PUERTO VALLARTA – This Monday marked the unveiling of a new bronze sculpture titled “Salud” in one of Puerto Vallarta’s most visited tourist areas, the Malecón II. The statue, donated by American artist and local resident James Michel Demetro, is the latest addition to his series of artworks donated to the city.
Demetro’s previous contributions to Puerto Vallarta include “Dancers of Vallarta” (2006) on Malecón II and Guerrero Street; “La Lavandera” (2008) on Malecón II in front of Molino de Agua; “Ándale Bernardo” (2014) in the Lázaro Cárdenas Park; and “Los Pescadores” (2018) on Malecón II and Manuel M. Diéguez.
The newly unveiled “Salud” is a life-size bronze representation of a happy donkey sitting on a connected chair, inviting visitors to toast their drinks in its company. Born in the Chicago, Illinois region, Demetro has over 50 sculptures to his credit and has based much of his art on the traditions of Puerto Vallarta.
Luis Escoto Martínez, Director of the Vallartense Institute of Culture, representing Mayor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, emphasized that the sculpture is located at a popular spot for locals and visitors, where one of the best natural spectacles – the sea – is on display.
“Vallarta’s economy began not only with fishing but with jobs and activities derived from the Cuale mines. The difficult tasks of transporting products and materials were often handled by pack donkeys, noble and hard-working animals. These animals are a reference to the memories of our region,” Martínez said. He also praised Councilor María Elena Curiel for her efforts to secure such an emblematic sculpture, providing an ingenious way for anyone to interact and toast in an empathetic manner.
Councilor María Elena Curiel Preciado, President of the Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Commission, read a plaque in gratitude for Demetro’s altruistic work, noting that his sculptures have enhanced the cultural aspect of Puerto Vallarta.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by municipal officials, friends, and relatives of the artist, members of the IVC Governing Board, and art enthusiasts. The city’s recognition of James Demetro’s talent and his continued contributions to its cultural landscape demonstrates the ongoing, vibrant relationship between the arts and the community of Puerto Vallarta.
