Basically, Costa Rica is known to be the home of some of the most exquisite art, crafted by the local artisans living in the countryside. It is also best recognized for its amazing rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and its various butterfly farms. Definitely, it is a golden chance for the vacationers to visit the art galleries situated in downtown San Jose and Central Valley area. Art lovers can also go on private art tours and directly meet the local artists as well as get a feel of the stories behind their creations. Costa Rica also has a lot of museums found in downtown.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Ed Mercer the "Co Owner of Ventana Del Pacifico" and a self made entrepreneur came to visit Costa Rica in 1989 with his wife and soon made this beautiful country his home. Since then, Ed has established his own real estate company as well as the Edward R. Mercer foundation, his greatest achievement till date, which works for the preservation of the country's biodiversity and education.

Ed is also actively involved with organizations like Feed the Child, Missing Child, Crippled Child, suicide hotlines and battered housewives, issues which are close to his heart. He is also a member of Greenpeace, National Geographic and The World Wildlife Fund.

Being accurate to his golden philosophy in life, that is, to under promise and over deliver, Ed has worked over the years to help mankind. As a matter of fact, he is also a member of Greenpeace, National Geographic and The World Wildlife Fund. Additionally, a part of all dealings on buying and selling of real estate properties by Ed's company is still contributed towards preserving the natural habitat of Costa Rica.

Ed's real estate company not only provides custom made homes and apartments, but additionally it also provides exquisitely crafted furniture, courtesy of Ed's artistic designing team. Moreover, Ed's facility has excellent woodworking and outstanding craftsmanship. He barely recognizes the local talent of Costa Rica and encourages the new as well as upcoming artists who contribute to the contemporary art scene of Costa Rica.

Local and international arts and crafts are exhibited all through the year in the various galleries in San Jose. Tourists can appreciate and even buy the paintings and other artistic sculptures on display and add to their collection. Souvenirs, crafted out of the finest native woods can also be purchased everywhere. Prices range from a few dollars to thousands, depending on the taste of the tourists. Jewelry, ceramic birds, wooden statues of animals, paintings, masks, and flower vases are some of the things which art aficionados and even casual art collectors can appreciate.