An old warehouse once owned by Portimão shipowner Luís Benedito – formerly used to support the mechanics and logistics of fishing trawlers, as well as the storage of nets and other maritime equipment – has been brought back to life and is currently undergoing restoration by António Serra and Cristina Canto, proprietors of the Canto & Serra Gallery.
Well known within the regional arts community, their company offers specialized digital printing, art sales and bespoke framing services, an activity António has pursued since 1992. Cristina, meanwhile, comes from a distinguished artistic family as she is the granddaughter of sculptor Ernesto Canto da Maya.
The gallery features an excellent selection of works by both Portuguese and international artists, offering something for every taste. It also hosts regular cultural events that bring the local community together and celebrate Portimão’s artistic heritage.
António and Cristina first met in 2021, beginning a personal relationship that soon grew into a strengthened professional partnership. What had long been António’s solo venture, known as Galeria XXI, evolved in 2022 into today’s Canto & Serra Lda.
Shortly afterwards, the pair purchased the warehouse just a few metres from the gallery’s main premises.
Following substantial investment and careful renovation, the newly revived space, named ‘Armazém das Artes’ (Art Warehouse), is a bright, expansive arts centre designed to host exhibitions, creative workshops and summer events. Its spacious courtyard further enhances its potential as a gathering place for cultural encounters throughout the warmer months. Its first collective exhibition of photography and painting opened for Christmas 2024.
Exhibition highlight: “From Music to Canvas”
On December 6, at 3.30pm, Armazém das Artes will present the collective exhibition “From Music to Canvas”, organised while the building continues its transformation. This ambitious project brings together 37 artists who, over the past two months, have been working side by side inside the warehouse.
Each participant chose a musical icon as inspiration, from David Bowie and Madonna to Carmen Miranda and Freddie Mercury, translating these influences into vibrant and expressive visual artworks.
The exhibition includes:
- A monumental 5 m x 2 m collective canvas composed of 24 portraits
- 13 mixed-media works, including collage, photography and experimental painting
- 37 original artworks created entirely within this shared artistic space, making the project a unique milestone in the region
- In addition to the collective piece, individual works by each participating artist will also be on display
Visitors are invited to take part in a playful, creative activity by wearing an accessory or detail inspired by their favourite musical idol.
Entry is free.
galeriacantoserra@gmail.com
• António Serra – 918 708 484
• Cristina Canto – 919 398 447
Address:
Rua Dom Carlos I, nº 42, Armazém 1
8500-607 Portimão, Algarve, Portugal
