Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [168]
Art House (Casa de Arte; 2645-5275; www.monteverdearthouse.com; 9am-6:30pm) Several rooms stuffed with colorful Costa Rican artistry is what you’ll find at the Art House. There’s jewelry, ceramic work, Boruca textiles and paintings. Though styles here differ quite a bit, it’s more along the crafty end of the artsy-craftsy spectrum. It’s a great place to find a unique local souvenir.
Atmosphera (2645-6555; complejoatmosphera@yahoo.com.mx; 9am-6pm) An upscale Cerro Plano gallery that specializes in wood sculpture created by artists from all over Costa Rica. Several are from the Monteverde area, and the pieces run the gamut of style and function. They’re also priced accordingly, from about US$25 to US$5000. If you fall in conflicted love with some sinuous piece here, may we suggest you think it over with a massage (US$50 to US$60) at the in-house natural spa.
Luna Azul (2645-6638; lunaazulmonteverde@gmail.com; 9am-6:30pm) This funky boutique is decked out in celestial murals, and it’s a relaxing spot to do a little souvenir shopping for your friends…or yourself. There’s a great variety of clothing, handmade jewelry and local art up for grabs as well as various aromatherapy products. Check out the fused-glass jewelry – some of our favorite pieces here.
Río Shanti (2645-6121; www.rioshanti.com; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun; ) The real reason to come here is for a spa treatment, massage or yoga class for adults and children (be sure to call ahead for an appointment or schedule), but this calming space on the road into Monteverde also has a gallery of local art for sale.
Artes Stulio (2645-5567; artestulio@yahoo.com; 11am-5pm Mon-Sat) A working studio where you can browse the gallery and also roam upstairs to watch the artists at work. The art here is a bit more experimental and an intriguing look into the contemporary scene fostered by the magical Monteverde atmosphere.
Alquimia Artes (2645-5847; www.alquimiaartes.com; 10am-5pm) The work here is a tad more affordable than at some other places (check out the jewelry by Tarsicio Castillo from the Ecuadorian Andes), but this doesn’t mean its collection of wood sculpture, paintings and prints by Costa Rican artists isn’t astounding.
Casem (Cooperativa de Artesanía Santa Elena Monteverde; 2645-5190; www.casemcoop.org; 8am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun high season) Begun in 1982 as a women’s cooperative representing eight female artists, today Casem has expanded to include almost 150 local artisans, eight of whom are men. Embroidered and hand-painted clothing, polished wooden tableware, handmade cards and other work, some even priced for budget souvenir shoppers, make for an eclectic selection.
Bromelias Books (2645-6272; www.bromeliasmusicgarden.com; 10am-5:30pm) Don cute felt shoes before entering this bookstore, with its polished-wood Cerro Plano expanse of local arts and crafts, including some intricate batik. There are also books about the region, in particular natural history, in English and Spanish, plus lots of excellent Costa Rican and Central American music. The small amphitheater outside the bookstore has regular theater and musical performances – be on the lookout for posters advertising events.
Hummingbird Gallery (2645-5030; 8:30am-5pm) This gallery just outside Monteverde reserve has beautiful photos, watercolors, art by the indigenous Chorotega and Boruca people and, best of all, feeders that constantly attract several species of hummingbird. Great photo ops include potential hot shots of the violet sabrewing (Costa Rica’s largest hummer) and the coppery-headed emerald, one of only three mainland birds endemic to Costa Rica. An identification board shows the nine species that are seen here. If you’d like a closer look, slides and photographs of the jungle’s most precious feathered gems (and other luminous critters) by renowned British wildlife photographers Michael and Patricia