See Old Puerto Vallarta with Artist’s Eyes

As you experience the resort lifestyle of Banderas Bay from the comfort of your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, you may be unaware that once upon a time, life in this modern city, where you can always find something to do, was calm to the extent of being downright sleepy.

Until the 1960s, when Liz and Dick started to put their imprint on the town, daily life in Puerto Vallarta was not much different than life in any other Mexican town. If you’re having a hard time believing it, just wander into that other time through the art of Manuel Lepe.

Today, Lepe’s work is highly regarded by collectors and fans of naïf art; he has become so well known, in fact, that his work is part of the child welfare program launched by UNICEF. In the 1960s, though, the artist was mostly a happy man reflecting on the simple pleasures that surrounded him in Puerto Vallarta.

You can get a glimpse of Lepe’s world through his work when you visit his former home and studio, today the Manuel Lepe Museum at 485 Jacarandas. It’s hard to find reproductions of his work for sale, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy one of his pieces in your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta.