If you're looking to add a little culture to your Mexican vacation, make sure to stop by Galeria Coppelia in El Tuito. Just a scenic 40-minute drive east of Boca de Tomatlán, this hidden gem offers a refreshing alternative to the more commercial galleries in Puerto Vallarta.
Tucked away off the beaten path (but easy to find with Google Maps!), it's the perfect place to discover a unique piece of art for your home or office. You'll be amazed by the variety of intriguing finds—there’s something special waiting just for you!
Galeria Coppelia: A Haven for Artists in El Tuito
In March 2012, Maria Santander opened Galeria Coppelia with a heartfelt mission—to create a space where local artists and artisans could showcase and sell their work without the burden of commissions or fees. Uniquely 100% non-profit, the gallery gives emerging and young artists the break they need to thrive in the art world.
Over the years, anywhere from 20 to 40 artists have called Galeria Coppelia home at any given time. It was founded out of a simple but powerful need: a dedicated place where the region’s incredible artisans could be supported, promoted, and earn a living through their craft.
Maria set up the gallery in her 130-year-old guest house, which carries a fascinating history—it was once owned by the renowned Mexican painter Manuel Lepe. Known for his whimsical, childlike depictions of flying children, Lepe was the first Mexican artist to be accepted into the French school of "Naïf" art—a style celebrated for its charming simplicity and vibrant storytelling. On weekends, he would escape the bustle of Puerto Vallarta to paint here, surrounded by inspiration.
His legacy lives on at Galeria Coppelia, with his grandnephew, Luis Lepe, among the featured artists. One of Luis’s paintings, displayed in the gallery, is a beautiful homage to Manuel Lepe and his iconic Naïf style, a tradition that continues to captivate art lovers around the world.
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Galeria Coppelia—a hidden gem where history, talent, and passion come together in one magical space.
Maria Santander isn’t just the heart behind Galeria Coppelia—she’s also an artist herself, coming from a family deeply rooted in the arts. Her mother, Miranda Collet, is a talented painter known for organizing and creating socially inspired art projects around the world.
Some of Miranda’s stunning paintings can be found right here at the gallery, adding to the rich tapestry of talent that makes Galeria Coppelia such a special place. If you stop by, you might just find a piece that speaks to you!
Maria’s younger brother, Morgan Santander, was born in Mexico City and had a truly global education, studying in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Mexico. He earned his undergraduate degree in visual arts at the University of California, Berkeley and later completed his graduate studies in painting and drawing at the University of Chicago.
Morgan’s work is part of numerous corporate, private, and institutional collections across the U.S. and internationally. A passionate educator, he spent over two decades teaching painting, drawing, art history, and art theory, including 12 years as a Professor of Graduate and Undergraduate Painting at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Sadly, Morgan passed away from cancer in 2020 while living in Marshall, North Carolina. In honor of his legacy, the Morgan Museum was established in 2022 at Galeria Coppelia, where his work is now exclusively displayed and available for purchase.
This season, Maria is dedicating her focus to Morgan’s vast body of work, offering serious collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces at 40-60% discounts—directly, rather than through galleries or brokers. A portion of the proceeds will go to his son, Maria’s nephew, keeping Morgan’s artistic legacy alive in more ways than one.
Meet the Talented Artists and Makers of Galeria Coppelia
Beyond its stunning collection, Galeria Coppelia is home to a remarkable group of artists, artisans, and craftspeople, each contributing something unique to El Tuito’s creative community.
Miguel Angel Pantola has been part of the gallery since the very beginning. A passionate teacher, he dedicates his time to teaching painting to local children. His work can also be seen in the breathtaking mural at the entrance of the town’s graveyard.
Mae Delgado, a talented sculptor from Puerto Vallarta, makes the journey to El Tuito to source its highly sought-after clay, which is known for its exceptional quality.
Luis Lepe and Luna Sartiaguin, both graduates of the University of Puerto Vallarta, started their artistic journeys exhibiting their paintings at Galeria Coppelia.
Lilia Solorio, daughter of the renowned artisan Don Luis Solorio, carries on her father’s legacy by creating exact clay replicas of pre-Hispanic sculptures from the Mayan, Huasteca, and Zapoteca cultures. She welcomes visitors into her humble home and workshop, where you can see her incredible work firsthand. If you visit, take a moment to compare her replicas with the pre-Columbian sculptures displayed in your Villa La Sirena apartment!
Chris Guerrero and Myriam Ochoa Venegas have since moved to Guadalajara, but their stunning artwork remains part of the Galeria Coppelia collection.
Beyond Traditional Art—A Celebration of Local Craftsmanship
Galeria Coppelia is more than just paintings and sculptures; it also supports local makers who create unique and culturally rich products:
Javier Valvaneda crafts one-of-a-kind, small-batch mezcal-based liquors, available exclusively at the gallery.
Aged 5 years, the Anejo Raicilla is another rare spirit that can only be found at Galeria Coppelia—a true collector’s treasure.
Linda Leight (originally from the U.S.) and Deb McColl (originally from Canada) are both full-time El Tuito residents who craft incredible handmade quilts, gift bags, and placemats. What makes their work even more special? 100% of the proceeds go toward the Tercera Edad Project, which supports the elderly in the community.
Beyond The Galeria
Maria pours her time and energy into helping the El Tuito community. One of her 2024 projects is reviving Tercera Edad, a December initiative providing food, blankets, and essentials to the town’s most vulnerable elderly—especially those without family nearby. Seventeen years ago, she joined Puerto Vallarta teachers delivering "despensas" (care packages), and now she hopes to bring back this tradition.
Galeria Coppelia has been a labor of love for 13 years, dedicated to supporting artists and giving back. Despite early skepticism, Maria made it happen—on a shoestring budget and plenty of good karma.
The gallery isn’t about high-end markups but unique, affordable art for true art lovers. Whether you’re picking out a painting, mask, or sculpture, you’re not just buying art—you’re supporting a mission. Authored by Jerry Cederstrom and Maria Santander
For more information, visit: Galeria Coppelia
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