Category Archives: Annual Open Studio Tour

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

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8th Annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

by Jill Mollenhauer

Anne Hebebrand, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Anne Hebebrand

Every year it’s the talk of the town. The Todos Santos Open Studio Tour draws hundreds of people curious to see working art studios, meet the artists, and perhaps have a personal dialogue with them. Stories are exchanged; laughter flows and smiles glow on the faces of those who find something that seems to have been made especially for them.

At its inception in 2009, the then one-day tour boasted a mere handful of amazing talent. For 2017 the number of participating artists has grown to over 40, necessitating its extension to a two day event.

Benito Ortega, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Benito Ortega

The 8th annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held on the weekend of February 11 and 12, 2017, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. All proceeds benefit the children’s art programs of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. Advance ticket sales begin January 28, 2017. Tickets will be $200 pesos each and can be purchased in Todos Santos at El Tecolote Bookstore on Calle Juárez, or ordered online at ts.studiotour@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Cafélix in Todos Santos from 9 am to 3 pm both event days. Maps are included with purchase and plenty of signs are posted to streamline the self-guided tour.

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz

The choices of what to see are practically endless: paint, mixed media, encaustic, wood carving, metal sculpture, stone work, jewelry, fibers, photography and more. The hardest part might be deciding which studios to choose from and if it is possible to get to them all in two days. From the south end of town all the way through the north end of el Otro Lado, there are artist studios tucked away that hold treasures undreamed of.

To help plan your tour, browse the Facebook page Todos Santos Open Studio Tour to see some samples of the different work. Seasoned veterans of the tour often make a list of names to help plan a route, making sure to visit their favorite artists along with some new ones. Others prefer to just wing it, leaving it open to the serendipity of the moment.

Besides spending the day immersed in creativity, the tour is a chance to explore what it is like to be an artist in the beautiful pueblo mágico of Todos Santos. It is the personal interaction with the artists that makes this tour so special. What inspires them? What brought them here and why do they stay? How did they begin and what story do they have to tell?

Sculptor Benito Ortega was drawn to Todos Santos eight years ago by ‘a vibration in the air.’ Nine year resident, encaustic artist Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz stays because life is simple and she can spend the mornings lost in the passion of creativity. The positive energy of the light and the people is just part of what keeps painter/teacher Tori Sepulveda enthralled with Todos Santos, even after 10 years.

As a kid flipping burgers at the foot of the Newport Beach pier Peter Holden probably never imagined himself living and painting in Baja California Sur for over a decade. Did Anne Hebebrand envision herself  experimenting with diverse tools such as spatulas, rubber shapers, paint rollers, and palette knives on canvas when as a young girl she was a waitress at a Mexican restaurant?

Susan Doyle says, “My favorite part of painting is the point when you think it is awful and you’re about to give up and then some magical accident happens and it clicks.” For Nanette Hayles she loves all parts of the creative process but “getting ‘lost’ in a piece when time ceases” is her favorite. Steve Thurston says that the best painting is always the one he’s currently working on.

Landscape artist Marsha Dahlquist is entranced with street scenes and the challenge of painting architecture, while Jill Mollenhauer expresses emotions with vibrant colors and mixed media.

Whichever studios you visit, you are sure to find both talent and heart. Between the well-known galleries in town and the numerous hidden gems in the barrios there are delights and surprises waiting just for you.

Here are a few helpful tips to make it even more enjoyable: Some studios are clustered near enough that parking and walking is viable. Perusing the neighborhoods is a wonderful way to get a feel of the community. Or consider carpooling–everything is more fun with friends. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen! Cold drinks and delicious meals can be purchased in town and for even more fun, consider staying the night at one of the area boutique hotels.

For more information: ts.studiotour@gmail.com

Happy New Year

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"Baja's first Rock Band" Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee, Baja, Mexico

“Baja’s first Rock Band” Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee

Happy New Year from Journal del Pacifico! We’ve received a lot of compliments on our Holiday 2015/2016 issue cover featuring the hand painted skull by artist, “Indian” Dennis McGhee.

