art cuenca

We got to see three artists - all very different, all with very desirable works and all very welcoming. It's amazing that there is so much talent in a small city like Cuenca and that Sonia Punin who runs ArtCuenca has somehow got them all so available to people like us - not experts, not rich but very very interested. There's no pressure from anyone to buy - the pressure comes from your own desire to own some of these beautiful or challenging items!!! And yes ... we now do!

Art Cuenca promotes local artists, organizes arts tour and has an annual Art Extravaganza in the fall of each year promoting about 20 local artists. It no longer has a formal showroom, however it is the organization to contact for local art tours.In Cuenca, most art galleries and museums and the symphony are free. Cuenca is very much a city of Culture!!

If you want to get an overview of the best artists in Cuenca be sure to join one of ArtCuenca's frequent tours. It is very hard to see some of this work on your own because many artists have studios and or galleries in their homes. Sonia, the tour guide, will bring you inside to see and experience so much that would otherwise be hidden from view. A native-born Cuencana who has studied in the US, Sonia is very knowlegable about the local arts and artesania and will enrich the experience of the tour by giving you the historical background that gives context to the contemporary artists' work.If you have a special interest in painting, ceramic, jewelry making, textiles, dance or music ArtCuenca can arrange a special tour to suit. They cover both the plastic and lively arts and when it comes to culture in Cuenca, no other tour service compares. Oh, and be sure to stop by their gallery to see examples of the best of the best!By the way, I have lived in Cuenca for nearly 5 years, have gone on many of these tours, and plan to enjoy many more as there is always a newly discovered artist or new work from artists I already know to see. Highly recomended!

This tour of artists in Cuenca was the highlight of our trip. Our guide, Sonia, is knowledgeable, passionate about art, friendly, and speaks English. She took us to the studios/homes of Eduardo Segovia and his lovely wife, Alberta Soriano and Maite Eusebio del Carpio (husband and wife - both artists), Miguel Illescas, and an art cooperative called Galeria of the Puente Roto. Segovia is a talented and prolific ceramacist, Soriano and Euebio del Carpio are Peruvian painters, and Illescas creates sculptures and wall hangings using metal and other materials. All make a living from their art and are world class artists. They warmly welcome people into their homes and studios and seem to enjoy explaining their art and what inspires them. They represent their country and their art in a passionate, intimate manner. A great tour!

We had a private tour to 5 different artists and wanted to buy everything we saw! Sonia (the guide) is so friendly and knowledgeable and meeting the artists is such a unique experience. We bought an iguana from Miguel Illescas and every time i look at it i remember the tour and watching him make other pieces. There is something for everyone's budget, right down to a few dollars. Highly recommended! Thank you Art Cuenca!

Cuenca, Ecuador is the home of a number of artists with worldwide reputations, as well as many up-and-coming, highly talented painters, sculptors, ceramists, jewelry designers, and so on. Art Cuenca is a gallery in Cuenca's historic center, where frequently rotating exhibits of these artists are held. Art Cuenca also offers both private and group tours of the artists' workshops, conducted in fluent English. The owners of Art Cuenca are lovely, dedicated people, who are doing an excellent job of introducing residents and visitors to Cuenca's (remarkably affordable) artistic treasures.

I was fortunate enough to join 2 friends who are now retired in Cuenca, on a private art tour a few days ago. What an AMAZING experience! Our guide, Sonia, has such a wonderful grasp of art history, the artists of Cuenca and the community. She is very bright, well spoken and speaks perfect English. What a joy to spend the afternoon at the studios of various artists who were delighted to meet us and show us around. Sonia has put together a wonderful gallery and a fabulous tour which will individualize for her clients. Visiting her gallery and taking her tour are both a must do in Cuenca!!!

A memorable experience. The lovely gallery, previews local artist and artisans, and offers an opportunity to see what the art community is all about. If you a wise enough to book a private or group tour, you will see a side of Cuenca that is not always visible. Sonia, is just the best. Her charming personality, along with her knowledge of the artists and artesians, is a perfect combination for a day of adventure. A must do!!!!!

Art Cuenca is a unique experience, not only in Cuenca, but in any other city. The lovely little gallery promotes local artists and artisans of all types, many of whom are known around the world. But even more wonderful are the visits to artists' studios where you can see the artists at work. Sonia, who runs Art Cuenca, is well known in the artist community and arranges fun and exciting visits to the artists' workshops and galleries. Some visits are done as a group, but she can also arrange private visits. (The artists' studio visits do have a fee, but the gallery is free.) Sonia speaks fluent English and is a truly delightful and knowledgeable person, not only about art, but about the history and culture of Cuenca and Ecuador. Art Cuenca is a "do not miss" experience.

Sonia Punin's Art Cuenca is a must-do while in Cuenca. This is a full service experience that will not only provide an insight into the heart of the art community in Cuenca, she will also enlighten you with information about the history and culture of the country. The (free) gallery showcases local arts with new exhibitions monthly. Sonia also provides personalized visits to artists' studios and galleries upon request, tailored to your tastes. If you are lucky you might be able to enjoy one of her well planned, reasonably priced, group visits to 3 or 4 talented artists. On these visits you not only see a variety of great art you also get to meet the creators and see how the works are produced. Don't miss it...

Art Cuenca is very special given all the attractions available in Cuenca. Owner Sonia Punin meets and gets to know every visitor. She also conducts private tours and scheduled group outings to visit numerous local artists in their studios and galleries. Sonia speaks perfect English which is helpful for newcomers and tourists. She is well organized and features all of Cuenca's to artists. We have purchased quite a few pieces from either her gallery or while on tours with her. In many cases we have forged lifetime relationships with the artists. Do not miss this gallery even though it is a bit hard to find.

Una ciudad muy linda. El centro histórico es bellisimo. (Nota: Para quienes conocen colombia, es una mezcla entre Villa de Leyva y Santa Marta)Cerca pueden ir a las ruinas Incas. Desde Cuenca, pueden ir para un lugar llamado Baños.Para quienes somos amantes de las artesanías, allí las artesanías son costosas pero muy bonitas y muy bien terminadas.Si quieren un lugar romantico, Cuenca es perfecto. Los hoteles son espectaculares (Estilo colonial) y hay buenos restaurantes. A las afueras de Cuenca, por la salida a Guayaquil, hay un bar que es un mirador y un hotel muy bonito.

Una ciudad muy organizada, en la que encuentras todo a la mano, en menos de 15 minutos puedes encontrar algo nuevo o algo antiguo, la gente muy culta, y sobre todo multicultural, pues vale que hemos encontrado gente de diferentes países que se han ido a vivir a esta hermosa ciudad.

Es un lugar imperdible, por la ciudad, la amabilidad de la gente, la limpieza, el orden, la tranquilidad, es una ciudad magica!!!

Estuvimos en Cuenca con mi esposa Any, la verdad que nos sorprendió muchisimo la paz y tranquilidad que transmite esta ciudad.Un lugar recommendable para conocer con mucha cultura y gente excepcional.Sergio y Any