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Steamboat Springs — Art is a versatile ambassador.

"Since art has no sex, no nationality, no religion, no specific political views, it is a very natural way you can communicate things - here or in China or in India or in Mexico - in a way that people will understand," said artist Jorge González-Mayagoitia, whose work opened in Steamboat Springs with a Wednesday evening reception in Centennial Hall.

González-Mayagoitia, who also works as a consul for legal affairs for the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, traveled to Routt County as part of a working tour with Consul General Eduardo Arnal.

The three-day tour, which includes stops in Walden, Craig, Meeker and Glenwood Springs, set out to strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties with Mexican communities living in Northwest Colorado, Arnal said.

"The goal is to see what we can do for these ties, and to have more cultural interchange, and also more trade and more investment, and to talk about the relationship of our communities, of Mexican internationals in our state," Arnal said, noting that he thinks the relationship between Steamboat Springs and its Mexican community is "awesome."

"I think it's an example to the rest of the counties about tolerance and integration and ways to work together," Arnal said.

As a cultural portion of that relationship, González-Mayagoitia's art exhibit, "Mito Logias," addresses duality and fosters communication by opposing colors, subjects and shapes. The show will be up in Centennial Hall, with a few pieces at the Steamboat Art Museum, the Depot Art Center and the Artists' Gallery of Steamboat, through Sept. 19.

"The common subject to all of these pieces that I have done is the communication between people and others," González-Mayagoitia said. The show has been in the works since 1997 and covers both traditional forms and abstract characters.

"By being a diplomat I know a lot of situations where communication between people and cultures is difficult. So, through my art I try to solve that tension, that problem," González-Mayagoitia said.

Robert Dieckhoff, a representative of the Steamboat Art Museum, said the showcase provides a bridge between diverse communities.

"It's that very important cultural exchange that needs to exist, especially in times when neighbors really need to have more interaction," Dieckhoff said.

"Art is a wonderful vehicle for that because it requires no interpretation. You can't misspell what you see."

- To reach Margaret Hair, call 871-4204

or e-mail mhair@steamboatpilot.com.