The Graffiti Jam was a great success.  Be sure to check out the new murals and graffiti at the Pelicans beach entrance, Cabinas Chale, Hotel Torro Blanco, Super New China, and between San Carlos Hardware and MegaSuper.  There are some wonderful works, and my favorite is this piece by Sebastian Ayala that highlights nature in bold colors and resonates the reminder ‘Be Here Now’.

This workshop centers the creative process, the act of making something with our own hands, connecting with ourselves, and connecting with others as we work alongside each other.  We will begin with a guided meditation to center ourselves in the space with intention, then Sarah will teach the Japanese Stab Binding method to create our own beautiful handbound journals.  You do not need to bring any supplies or have any prior experience; Sarah will provide all the materials, including paper handmade locally, and she will offer pointers and assistance as needed.  This is a social activity, light-hearted and fun–a great way to enjoy the morning and meet new friends.  Once we’ve finished creating our journals, you can continue conversations or take time for yourself to write. Sarah will provide some journaling prompts to take with you.  This workshop is open to everyone regardless of age, gender, or whether you consider yourself “creative”.  Let’s get together, enjoy the process, and connect.

Biodanza is the dance of life, the poetics of the human encounter.  Dance connects our bodies and emotions; we experience the sensations of being alive and building community.  Rather than create choreographies, we place life, care, and affection at the center of our dance and propose gestures and movements from authentic expression.  We begin by opening space with introductions and sharing, and discussing the origins and philosophy of Biodanza.  We will share ceremonial cacao, and after making some important agreements and turning off cell phones, we enter the space of the body and open communication.  We will engage in individual, partner, and group activities following a theme.  All dance is free and improvised, the guidance always an invitation allowing for choice and personal comfort.  Paula will lead in Spanish and English, and all ages are welcome as long as minors are accompanied by a responsible participating adult.  We will dance to a variety of music styles, each supporting a different experience.  Biodanza is a system of human integration promoting physical and emotional well-being through free movement, music, and connection with others. ​

Inspired by ballet exercises and functional fitness training, these Barre workouts integrate coordination, balance, and breath with precise low-impact movements to build strength, stability, and endurance, and to develop body awareness and control.  The routines target all areas, working arms, legs, core, and glutes to promote long, strong muscle while improving mobility, alignment, and posture.  The constant conscious movement, which challenges the body without overload, supports hormonal balance, regulating stress and reducing cortisol.  The sessions flow with intention and focus, creating a supportive environment that invites us to connect with our bodies, cultivate presence, and feel empowered in nurturing our wellbeing. Classes follow a clear structure–warm-up, main routine, and cool-down–with the strong beat of electronic music marking the rhythm and keeping our energy up.  All levels are welcome; Adriana will guide modifications and progressions so that each person can be safe and confident no matter their abilities or needs.  Classes may incorporate weights, resistance bands, exercise balls or sliders to support muscle activation and control while maintaining fluid movement.  Participants may be barefoot or wear socks; please bring a mat for certain floor exercises. ​

This art festival aims to transform public spaces with colorful and uplifting murals, showcase national talent, and integrate culture, youth, and environmental awareness in an inspiring experience of creative expression.  The event kicks off Thursday evening with an artist meet-and-greet at The Palms Hotel.  We are expecting more than forty artists, around 3/4 local to Costa Rica, and 1/4 coming from abroad.  They will be painting Friday - Sunday at eight different walls within the Coco community: off Coco's main street by Ferretería San Carlos; on the road to Ocotal by Super New China, Los Cartagos, and Taco Rosado; and off of carretera la Chorrera the Pelícanos beach entrance, Cabinas Chale, and Hotel Puerta del Sol.  The closing party will be at Zi Lounge Sunday evening with live DJs, MCs, and break-dancers.  All activities are open to the public free of charge, but if you’d like to make a contribution to support this initiative and help it become a regular event in Coco, you may do so via Sinpe or Paypal, or at the opening and closing events.  This festival is made possible with the sponsorship of Loop Colors and Artopia, and the generous support from local businesses and organizations receiving the artists including Anika Boutique Suites, Toro Blanco Hotel, The Palms Hotel, Hotel M&M Beach House, Hotel Colono Beach, Hotel La Puerta del Sol, Villa del Sol Boutique Hotel, Island Golf Cart Rentals, Ferretería San Carlos, ADICOCO, la Municipalidad de Carrillo, and La Asociación de Cultura.

