HIDDEN GARDEN

A sanctuary for the arts

Those of us who treasure living in a laid back place such as Guanacaste, sometimes feel that it would be good to have, amidst the tranquility, some more cultural activity, more art.  We all know that Guanacaste is recognized as an area full of Costa Rican traditions but culture is not just something that includes our roots and folklore, it’s also the intellectual art in all of its manners of expression. 

Guanacaste is not only the birthplace of famous authors, but also seasoned with foreign artists who have also made this land their home.

Artistic events and spaces to exhibit the art are more and more frequent now, but there is one very special place that stands out.  It’s a heaven for the arts in the midst of a hidden garden and walls full of life.  An ideal place for those whose souls vibrate with the magic of shapes, sounds and colors.

Despite being called Hidden Garden Art Gallery, this is not just any gallery.   It’s more a cultural and social center where the fine arts, the natural, the live music and the intellects meet and interact.

The exquisite Guanacaste landscapes, the typical characters of the Sabanero (cowboy) culture, the incredible underwater scenes, the silhouette of a woman, the nostalgia of infancy, the indigenous roots, or even the deepest of the imagination are inspiration to the artists that exhibit at the Hidden Garden.  A guide, knowledgeable about art, accompanies visitors through the tour of the spacious rooms to answer questions about the works in the exhibits and details about the artists and their techniques.

This is a place where tradition and modernism come together, open to countless numbers of local artists who, prior to its existence, did not have anywhere to exhibit their work.

Suddenly became clear that in Guanacaste there was no shortage of contemporary art work, what was missing was a place to show it. Here we have one of those places that need our support to ensure that it continues to be a place for the expression of our culture, a culture that is mixed and in constant expansion.

How did it begin?

Although at the beginning this was a meeting place for people selling natural products, it also housed the artist Carlos Hiller, who found here a location where he could show his work.  Hiller started exhibiting some of his pieces in a small room, but little by little the Hidden Garden attracted many people interested in art, which helped Carlos to visualize this as an opportunity to invite other artists who were searching for an exhibiting venue. Thus, the sample of his work became larger and it began filling the spaces with color and art.

Today, the sample is an extensive and varied palette of styles and techniques of 52 artists with over 400 pieces that range from painting, engravings, artistic photography and sculptures.  What started as an exhibition in a small room, has now expanded to 3,000 sq. ft. of works of art created by artists native to the region and by others who arrived here from lands far away.

The spacious building is surrounded by gardens and has a small duck pond, a very attractive location with a solid structure available for private and public events.  Additionally, the administrators have future plans to open courses in painting and other disciplines and to invite artists that wish to hold exhibits of their works and people selling natural products for their Saturday organic market.

Do not miss

Organic market

In this crowded weekly event you can find organic low-impact products such as cheeses, yogurt, eco-cleaning products, macrobiotic products, honey, peanut butter or homemade pies.

After visiting the market you can have lunch and then take a free guided tour through the art gallery. This is a different type of outing to share with your children and friends, fill up with culture and meet other people with similar interests.   Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 5 Km. West of the Liberia International Airport, between Payless Rent a Car and the German Bakery.

Gallery Schedule:  Tuesdays through Saturday 9am to 3pm

Phone:  8386 6872  / 8386 6968

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