The 2016 La Poza Lagoon calendars are available at El Tecolote bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz. These beautiful calendars help support the efforts to save La Poza lagoon and feature photography by Claude Vogel, Kaia Thomson, Alvaro Colindres and others.

The 5th annual Todos Santos Music Festival with Peter Buck and friends takes place January 14 to 16, and January 20 to 23. General admission is available for all shows. There is also a special acoustic dinner show at Rancho Pescadero on January 19. Contact Rancho Pescadero for tickets and more information. You can read the entire feature including artist’s bios online at journaldelpacifico.com

The new La Morena Restaurant Bar, located on calle Juárez in Todos Santos, just down the street from Galería Logan and Snell Real Estate, is open for breakfast, lunch and tapas. They serve espressos, ristrettos, lungos, lattes, frappes, chais, smoothies, paninis, healthy salads as well as tacos and other entrees. In the evenings, enjoy an appetizer with wine, served by the bottle or by the glass. Cold beer, margaritas, cocktails or a cool martini are also on the menu.

La Bohemia Hotel Pequeño on calle Rangel in Todos Santos, is having an open house every Thursday and Saturday from 4 to 8 pm with delicious treats from Mama’s Kitchen and special cocktails and wine 2 for 1 from 4 to 6 pm.

Landi’s Restaurant, next to Teatro Márquez de León on the plaza, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 9 pm, serving delicious traditional Mexican dishes. They are also open 9 am to 2 pm for their special Sunday brunch.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat for the holidays, or anytime, Chocolates La Laguna in Todos Santos, has champagne truffles, pumpkin spice truffles, and white chocolate bark with cranberries.

México Gourmet in Todos Santos has a variety of Mexican made edibles including spices, jams, jellies, moles and salsas, and is well known for its large stock of mescales. Stop in for a tasting!

Étnica, across the street from La Copa and The Todos Santos Inn in downtown Todos Santos, has beautiful Mexican clothing, accessories and fabulous tooled leather purses, wallets, boots and more.

Casita Anita has moved. The new, spacious location is on calle Militar in Todos Santos, next door to Gallery 365. Her new location has a whole new look that includes more room for Pepita Nelson Fashions.

Santa María Boutique has a large selection of 100% cotton fashion clothing for men, women and children at their two locations in Todos Santos—in Plaza Adriana across from the Centro Cultural and Plaza Los Faroles, just ½ block from the Hotel California.

You can take control of your water and your health. Water Ways Baja is your home town drinking water resource. Residential or commercial, all systems are custom designed based upon contaminants in your water and your needs. Water test results are in writing from independent certified water laboratories.

Unwind and rejuvenate your spirit at Casablanca b&b on the La Poza hill in Todos Santos. Guests enjoy their elegant accommodations, delicious meals or the chance to simply relax by the pool.

Restaurant Miguel’s across the street from Shut Up Frank’s, has long been famous for their chilies rellenos, fresh seafood and traditional Mexican fare. Now they are open for breakfast again, 8 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

The new rooftop Riptide Bar at Desert Moon Hotel at Cerritos beach is open. Stop in for an adult beverage and a great view any time from 9 am to 10 pm.

There’s something for everyone to fall in love with at Cerritos Beach Inn. Located just steps from the swimmable beach and surf break at Cerritos beach in Pescadero guests can also enjoy ocean, mountain and desert views and whale watching. There are brand new ocean front and desert view suites, as well as a restaurant and pool. Cerritos Beach Inn is also available for wedding and special events.

MiniSuper Munchies in Pescadero is much more than a gourmet store. There is a book exchange, lending library, community bulletin board, and pop up dinners with local chefs. Check with Emily on their weekly events.

