Adventures of a gringo living in the isthmus
This past weekend(March 14-20) Panama celebrated its 8th annual Macro Fest. This is an event in which fashion, art, and creativity are spotlighted. There are many free workshops, art expositions, concerts and fashion shows to please the public.
If you have spent some time walking around Casco Viejo you have probably seen these lovely Panamanian beauties adorning the walls, windows and even the trash cans in this area. They are the original designs of a very talented Panamanian artist called Rolo de Sedas. I am a great admirer of his work and hope to have one of his original paintings hanging in my living room one day. 
I love walking down the streets of Casco Viejo searching for new “masterpieces” created by local artists on walls and doors of old, abandoned buildings. . These works of art lend color and life to Casco’s already Bohemian atmosphere. This is one of my latest discoveries.
Festival Abierto is a activity that is held every year in Parque Omar. It was created to promote awareness of our fragile environment and how we have an impact on our surroundings. We all have the power to initiate actions that can generate great changes in our society. Many local and international artists worked to create different art pieces to promote cultural awareness. Here are just a few samples.
This beautiful courtyard is part of Casa Gongora in Casco Antiguo. Casa Gongora is a beautifully renovated 17th century jewel that houses a center for the arts. http://cascoviejo.com/casa-gongora/
If you enjoy art, you will certainly enjoy a visit to Casa Gongora en Casco Antiguo. The house itself, which dates back to the 17th century, is a treat to see, besides the interesting art work you will find inside.
http://cascoviejo.com/casa-gongora/
Today I visited the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Antiguo to see Fernando Botero’s Via Crucis which is on display there until June 16. The paintings were magnificent, as I expected they would be. However, what I enjoyed the most were the pencil sketches that come at the end of the exposition. They were incredible. I apologize for not posting any pictures, picture taking is not allowed inside the museum. The entrance to the exposition is a measly $5, so go on down to the Panama Canal Museum and check out this lovely display of talent.
http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_19/issue_04/culture_01.html
One of the things that captivates my attention every time I visit the Casco Antiguo is the street art. I never get tired of walking around trying to discover what new “masterpiece” has emerged overnight on the side of a building or on some aging wooden door. It’s like going on a treasure hunt.
There are many talented artists that reside in Panama. Many of these artists have come from other countries and have made Panama their home. Most of them are attracted to the Bohemian atmosphere of the Casco Antiguo. As you walk around this historic part of the city, you may come face to face with their artwork or with the artists themselves.