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Biodanza is the dance of life, the poetics of the human encounter.  Dance connects our bodies and emotions; we experience the sensations of being alive and building community.  Rather than create choreographies, we place life, care, and affection at the center of our dance and propose gestures and movements from authentic expression.  We begin by opening space with introductions and sharing, and discussing the origins and philosophy of Biodanza.  After making some important agreements and turning off cell phones, we enter the space of the body and open communication.  We will engage in individual, partner, and group activities following a theme.  All dance is free and improvised, the guidance always an invitation allowing for choice and personal comfort.  Paula will lead in Spanish and English, and all ages are welcome as long as minors are accompanied by a responsible participating adult.  We will dance to a variety of music styles, each supporting a different experience.  Biodanza is a system of human integration promoting physical and emotional well-being through free movement, music, and connection with others. 

By Kendall ‘Kech’ Valverde

70 x 95 cm, Airbrush on Canvas

To view works or commission something new, contact Kech: +506 8497 9285

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Kech began experimenting with aerosol painting technique at the age of twelve–his first works on the walls in his mother's house and throughout San Jose’s city neighborhoods where he grew up.  He was drawn to the bubble letters his mother used to label his school notebooks, and he would sneak spray paint from his father’s workshop to practice this ‘bombing’ style on the walls.  Since these early explorations of ‘tagging’ and ‘bombing’ Kech has been compelled continually to try new techniques and investigate different styles, and although he has not pursued any formal art training, his work has naturally evolved from tags and graffiti lettering into images and expressive murals.  While Kech specializes in large-scale works in aerosol, as he has expanded into painting on canvases and creating custom hats, he’s developed techniques with airbrush, acrylic, and pen to achieve the smallest of details.

Inspired by ballet exercises and functional fitness training, these Barre workouts integrate coordination, balance, and breath with precise low-impact movements to build strength, stability, and endurance, and to develop body awareness and control.  The routines target all areas, working arms, legs, core, and glutes to promote long, strong muscle while improving mobility, alignment, and posture.  The constant conscious movement, which challenges the body without overload, supports hormonal balance, regulating stress and reducing cortisol.  The sessions flow with intention and focus, creating a supportive environment that invites us to connect with our bodies, cultivate presence, and feel empowered in nurturing our wellbeing. Classes follow a clear structure–warm-up, main routine, and cool-down–with the strong beat of electronic music marking the rhythm and keeping our energy up.  All levels are welcome; Adriana will guide modifications and progressions so that each person can be safe and confident no matter their abilities or needs.  Classes may incorporate weights, resistance bands, exercise balls or sliders to support muscle activation and control while maintaining fluid movement.  Participants may be barefoot or wear socks; please bring a mat for certain floor exercises. ​

Often we may experience a block or disconnect from our voice, feeling shy or unable to express ourselves fully.  This workshop aims to liberate the voice as a clear channel for authentic expression, reestablishing the connection with our natural sounds, creativity, and emotional articulations.  We will begin with intention, creating a safe and supportive container for exploration together, then start with simple breathing and movement exercises to open the body and energize the diaphragm.  Vladi will guide us through vocal activations, applying tones, sounds, and intuitive expressions, then we will build the group resonance with call-and-response series to build confidence and connection.  From these playful exercises we will reach a place of freedom with the voice and move into creative improvisation exploring the natural flow of our original sounds.  Finally, we will allow our experience to anchor into our being with time for grounding and reflection.  Participants may experience a deeper sense of connection with the breath, body, voice, creativity, and self-expression;  and may have feelings of freedom, confidence, joy, playfulness, emotional release, or energetic realignment.  No prior experience is necessary; please wear comfortable clothes and bring water.   ​