Artist José R. Fuster, a world-renowned painter and ceramist nicknamed the “Picasso of the Caribbean,” has an open-air workshop-gallery at his home (Calle 226, esq. Av. 3A, tel. 07/271-2932 or cell 05/264-6051, www.josefuster.com, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). You step through a giant doorway—La Puerta de Fuster—to discover a surreal world made of ceramics.

Many of the naive, childlike works are inspired by farmyard scenes, such as El Torre del Gallo (Rooster’s Tower), a 12-foot-tall statement on male chauvinism that also doubles as an oven. Other allegorical creations—puppet-like forms, buses bulging with people—pay tribute to Compay Segundo (of Buena Vista Social Club fame) and other provincial figures. Call ahead to arrange a visit.

Fuster’s creativity now graces the entryways, benches, roofs, and facades of houses throughout his local community.

(Fidel Castro’s main domicile is nearby, but you can’t see it. The home is set in an expansive compound surrounded by pine trees and electrified fences and heavy security. All streets surrounding it are marked as one-way, heading away from the house.)