Belizean art reflects the culture, lifestyle, wildlife, seascapes, local street scenes and the amazing landscapes of Belize. You can find paintings, textiles, furniture, wooden sculptures, slate carvings, and basketry in locations such as galleries, gift shops or even on the roadside.
“Art is a form of love. Art is the ultimate gift. Art heals life.” – Robert Genn
Pen Cayetano
“A true and universal artist” – One of Pen’s unique peculiarities is that he was self-taught. As an artist, his capacity to learn from within one’s cultural environment accompanied Pen from Belize to Europe and back to Belize. He owns a Studio Gallery in Dangriga, where you can get to meet him and enjoy his stories surrounded by paintings and murals. “We are passionate about art and music and love what we do. Sharing our love and knowledge is part of our life. Roots and culture, art and music must go on in the generations to come”.
Walter Castillo
A self-taught artist, born in Nicaragua, he grew up in San Pedro, visiting Caye Caulker as his playground. When young he started traveling around Belize and mingling with people from different cultures. He uses vibrant colors and the people in his paintings are full of life.
His first exhibition was in England in1990, where his work was well received. After many years living in San Pedro, he moved to the peaceful village of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District, where he now has his studio.
Marcos Larios
He moved to Belize at the age of 14 and started working in San Pedro, painting signs for shops and businesses. His painting reflects vivid colors and the underwater island scenes. He owns Ambergris Art Gallery, located at SunBreeze Hotel, where he continues his sign painting business as well. Marcos hopes that his paintings can bring happiness to the people who view them. With a magical touch of his brush, he has immortalized the beauty of Belize.
Carolyn Carr
Born in Canon City, Colorado, she moved to Belize in 1977. “It is my belief that art is not only a reflection of the soul and spirit of its sources but a message to the soul and spirit of others.” Some of her paintings are done using watercolor.
Mrs. Carr loves the people and traditions of Belize which have provided her endless subjects to paint.
You can purchase her paintings on her website https://www.carolyncarrbelize.com/galleries/
Leisa Carr-Caceres – Leisa’s One of a Kind
She interprets the world through stained glass. Her favorite themes are animals and nature. She has been living in Belize and has had the opportunity to experience nature on a daily basis. “Nature in Belize is vibrant and ever-changing, perfect for artistry.” Her theme is One of a Kind because all her pieces are unique.
GALLERIES OF BELIZE
BELIZE CITY
- Image Factory
91 N. Front St.
www.imagefactorybelize.com
501-223-1149
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5
- Fine Arts Gallery
1 Fort St. in Tourism Village
www.fineartsgallerybelize.com
501-674-5868
Hours: When cruise ships are in port, or by appointment
- Belizean Handicraft Market Place
2 S. Park in Fort George area opposite Memorial Park
501-223-3627
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8-4
BELMOPAN
- Art Box
Mile 46, Western Highway, just before reaching The City Of Belmopan from the direction of Belize City.
501-623-6129
www.artboxbz.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8-6
CAYE CAULKER
- Caribbean Colors Art Gallery
Front St.
501-206-0206 or 877-809-1659
www.caribbean-colors.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8-5
- Cooper’s Art Gallery
Front St.
501-226-0330
www.debbiecooperart.com
Hours: Mon. Noon-6, Tue.-Sat. 10-8
COROZAL
- Corozal Art Gallery
Reyes Plaza, 4th Ave. and 3rd St. N.
501-633-8679
www.corozalartgallery.weebly.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 am “until” or by appointment
DANGRIGA
- Garinagu Crafts and Art Gallery
46 Oak St. at Tubroose St.
501-522-2596
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-6
- Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery
3 Aranda Crescent at Gallery St.
501-501-3156
Hours: 9-5 Tue.-Sat. (usually closing at Noon-2 for lunch); Sun. 9-Noon
MAYA CENTER
- Maya Center Women’s Cooperative Crafts Store
Maya Center Village, Southern Highway
PLACENCIA
- Lola’s Art
Seine Bight
501-601-1913
www.jcasadart.com
Hours: Daily 7-6
- Art ‘n Soul
South end of the Sidewalk, Placencia village
501-503-3088
Hours: Daily 9-6
- Spectarte
Maya Beach, opposite Green Parrot
501-523-8019
Hours: Thu.-Tue. 10-6
PUNTA GORDA
- Fajina Craft Center
Front St.
Hours: Usually open mornings of market days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
- Maya Bags
Workshop at Airport Rd. near Tropic Air office at PG airstrip
www.mayabags.com
SAN IGNACIO
- Orange Gifts
Mile 60, Western Hwy.
501-824-2341
www.orangegifts.com
- Garcia Sisters Tanah Maya Art Museum
Cristo Rey Rd., San Antonio, Cayo
501-669-4023
Hours: Daily 7-7
- SakTunich
Cristo Rey Rd., San Antonio, Cayo
501-606-7806
Hours: Daily 6-6
SAN PEDRO
- Belizean Arts
Barrier Reef Drive at Fido’s
501-226-3019
www.belizeanarts.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-6
- Artesano
Buccaneer St.
501-226-2370
www.artesanobelize.com
- Emmanuel Gallery
Coconut Dr., inside SunBreeze Hotel
501-226-2262
www.cemmanuel.com
Hours: By appointment
In addition to these galleries, gift shops at some Belize hotels and lodges sell Belize crafts and a limited amount of art. Among notable hotel gift shops with art and crafts are these:
Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge
CahalPech Hotel, CahalPech, San Ignacio – tourism trinkets only.
Cheers Restaurant Mile 36 Western Highway – only tourism trinkets now.
Hamanasi, Hopkins
Jaguar Reef, Hopkins
Ka’ana Resort, Western Hwy., San Ignacio
