, I don't usually cover Escazu, but the occasional event warrants coverage due to its significance to overall culture in Costa Rica. 


Married musicians, Juan Carlos Ureña y Jeana Paul-Ureña will be performing songs from their new album, Space of Light. These 12 songs take a musical journey through sound, beyond political or geographical borders, are backed by some of Costa Rica's best musicians, and produced by vocalist, pianist and composer María Pretiz. 


The couple will be joined by many of the artists recorded on this CD including 2 time grammy winner Wálter Flores and standout guitarist Bernal Villegas. Also in the lineup are Gerardo Mora, Marco Navarro, Checko D’Ávila, Óscar López Salaberry and singers Rocío Morera y Elena Zelaya. 5,000 colones, 9:30 p.m.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867

Calm Art, Wild Art - San Jose, Costa Rica

This week also brings visitors and expats alike opportunities to be classy and to get funky. 


Classy
The French Alliance has a new exhibit open titled, 'The Beautiful Summer'. Costa Rican artist, José Solórzano. Comprised of 12 pieces the artists created the works between 09-10 concentrating on the idea of recent yet no longer viewed scenery, dissolving into memory. On display until June 10. 


The National Theater continues to bring us 'mini-concerts' on Thurs. afternoons. This is a great, affordable way to see a show in the theater. This week Costa Rican pianist, Juan Pablo Andrado will perform for an hour starting at 5 p.m. He'll be presenting a collection of works by Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849), celebrating 200 years after his birth. Get your tickets early. 1,000 c.


Variedades Theater will open a month-long run of 'The forests of NYX' a play about 10 greek female goddesses come to save modern day problems. This is the second time this show is being performed under the same director, Luis Carlos Vazquez. Opens Fri. June 3 and will be in Spanish at 8:00 p.m. Pricing was not available. 

Funky

Legendary guitarist, Richie Kotzen, who has played with Poison and Mr. Big, will be performing at Latino Rock Cafe, Fri. June 4. Sounds like nothing other than a great chance to see a great electric guitarist jam at a great cafe. ROCK ON!! 15,000 colones, 9 p.m.

One of San Jose's crazier galleries, Jacob Karpio is hosting what I anticipate to be a wild Saturday night. Hosting an opening for MTV nominated, Uragyuan artist, DANI UMPI. This artist is mostly known for his music but will also be showing his recent works in visual media. Titled, 'Everything Included', music, art, scenesters, and wine can only lead to 'everything' happening! free, starts at 8:30. 

Movie, Art, Music & Theater This Week - San Jose, Costa Rica

Something for everyday, free and almost free!


Free Screening Italian Film - Barrio Escalante, Costa Rica: Monday showcases at the Spanish Cultural Center Y LA NAVE VA directed by Federico Fellini in 1983 will begin at 7 p.m. 

Contemporary Art Museum Opening - San Jose, Costa Rica: Tuesday gives us a new art opening at MADC, Esteban Piedra León. Estudios (2002-2010). Overall exhibition is an assembly of the artist's common themes throughout his work; fundamental elements for agitation and questioning. Room I: Architecture for unuseful, non fertile bodies Room II: Defined, permanent & concave Room III: No, no one else either. This museum is located in the beautiful Old FANAL (old guaro distillary) and the site alone is worth a visit. Opening is at 7 p.m. Runs thru July 13. 


Mozart at the French Alliance - Barrio Amon, Costa Rica: Wed. will offer a free recital by members of  the University of Costa Rica's Orchestra. Performing what some call Mozart's greatest work and written for his wedding, la Gran Serenata para Vientos K361. Begins at 7:30. I recommend an early arrival as this space is an old house and it will probably overfill. Parking is a half block east of the alliance.


Afternoon Guitar Quartet at National Theater: The quartet will be performing a set of songs written in 1886, Spain on Thurs. This is an affordable opportunity to see the theater at only 1,000 colones. 5 - 6 p.m. Admission might be more for non-residents. 


Opening Glenngarry Glenn Ross - Sala Garbo: The Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica opens this Fri. with the real estate scandal show, Glenngarry Glenn Ross. A topic many can relate to in Costa Rica, this one promises to throw a few curve balls. Starts at 7:30, adult language, 4,500 colones. Reserve online. 

April 8, Art Openings -- Great Energy in San Jose

International and Costa Rican artists were out in full force last night amongst several exhibit openings. Barrio Bird first took a look at Efraín Méndez's (Costa Rica) 'Quimera' at the French Alliance. Consisting of 8 acyrlic pieces, Mendez explores fantasy, best displayed through children's games. View until the 22nd of April. 


Second stop was to see Ralph Jarvis's (Canadian) work on display at the Sophia Wanamaker Gallery in the Costa Rica-North American Cultural Center. Jarvis's work feature a technique new to me and many others, and is any man's dream---Blow torching. Jarvis focused on nature found between Newfoundland and Costa Rica, with some Peruvian materials throughout. On display until May 3. 


Our final gallery stop was to the Jacob Karpio Gallery. The space is large and full of work from John Juric(Costa Rica) who appears to work with several media and focuses on paint, installations and murals. I really get a creepy vibe from Mr. Karpio, but he put together a great party, with great pieces from this artist. The music was outstanding and I'll be looking to see this artist's work, and the band again. And maybe overtime I'll get to know Mr. Karpio's uncreepy side. 


A great, free way to catch all of these exhibits is to come out for the next Art City Tour, Wed. April, 21. Follow GAM for details. 

Barrio Bird loves Bird Art in San Jose, Costa Rica

I was very excited to open the paper this morning and see my friend & artist, Esteban Gomez. His first exhibit showcases his work on the topic of nature, specifically BIRDS! Please take the opportunity to see his work and if you want to speak the artist first-hand I'm sure I can facilitate.

Art City Tour in San Jose Costa Rica

The first art gallery tour of 2010 happened last night. It was pretty good but 2 hours was not enough time to visit all of the places.

This photo is from the Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporaneo. The exhibit was Migracion al Sur. The pieces dealt with emotion, ideas, and concepts that pass when we relocate ourselves.

I was also able to visit the National Museum and Jacob Karpio Gallery for the first time. They were both nice enough, but I don't think I need to return to the national museum. You can check out all photos from the night on our Facebook page.