By Sargeant Gallery
Peter Leventhal was truly a renaissance man and accepted as one of the master artists in San Miguel de Allende history. He was known to drop a pen, pencil or paintbrush to chat with anyone about anything and made it a point to support local artists in any capacity he could to share his wide range of knowledge.
Passing at the age of 80 in 2019, many people remember Peter only as a painter. However, this is just one of a multitude of the arts he excelled in. At Sargeant Gallery you can see his drawings, wood cut prints and etchings (framed and unframed), unique wood sculptures and of course his brilliant colorful paintings. Each of the art forms comprises many different sizes and prices, making Leventhal art available to everyone. In all of Peter’s art you will recognize his distinct style, storytelling and influence from a lifetime studying and paying homage to the great masters.
In his wood cut prints and etchings, you can appreciate his sense of humor depicted in his years spent in New York and Brooklyn. The wood sculptures are hand chiseled, fitted like a jigsaw puzzle and held together with pegs and glue.
Because of his increased right hand tremors from Parkinson’s, in the last 10 years Peter painted solely with his left hand. Clearly it was a challenge for the remainder of his life but by no means was it an excuse; he found a way to continue his life purpose at all costs. What should be highlighted in this time of his career is not the struggle of a disease, but his passion painting a wide range of subjects, including Mexican history and culture. From the time of his arrival Peter embodied the life of a “sanmiguelense.” Being one of the first of four artists to have a studio at the Fabrica La Aurora; he then shared with his wife Terra Mizwa who continues her painting and clay sculpting work in studio 2D.
At Sargeant Gallery you will be presented with a beautiful display of art spanning 50 years. Peter is remembered as a beloved and important figurehead and will always be truly missed.
Please come by to the final weekend show at Sargeant Gallery on Aldama 3 on Thursday February 9 from 4–7pm; wine and chocolate will be served. Extended weekend hours Friday & Saturday 9-5pm and Sunday 9-3pm.
To get a more personal insight into Peter, you may check out his blog “Geographica Esoterica” on any search engine and as well view YouTube videos searching “Peter Leventhal.”
Art
Peter Leventhal Art
Thu., Feb. 9, 4-7pm
Sargeant Gallery
Aldama 3
Wine and chocolate will be served
