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Review of the Ferraioli Art Gallery and Boutique in San Juan, Puerto Rico

By , About.com Guide

Review of the Ferraioli Art Gallery and Boutique in San Juan, Puerto RicoPhoto © Zain Deane

Intro to Eddie Ferraioli:

A native of Santurce, Eddie Ferraioli is an artist who's gained considerable and justified renown in Puerto Rico. A master with glass, Ferraioli's work reflects a modern taste that recalls the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the beauty of the play of light and color, and the spirituality of Catholic Puerto Rico. He's considered one of the preeminent masters of glass and mosaic works in the region, and brings a unique vision to the artistic scene in Puerto Rico.

Where You'll find his work:

In a quiet corner of Puerta de Tierra, just across the street from the Caribe Hilton, stands Ferraioli's gallery and boutique. It's open from Tuesday to Friday 11 am to 2 pm, but you can arrange to see his work by calling 787-319-1778, or 787-384-7584.

A visit to the gallery:

I'm a big fan of Eddie Ferraioli. The shop and art gallery is worth a visit for anyone who wants a unique and memorable souvenir from the island. Ferraioili's collection of mosaics, stained glass objets d'art, sculptures and jewelry are made with a simple, striking beauty that combines a religious theme with modern elegance.

Take his series on Virgin figures, for example: colorful, vibrant and evocative mosaics, I immedeiately fell in love with quite of a few of the ones I saw. Equally beautiful are his glass mosaics on wood, most notably on doors and windows and typically sporting a bright floral motif.

His stained glass windows reminded me strongly of the clean lines of Frank Lloyd Wright, as do his series of Three Kings, available in a variety of sizes and mediums. From gift boxes to glass sculptures, these were among my favorite pieces in the gallery.

Surprisingly, I found the prices at Ferraioli quite reasonable. The Three Kings glass sculptures at $300 were a keepsake I'd be happy to pay for, considering the skill of the artist. If you want to get to know an artistic voice from Puerto Rico, Eddie Ferraioli makes for a great introduction.

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