The series opens in November with Terry Eldridge, followed by John Taylor in December and Joanna Woskowicz in January
Starting in November, Atenas will have a monthly date with art. Gallery Nights, a new cultural initiative in the area, will feature a different artist each month throughout the year, in a format that brings together an exhibition, good food and the view of the Central Valley at sunset.
The series opens with a solo exhibition by artist Terry Eldridge. The opening takes place on Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, and the show will remain on view through November 29. The artists for November, December and January are already set.
Something new for Atenas
Atenas has landscape, climate and a community where Costa Ricans, expatriates and visitors live side by side, but few places where art has a regular program. Gallery Nights aims to fill that gap with a steady calendar: a new exhibition every month and a reason to come back.
It is not a formal gallery. The works are shown in a relaxed setting where visitors can walk through at their own pace, talk with the artist and, if they wish, stay for dinner or a drink as the afternoon fades over the valley. Art, food and landscape in a single visit, none competing with the other.
First exhibition: Terry Eldridge
Mixed-media artist Terry Eldridge presents “Colors of Costa Rica,” a solo exhibition inspired by the colors, textures and landscapes of the country. Six to ten original works are planned, all available for purchase.
The opening reception runs from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both evenings and includes a welcome drink and a complimentary chef’s bite; advance reservations are recommended. The artist will introduce her work, with live acoustic music. Guests can then continue the evening with dinner or drinks, with no fixed program.
- Opening: Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, 2026
- On view: through November 29, 2026, every day from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Venue: Elevé Restaurant, Barons Resort, Residencial Vista Atenas, lote 59, Sabana Larga, Atenas
- Admission: free
- Information and reservations: WhatsApp +506 8827-7698
What’s next
December brings John Taylor, a Canadian artist and retired airline pilot who lives in Costa Rica. Inspired by wildlife, nature and landscapes, his work explores animals, landscapes and portraits. The reception and Meet the Artist evening will be Saturday, December 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the exhibition will be on view from December 5 through January 4.
In January, Joanna Woskowicz presents “The Nature of Her,” a solo exhibition opening January 8, 2027 and on view through February 4. The rest of the year will follow the same rhythm: one artist per month, with names and dates announced as they are confirmed.
“We want Elevé to be a place where the community feels welcome, and where local artists and expats can show their artistic expression, with the view and the sunsets of Atenas as the setting,” said Joxan Obando Sánchez, of Elevé.
About Gallery Nights
The idea
Gallery Nights is a cultural series by Elevé Restaurant that features one artist per edition, with original work on view and for sale. It brings five elements together in one evening: art, hospitality, wine, cocktails and fine dining.
Its purpose is twofold: to give artists a professional, welcoming place to show and sell their work, and to give the Atenas community a venue where culture and gastronomy sit naturally together. It is open to local, expat and international artists and to any visual expression.
How an edition works
- Each edition features one artist and their collection.
- An opening reception, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., introduces the artist and the work. It includes a 6 oz glass of red or white wine, a chef’s bite and infused water.
- Guests can then stay on: cocktails, wine by the glass or bottle, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and dinner from the regular menu. Nothing is required.
- The work stays on view for several weeks after the opening, so anyone visiting the restaurant during that period can keep enjoying it.
- Each piece carries a label with title, artist, medium, dimensions and price. Purchases are arranged with the artist.
- Reservations are recommended for the opening reception. Dinner afterwards is optional.
The atmosphere
Gallery Nights are not meant to feel like a formal opening, but like an elegant, relaxed evening: viewing the work, meeting the artist, raising a glass, talking and dining with friends, with the valley and the sunset as a backdrop. Each exhibition is set up around the work and the light of the space, whether in the events building, in areas of the restaurant, or a combination of both.
Where it is going
The intention is for Gallery Nights to become a permanent cultural calendar, with painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic artists and mixed-media artists. Over time it could add acoustic music, wine tastings, artist talks and creative workshops.
Artist calendar
| Month | Artist | Exhibition | Opening / reception | On view |
| November 2026 | Terry Eldridge | Colors of Costa Rica (mixed media) | Thursday, Nov 5 and Friday, Nov 6, 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Through Nov 29 |
| December 2026 | John Taylor | Wildlife, nature, landscapes and portraits | Saturday, Dec 5, 4:00–5:30 p.m. (with Meet the Artist) | Dec 5 to Jan 4 |
| January 2027 | Joanna Woskowicz | The Nature of Her (solo) | January 8, 2027 | Jan 8 to Feb 4 |
Visiting hours for the November exhibition: every day, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free admission.
Quick facts
| What it is | A monthly cultural series: one artist per edition, original work on view and for sale |
| Where | Elevé Restaurant, Barons Resort, Residencial Vista Atenas, lote 59, Sabana Larga, Atenas, Alajuela |
| Starts | November 5, 2026 |
| First artist | Terry Eldridge · “Colors of Costa Rica” |
| Visiting hours | Every day, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening receptions | 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. · welcome drink and chef’s bite · advance reservations recommended |
| Reservations | WhatsApp +506 8827-7698 |
| For | Atenas and Occidente residents, visitors from across Costa Rica, tourists, expats and anyone who enjoys art and food |
About Elevé
Elevé is a restaurant at Barons Resort in Atenas, known for its panoramic views, sunsets and city lights at nightfall. It serves lunch and dinner, with seafood, cocktails and a wine list, on the way to the Juan Santamaría airport.
Photographs of Terry Eldridge’s work are attached; more images of the works and the venue are available on request.
Press contact
- Joxan Obando Sánchez
- WhatsApp +506 8827-7698
- restauranteeleve@gmail.com
