The scene in Puerto Vallarta *

[Image removed by request!]

An invigorating exchange of ideas and energy in Vallarta for the arte contemporaneo festival this week. Sprinkled in this shot from left to right, moments after a rather charged panel on the intersections of tourism and artesania, are artist and academic Mariana Botey, architect and restaurateur Heidi Padilla, fashion designer Denise Marchebout, artist and educator Sandra de la Loza, and artist and writer Kathryn Garcia. Three galleries are hosting work by the invited artists, and there are site-specific works around town. Today we'll be talking about youth, borders, and culture on a panel. Afterwards, music by Dr. Lakra and Sonido Apokalitzin outdoors at Parque Cardenas. The streets sing with heat and partying -- and the pools are nice. * Edited slightly.