There’s always something going on at Dana’s Diner on the highway in Pescadero. Daily happy hour, NFL football, guest chef nights, live music and karaoke nights. Call or stop in and check with Dana for more information.

Want coffee? Baja Beans Roasting Company in Pescadero is now open every day from 8 am to 4 pm.

Brody’s Pizza on the road to Cerritos beach is open 1 to 10 pm and serves Italian style wood oven pizza, pastas, salads and cold beer! Home delivery is available too.

The 7th Annual 2016 Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held over two days: Saturday and Sunday February 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s a great way to explore the world of the artists, who live and work in this artists’ colony. Tickets for the Todos Santos Artist’s Studio Tour are good for both days and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com or in person at El Tecolote Bookstore beginning February 1. Maps and wristbands can be picked up at Cafélix both mornings of the Studio Tour. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Art Programs of the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

We’d like to especially thank our translators that make it possible to publish many of our feature stories in English and Spanish: Paula Angeloni, Elena Ascencio Ibáñez, Kat Bennett, Isabel Jáuregui and Vivianne Jáuregui Mariño. ¡Gracias!

We’ll see you in February 2016 with our Festival issue. The deadline is January 12. Reserve your space today!

2014 Todos Santos Music Festival

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Vaso Loco LLC logo for the Todos Santos Music FestivalVaso Loco LLC and the Hotel California will be presenting the 2014 Todos Santos Music Festival January 16 through January 25, 2014.

Shows will take place at the Hotel California in Todos Santos January 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 8 pm.

The Todos Santos Music Festival Town Plaza Concert will be on Saturday, January 25. Seating starts at 7 pm, music starts at 8 pm.

This year’s bands include Peter Buck’s own band, The Minus 5, headed by Scott McCaughey and featuring Peter Buck and Steve Wynn’s Dream Syndicate known as the saviors of alternative rock.

Kevn Kinney, who played the 2012 festival, will return this year with Drivin’ n Cryin’ an American hard rock/Southern rock band from Atlanta, Georgia.

Other bands that played at the 2013 Festival will be playing this year:
Torre Blanca–This Mexican group play post-pop with symphonic touches, with intimate, deep, playful and thoughtful lyrics.

Twin Tones–This Mexico City band’s music is an explosive fusion of rock, surf and spaghetti western film music. They stole the show during their 2013 debut at the Todos Santos Music Festival! This year that are also featuring one of their side projects, Sonido Gallo Negro, that takes the sound of psychedelic Peruvian cumbia of the 70s and covers it with garage attitude.

New this year, there will also be a “local bands” night at the Hotel California on Wednesday, January 22.

When REM disbanded, after 32 years of creating music and fans around the globe, guitarist and founding member Peter Buck was in the process of making Todos Santos, in Baja California Sur, a south-of-the-border second home. The idea for the first Todos Santos Music Festival was born in September of 2011, and took place in January 2012.

The 2013 Todos Santos Music Festival featured ten nights of entertainment over the course of three weekends, including two free concerts in the town plaza. The lineup of artists was hand-selected by Peter Buck and featured an eclectic array of musicians ranging from industry legends to emerging local talent.

Both the 2012 and 2013 Todos Santos Music Festival raised money for the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C., which provides educational after-school programs for local children. Some merchandise, including t-shirts and tank tops are still available from the 2013 festival via the Palapa Society.

The proceeds from some of the shows for this year’s festival will again benefit The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. Other shows will benefit the Hogar del Niños orphanage, ProPlayas A.C. (lifeguards), The Todos Santos Internado (boarding school for local ranch children), DIF, the Bomberos (fire department), Escuela Pacifica and local animal welfare groups.

