A Boy, A Book, A Future (2000) Jose Ramiz Barquet
Summary
- A Boy, A Book, A Future is a bronze sculpture created by Jose Ramiz Barquet in 2000, located outside the Los Mangos Library. The sculpture depicts a boy, Juan, sitting and reading a book, symbolizing the importance of education and the role a library has in this process.
Introduction
Continuing with the number one artist and his sculptures around town, we arrive at a relatively new one installed in front of Los Mangos Library.
Ramiz Barquet has been called the artistic patriarch of Puerto Vallarta, and with the eight monumental sculptures he created and gave to the city, this is not a surprise.
A Boy, A Book, A Future” is a bronze statue placed outside the Los Mangos Library on Francisco Villa street by Ramiz Barquet from the year 2000.
About the sculpture
The sculpture depicts a boy, Juan, sitting, reading a book. The message is quite clear: the importance of education and the role a library has in this process for both children and the community as a whole.
Ramiz was completely convinced that education is the key and he created this sculpture to honor the contribution the library offers to the youth of Vallarta. A young orphan, Juan, is finding his way out of poverty through reading, following the words of his adoptive father, don Plácido, that “knowledge is power”. Though he is teased by his friends, that enjoy playing instead, he outshines them in understanding and wisdom.
Where is it located?
Funding for the statue was led by Gary Thompson, the owner of Galería Pacífico, and the person behind the popular Art Walk.
Author: M. A. Gallardo
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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