Design Fair Showcases Tico Creative Talent

If the traffic, graffiti and punctured sidewalks sour your impression of San José, the Diseño10 design fair might serve to remind you of the rich artistic offerings that can be found in the Central Valley.

The fair kicked off last weekend at the beautifully renovated La Aduana Arts and Technology Center in eastern San José’s Barrio Escalante, and features 150 small design and art companies and entrepreneurs representing some of the country’s most creative young talent.

From photos hanging in frames made of tree bark to lamps and overhead lights made out of old computer parts, the crafts and works on display seem to carry the primary theme of “one person’s trash is another person’s art.” Many of the contemporary pieces are designed from things like bottle caps, recycled plastic, newspapers and wrappers.

Diseño10 is open Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.