Festival founder, Peter Buck of REM, has had a busy year making albums and touring with his band, Tired Pony, as well as with The Baseball Project, The Minus 5 and Kevn Kinney. He is currently planning a US tour of the Midwest and South with Alejandro Escovedo (Todos Santos Music Festival 2013) in late February and early March 2014. Peter and singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata both accompanied Ed Kowalczyk of Live on his second studio album, “The Flood and the Mercy,” available on October 29. http://audioinkradio.com/2013/10/ed-kowalczyk-new-album-r-e-m-peter-buck/

For more information on Peter’s busy year, read this great interview at Salon
http://www.salon.com/2013/10/09/peter_buck_i_think_we_were_all_really_ready_for_a_change/

Peter Buck’s first solo album was released on vinyl only in November 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCEcfeTL5pU He also has a second, vinyl only, album coming out in 2014 on Mississippi Records. His 45 vinyl single, “Peter Buck! El Rei de los Monos Presente! You Must Fight to Live on the Planet of the Apes” available from Mississippi/Change Records. http://blurtonline.com/feature/the-singles-scene-vi-blurts-indie-45-roundup/

Tired Pony’s second album ‘The Ghost Of The Mountain’ was released in the UK/Intl. in August and in the US in October. You can order in the UK now at Fiction (CD) – http://trdpny.com/FictionCD / Fiction (Vinyl) – http://trdpny.com/FictionVinyl / iTunes – http://trdpny.com/iTunes

To watch a preview with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZPt3pFkvk  You can follow Tired Pony online at their Facebook page and on Vine and Twitter @TiredPony.

Erick Ochoa, president of the Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. stated that they are grateful for everything that the Todos Santos Music Festival has done for the Palapa Society. The contributions and publicity generated from the Music Festival and the move into their new home in the San Vicente neighborhood of Todos Santos have enable them to include over 100 children in their programs. They have also received a US fellowship via the International Community Fund allowing them to hire both a full time teacher and part-time assistant for their Bridge to English program.

Todos Santos, near the tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula on the Pacific Ocean, features colonial architecture, top-rated restaurants, fine art galleries, miles of pristine beaches and a colorful community of locals and expats. Todos Santos has a population of just under 8,000 people, but offers an abundance of creative events, annual arts and cinema festivals and other cultural activities that cater to an international tourist and expat crowd as well as locals. It was the first town in Baja designated as “Pueblo Magico” by the Mexican government, which signifies places in the country that have “a unique authentic historic and artistic charm.”

Check TodosSantosMusicFestival.com or Facebook: TodosSantosMusicFestival for more information and tickets soon!

Other upcoming Todos Santos events and festivals include:

Todos Santos PorQue 5k? Walk/Run. December 28, 2013. Sponsored by the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

The Festival de Arte Todos Santos takes place February 1-8, 2014.

The 5th Annual Open Studio Tour will be held immediately following the Todos Santos Art Festival on February 9, 2014. Last year there were 35 artist studios open for viewing, covering mediums from oils, pastels, watercolors, mixed media, en-caustic, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Sponsored by the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C. All proceeds go towards Children’s Art.

The 11th Festival de Cine de Todos Santos, February 20 – 28, 2014 with the Premiere of ‘Youth in Video’ films on February 20.

Todos Santos Historic Home Tour takes place Sunday, March 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. Sponsored by the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

The Todos Santos GastroVino Festival will be held in May 24 and 25, 2014.

For a complete listing of events visit:  http://journaldelpacifico.com/blog/events-2/

About Peter Buck
Peter Buck is a founding member and lead guitar player of REM.

About The Hotel California
At the hub of Todos Santos is the legendary and colorful Hotel California. Originally built in 1948 this unique hotel underwent a masterful renovation in 2001 that would go on to win numerous awards for design and décor. The original 16 rooms were transformed into the eclectic 11-suite hotel it is today.www.hotelcaliforniabaja.com/press

About The Palapa Society
The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C., founded in 2003, is a multicultural, non-profit Mexican Civil Association. The mission is the development and administration of scholarship, educational, medical and environmental programs for the benefit of local children and their families. http://palapasociety.org/