By Meryl Truett The past few weeks in San Miguel de Allende have been a happy little whirl of art openings— those golden-hour evenings when the streets feel extra cinematic, the galleries glow like lanterns, and you can’t walk two blocks without running into a familiar face (or a new one holding a plastic cup of vino blanco with a happy story about how they arrived to our unique pueblecito ). I’ve been popping into several shows around town—drifting from courtyard to white wa

By Colleen Sorenson ASfii RUbnck  is a San Miguel artist who truly loves his job at CASA A.C. Center for Adolescents in Santa Julia, where he teaches graffiti art and promotes the projects of the Ranchero Pandillero Program . This program was started in 2018 by artists from different neighborhoods with unique painting styles. The goal is to reduce the rates of violence among young people through art and hip-hop, and a focus on promoting peace between neighborhoods with respec

By Staff Writer Just how does a sculptor get the sculpting bug? There are many avenues that lead to the creation of art in three dimensions, but the most prevalent is undoubtedly the natural progression from making functional pottery to sculpting with clay. Jane  sold her own original tableware designs and pottery successfully all across Canada for twenty-five years. Then, after being inspired by visiting the Mask Museum in San Miguel in 2008, she began creating her first cla

By Pascual Hijuelos Paper has long been regarded the handmaiden for conveying the written word and visual imagery. Its rich history spans over 2,000 years, originating in ancient China. From its inception in China, paper has evolved to become both a physical object and a central theme in the world of art. Terry Tomlinson , an artist specializing in paper-based creations, has been crafting remarkable art using paper for 23 years. Her extensive experience culminated in a recent

By Cathi House The Jardín Principal  of San Miguel is the beating heart of this beautiful town, in which the past and the future are linked with the joys of daily life.  Leafy trees carefully shaped meld together to create an embracing ceiling for those seated on the many benches of the Jardin.  Birds twitter overhead, the rustle of the leaves in a gentle breeze, soft sounds of water in fountains that cool the air - all work together to create a peaceful space in which to gat

By Alan Jacobson On Sunday, January 18 th  at 7:00 p.m., JC3/CHESMA  will present a special staged reading of The Dumbwaiter , Harold Pinter’s acclaimed one-act play. This darkly comic drama stars two accomplished performers: Fil Formicola  and Alan Jacobson , both longtime Actor’s Equity and SAG members bringing decades of experience to this intimate production. The Dumbwaiter  is about two hitmen, Ben and Gus, who are waiting in a dingy basement room for their next assignme

By Catherine Marenghi Atención News  is launching a new book club for San Miguel book lovers. Recognizing the vibrant literary community in San Miguel de Allende, Atención will focus on titles by talented local authors, with a preference for fiction, memoir, and short stories. Monthly book club meetings will be held at 3:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month beginning February 24th , at Casa Nigromante , the historic birthplace of Ignacio Ramirez located on Umaran #38. A

By Carole Schor For over two decades, ProMusica San Miguel de Allende  has stood at the center of SanMiguel’s cultural life, bringing world-class classical music and opera to audiences in intimate, historic settings. Under the leadership of president Michael Pearl, ProMusica has become renowned for its ambitious programming and commitment to artistic excellence including life-changing opportunities for young musicians. Pearl, a passionate music impresario since childhood, say

By Felecia Ford Elihú Catalán , better known as “Blue Beard”  is one of México’s most distinctive and accomplished harmonica players. Born and raised in México City, he was shaped early on by the music his parents played at home and later refined through his lifelong dedication to the blues. Although guitar was his first instrument (he ROCK’S the guitar), the harmonica ultimately has became his true love and passion.  FF:  Thank you for this opportunity to share your story. W

By Judith Jenya Few artistic partnerships are as intertwined—in life, in work, and in spirit—as that of painters Ray Miller and William Martin . Their paths began miles apart, shaped by very different landscapes and early influences, yet converged years later in the creative corridors of San Miguel de Allende’s Fábrica La Aurora. Today, after years of movement, reinvention, and dedication to their craft, the couple have returned to San Miguel i with renewed plans: to teach, t

