Courses in Painting, Music, Sculpture, and Dance and other Bonao, Dominican Republic Things to Do Tips

The exceptional new Plaza de la Cultura offers a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Dominican culture.
A dynamic place with a friendly open door policy, the knowledgable staff of artists and teachers welcome all students regardless of age or social background.

Very economical classes and courses are available in the following:

PAINTING
SCULPTURE
CERAMICS
LEATHER CRAFT
PIANO
GUITAR
BALLET / JAZZ DANCE
DOMINICAN DANCE (merengue, Bachata...)

It is a lovely centre in which to learn. The centre's intentions are admirable - a special emphasis is placed on reaching out to handicapped and disadvantaged people. A tourist who decides s/he wishes to make an extended stay in Bonao to take classes will be made to feel more than welcome.

Bonao is historically one of DR's premier artist centres, producing many of national and international reputes.

Head of Music:
Franklin De Leon - 525 2799

Head of Dance:
Cecilio Molina - 525 2717

Artistic Director:
Sra. Carmen de Rosario

Executive Director:
Julio Valentin

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Address: Calle Mella
Directions: One block west of the Parque Central, opposite the San Antonio Church

Located in the excellent new Plaza de la Cultura, the gallery is the brainchild of the internationally reknowned artist Candido Bido, a native son of Bonao.

At present the finishing touches are being put to the top three levels of this elegant five storey building. The ground floor gallery houses paintings by the Dominican masters including Bido himself, Guillo Perez and Elsa Nunez. Also on display are works from Central American arists like Orlando Vellajo and Alfredo Sinclair.

The first floor is dedicated to sculpure and 3 dimensional art..

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Phone: Carmen Garcia - Director
Address: Plaza de la Cultura, Calle Mella
Directions: 1 Block west of the Parque Central

I stumbled upon this delightful family owned gallery by chance and discovered a little gem. It seems that the resident artistic community in Bonao is starting to recieve nationwide amd even international attention. The quality is generally excellent and the prices are affordable even for a budget traveller.

Two smallish rooms house paintings of local Artists from the Bonao - Santiago area. The friendly owners, Dona Teresa and Don Julio, are very informative and can put you in touch with the Artists themselves.

The paintings on display cover a wide spectrum of subjects. One common theme is the local Frank Voyan tree that is famous for its bright red foliage.

Prices range from around 500 pesos going up to 14,000 pesos depending if you wish to purchase a frame as well. The gallery has a cool, informal atmosphere where you won't feel pressured into buying.

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Phone: 525 7092 ---- or ---- 525 2482
Address: Av. 27 de Febrero No.59
Directions: Two block south of the Parque Central

ACESOR is a large retailer of local paintings, sculpture, handicrafts and furniture. The art gallery boasts the colourful work of artists from the Bonao/ Santiago area.

Prices for the art and frames are extremely appealing. Also of very good quality are the ceramic vases, which for a set of 3 costs a more than reasonable 500 pesos.

Other notable pieces are the giant candlestick holders and the gorgeous darkwood tables and dressers. It would be easy to wander out with half the shop.

The friendly owner Ramon TIburcio will be happy to explain away all the pieces on display.

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Phone: 525 6067
Address: Calle Eugenio Maria de Hostos #103
Directions: Five blocks south of the Parque Central, behind the Ayuntamiento.

The people go crazy in Bonao,they Dance and Drink in the Streets for 1 month CARNAVAL!!!--The month of February is an especially festive time in the Dominican Republicýit's Carnaval time!ýwith music and dance celebrations throughout the month. Starting on the last Sunday of January and increasing in frequency and intensity as the 27th of February approaches, for Carnaval is not only a pre-Lenten festival here, it's also a celebration of Dominican independence.

And at the end of August/early September, we celebrate the Merengue Festival across the island. There are also nationwide celebrations of Corpus Christi and Semana Santa (Easter Week), not to mention that each of the cities and towns has its own patron saint, who is honored with lively fiestas patronales. All of these fiestas incorporate song and dance along with other traditional rituals. One of the most popular is the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24ý.

There's always something to celebrate here in the Dominican Republic! And music and dance are as important to Dominicans as eating or breathing

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Phone: 1809-630-1261
Address: The Carnival Parade winds around central Bonao
Directions: Bonao is centrally located on the highway between Santo Domingo and Santiago.
Website: www.ranchowendy.com
Other Contact: ranchowendy@hotmail.com

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Address: Calle Mella, esq. 16 de Agosto
Directions: On the corner on the Parque Central

The interesting work shop of local ceramics artist Adriano Garcia is open for public to browse and watch the man spinning pots, vases and teapots at his wheel.

There are some very lovely pieces at fair prices (40 pesos for handpainted red clay ornaments). Adriano even has his own take on the famous faceless dolls of the Cibao. He speaks some English and is not shy to show off his skills. If you're staying for a few days, let him spin you up an original.

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Phone: 525 4354
Address: Calle Mercedes #110, Bonao
Directions: 10 minutes west from downtown.