Mariano and Estela Pérez are simply one of the nicest couples that live in Puerto Vallarta! Always smiling, always up. This positive attitude is reflected, literally, in their stunning glass art. They own and operate Galería EM in Marina Vallarta and have their workshop near Neptune Plaza.
Mariano recalls the couple’s humble beginnings in their Guadalajara digs, where they worked 12-hour days manufacturing each piece themselves from a small workshop on the roof of their house. Mariano describes these times as “very fun and time consuming.” He said they lived with glass and lead cuttings cluttering their tiny apartment, taking up every space including the kitchen table.
It was during this time that Mariano came to Puerto Vallarta to repair some stained glass that he fell in love with this city. He tells of an “epiphany” he had while here, that he would move his work, Estela and their two daughters, Mariana and Jimena to Puerto Vallarta. When he returned home he announced his plans to his entire family, they laughed thinking he was joking. But he believed in his dream and brought his family here anyway. The rest, as they say, is “history.”
Mariano and Estela first opened a small workshop in Plaza Marina, then four years ago they opened Galería EM in Marina Vallarta. This gallery has become extremely popular with its dazzling glass creations. Mariano credits the Marina Art Walks as part of its success. The couple recently expanded their operation to a 10,000 square foot workshop, which also houses the Perez’s offices and a second gallery.
He and his team of designers, headed by chief designer Estela, produce and ship fine glass works, including, stained glass windows, Tiffany Lamps, custom stained-glass pieces, etched-glass items, and their signature thick glass multi-lens sculptures. Today, Mariano, Estela and Galería EM produce much of the custom glass seen at the best hotels, restaurants, businesses and finer homes in Puerto Vallarta.
