Ajijic has an unusually high density of art galleries for a town its size — the result of decades of migration by North American artists and the strong patronage of the expat community. The galleries line Colon and Morelos streets in the town centre and range from commercial souvenir shops to serious exhibition spaces. The quality varies enormously, but at its best the Ajijic gallery scene offers genuinely good contemporary Mexican painting and photography at prices well below gallery rates in Mexico City or the US.
The Galería Ajijic on Colon Street is the most established; the Diane Pearl Colecciones gallery is well regarded for quality jewellery and crafts. The best time to visit is on the first Saturday of the month, when most galleries hold openings and the town's art community is out in force.