Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lorraineremembersbeingbewilderedthatshecouldn'tfindCostaRicanartorartisans
available in any gift shops along the beach. “Everything was from surrounding countries
and even as far away as Bali. In the 'old days' my friend and then assistant Ana and I used
to drive into the mountain towns to find these amazing wood workers. We laughed at how
many times we got lost but ended up meeting the most wonderful families all involved in
their craft. That was the best job I have ever had, by the way.”
Ana has been part of Regalame for over 14 years, assisting Lorraine and working in
the Gift Shop until she eventually took over from Lorraine as manager in 2010. “We are
very good friends,” she says with a smile. “If I have a question or idea, I call her and ask,
'What do you think about this?'”
It's not unusual that she has been part of the establishment for so long. Even the most
'recent'staffmemberhasclockedupsevenyearsontheteam.Thatstability meansthestaff
of Regalame can provide in-depth knowledge about the art and artists they present. “They
all know about the art and the quality,” Ana says. “They're pros.”
The store itself is a treasure trove of Costa Rican art. A number of the contributors
are well-known, like Eloy Zuniga Guevara, who has had several paintings reprinted and
exclusively distributed by Starbucks in the United States. His paintings on the walls of
Regalame show the same bold colors and simple lines that evoke the essence of life in
Costa Rica — Pura Vida.
Kids Saving the Rainforest Administrative Assistant, Vernita Gundy says, “There are
so many treasures to find in this place to take back home as gifts, things to wear and even
items to decorate your cozy Costa Rican home.
“Another popular artist is Gustavo Araya,” Ana says. “When he started painting, his
first work was different — a lot of women sleeping, rising from the bed. He's started mix-
ing it up; he does monkeys, he even did an iguana.” Ana and the staff always give feedback
to the artists about what's selling and what people are responding to. Many of the artists
work on a consignment basis, and so when a work is sold they will produce something new
to take its place. “We sell a lot of monkeys and turtles and iguanas,” she says. Gustavo's vi-
brant colors and natural themes have a wide appeal with their intricate patterning carefully
drawn over the bodies of seahorses and monkeys and exotic creatures, words and spirals
and figures hidden in the detail.
The gallery includes more than just paintings. There's a broad selection of carving and
ceramic art too. Gema Ossenbach's nature-inspired pottery is beautiful and practical. “She
doesn't want to make things just to put away,” Ana says, gesturing to a shelf. The gorgeous
seashell-like ceramic she holds is in fact a working lamp, and some of Gema's other works
function as platters, candleholders and dishes.
Local Fernando Porez produces rustic wooden creations reflecting the natural beauty
of Manuel Antonio's animal population. “He lives 20 minutes from here,” Ana explains.
“He makes all kinds of things like iguanas, crabs, birds, but very rustic. He was working