By Karina Álvarez As the high season of English-languagetheatre begins in San Miguel de Allende, Teatro Santa Ana  welcomes a dynamic blend of independent producers and long-standing theatre companies who continue to make our stage their artistic home. Over the next three months, these artists—many of whom perform with us regularly—bring creativity, commitment, and passion that enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors alike. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the prod

By Carolina de la Cajiga Aura Moreno  came to San Miguel de Allende for a short visit but ended up staying. “Seeing San Miguel through the eyes of a tourist and those of a resident are two very different things. Since 2020, I’ve been wandering around town calmly—chatting with the lady in the parking lot, the neighbor at a concert, or anyone I meet along the way. My life here is full of unexpected surprises and stories. One day I realized San Miguel had become my home, and my

By Pascual Hijuelos In 1819, Théodore Géricault exhibited “The Raft of the Medusa” in the annual Paris Salon. From the onset, the painting stirred intense controversy.  It was a bold  political critique of the monarchy, but more significantly, it was the first painting to depict a contemporary disaster. Géricault meticulously researched the incident that had taken place at sea. He used the survivors as models and even reconstructed the raft. It can be said that Géricault may

By Charles Woollett Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries -  It was a serendipitous meeting. At our mutual friend, Michelle Steed’s Casa Grande, Newcomers party over two years ago. Slowly making our way up the stairs, the conversation naturally got around to where are you from? “Bella Vista, Arkansas” , said my wife Linda. “No way - me too!” , exclaimed Tim. And that was the beginning of a dear friendship. As it turns out he'd had an exhibition at Alice Wal

By Felecia Ford With her captivating mix of live looping, heartfelt folk, and soulful pop, Colombian artist Stephyloren has become a magnetic presence in San Miguel de Allende. After performing more than 300 concerts across México and recently opening for Siddhartha before 50,000 people in Toluca, she continues to enchant audiences across Latin America with her authenticity and luminous stage presence. Stephyloren’s creative awakening began during the pandemic, when a vivid d

By Robin Loving What happens when unicorns unite? A creative coupling! Unicorn Judith Jenya  was exhibiting her visual art in Guanajuato in 2010 when - during the last hour of the show - Unicorn Mark Johaningsmeir showed up. Thus began their origin story. They swapped stories, then emails, then went to the Cervantino Festival concerts – again and again and again. The final concert of the season was sold out, and then abruptly changed venues. The two volleyed between venues in

By Aundria McMillan Humphrey During a recent afternoon in San Miguel, the gallery Marquesa De Mancera was buzzing with life. Located on Cuna de Allende, directly across from the Parroquia  of Saint Michael the Archangel, the space glowed with color, texture, and story. Visitors wandered through the exquisitely curated displays of Mexican folk art, while staff—trained by Marina herself—shared the stories behind each piece. For Marina Fernández de Córdova , this isn’t just a ga

By Bill Wilson Fiat Lux” Latin for “Let there be Light! — Third verse in the Book of Genesis. “Never stop seeing the light to achieve an excellent photograph," observes San Miguel de Allende photographer Gustavo Coria . Gustavo Coria didn’t start out to be a professional photographer. He studied Veterinary Zootechnician at UNAM in México City. “It’s a profession I do not practice. My experience has focused on photography in its various fields: press, scientific, journalistic,

By Aundria McMillan Humphrey Maru Vázquez , with seven international awards, doesn’t just paint; she radiates art and lives it. It’s who she is, and she shares it generously, like it’s second nature. With over five decades of painting behind her, Maru’s recent 50 th  anniversary exhibition at the Querétaro Art Museum was more than a milestone—it was a celebration of a life steeped in emotion, adventure, and relentless creativity. Asked how her voice/art has changed over the y

By Natalie Taylor What happens when you meld classical, contemporary, and Mexican folklore dances? You get a marvelous combination of mellow, ancient movements and sounds, and the crispness of modern motion. The blend of ancestral Mexican dances, the poetry of traditional songs, the colorful attire, and the lithe moves of contemporary dance, combined with contemporary sounds and lights become a dream state turned reality. Ballet Nepantla was born in 2017 in New York, with And