Comments (0) BEST MEXICAN IMPORTS - 2006
Bellas Artes de Mexico
In the Southwest, "authentic" Mexican furniture isn't hard to find. Even big-box stores have hacienda collections these days. But that little "hecho en Mexico" sticker doesn't always mean much when it comes to quality. Authentic (not "authentic") handmade furniture and imports are much harder to come by. Fortunately, Bellas Artes de Mexico lives up to its name, making it our pick for best Mexican imports store. Walking into this family-owned furniture shop feels a bit like walking into the home of a 16th-century conquistador. The place is filled with beautifully hand-carved tables, doors and wardrobes with details so intricate it feels like they must open up to reveal some south-of-the-border Narnia. Bellas Artes is owned by Cristina and Felipe Guzman, who import furniture from their family's well-known furniture shop in Guadalajara, Mexico. The family's woodworking ability is clearly the star of the show ? the mesquite tables are breathtaking, and one of our favorite pieces was a Last Supper scene carved from one giant piece of pine ? but the store is also good for hand-painted ceramic dishes, traditional tin mirrors, and random, brightly painted knickknacks.
