Artistic expression is inescapable in La Antigua Guatemala. Colonial edifices beg the passerby to marvel at architectural art. Maya women and children offer handfuls of rainbow-colored, handmade goods to tourists who seem almost overwhelmed by the abundance of woven textiles – which are available on the street, in a special artisan market and in boutique shops throughout the cobbled city.
On sunny days, visitors can spot men and young boys lining the Calle del Arco, quietly painting bold and vibrant Antigueño and Guatemalan landscapes. On these bright, sunny days you can also find a young woman sitting in her wheelchair in front of the shops lining Central Park. 
The drawings and watercolors she produces with her malformed feet are as impressive and fine as a seasoned artist, yet as simple and innocent as a child’s artwork. A wealth of jewelry stores, jade shops and art galleries – like the Paseo de los Museos in the prestigious hotel Casa Santo Domingo – can all be discovered by leisurely strolling along LAG’s calles and avenidas.
Those wanting to delve further into Antigua Guatemala’s art scene should check out activities hosted by the Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española and El Sitio Proyecto Cultural. Both represent La Antigua’s most active cultural center’s offering workshops, special art exhibitions, weekly film showings, theatres, concerts, and more. Rainbow Café, a restaurant whose walls are covered in murals and local artwork, often hosts live music as well as informational lectures that often relate to art. And when it comes to musical expression, La Esquina, Cielos and Ricky’s Bar are becoming the live music and live D.J. hotspots. La Sala and Sin Ventura are the perfect night clubs for spotting locals and tourists alike whirling around to the fast Latin beats of salsa and meringue. A new website, ArteAntigua.com, is also aiming to develop a more complete source of art, culture and events available in LAG.
