Street Art In San Miguel: La Vida de Las Cachinches, A Reality

By Colleen Sorenson

I believe good things are worth waiting for and sometimes that wait can take 14 years. In 2012, I took a walk along the banks of Arroyo Las Cachinches, when there was no walkway and no murals. To address the unsightly tagging found on the back sides of many houses along the arroyo, I presented to the city an idea for an outdoor gallery of street art, along with an outdoor classroom for urban nature. It was then that I learned street art was not permitted in San Miguel so in order to secure the permission for legal painting on the streets, I promised the Tourism office to make a festival (Muros en Blanco in 2013) and to establish an art district along the arroyo.

Over the next seven years, murals continued with the Muros en Blanco project, bringing tremendous international attention to Colonia Guadalupe. After many twists and turns along with ups and downs over the years, this idea came alive again with the participation of Sociedad Audubon de México A.C. and the project La Vida de Las Cachinches. I believed Audubon to be a perfect fit for the arroyo becoming what I envisioned 14 years ago. It has now become a reality.

A step down to the arroyo walkway at Calzada de Aurora, are twelve new murals portraying the history, animals, reptiles, insects, and plants found along the waterway, with images painted in a lush pallet of earthy colors. This first La Vida de Las Cachinches project with 17 local artists opens the door to San Miguel's important waterway with murals of our urban nature planned to continue all along the length of the arroyo, in addition to planting native habitats. 

April Gaydos, president of Audubom de México is pleased with how the artists all worked together. "Artists Merle Herrera and Yazmín Obregón Prescott were incredible partners throughout this project. Merle assembled a talented group of local artists and guided the project through the permit process, while Yazmin secured COMEX's generous support and was instrumental in the behind-the-scenes coordination. We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented and committed partners who helped transform an ordinary wall into an extraordinary community landmark." Future participating artists will secure permission from the property owner, permit from Patrimonio and a sponsor to cover the costs of paint, materials and artist fee.

Sponsors of approved murals will receive a tax credit from Audubon de México A.C.

Some things have changed over the years and this has been a learning experience for us all. Colonias Guadalupe and San Antonio are now considered a part of El Centro and the required permits for street art are administered through Patrimonio. Necessary for this permit are: a photo and address of the wall to be painted, letter of permission from the legal property owner, and a detailed proposal with artist sketch in color. Once submitted to Patrimonio, expect up to 20 days for review before the permit is in hand. While waiting for the permit, Audubon de México also came together with others interested in highlighting the natural beauty of the Cachinches.

There are now environmental experts who have been testing the soil and identifying native plants and residents from both sides of the arroyo establishing a regular arroyo clean-up and beautification group, launching Amigos de La Cachinches.  A representative from Ecología is also planning for talks about the wildlife along the arroyo and educational opportunities with the local schools.      

April wholeheartedly believes in the project. "Our hope is that La Vida de Las Cachinches becomes a destination where people come to enjoy public art while discovering the remarkable history and biodiversity that still thrive along this urban stream. Every mural tells part of the story of Las Cachinches, inviting people to see the creek not as something hidden or forgotten, but as an important part of San Miguel's identity, it's natural heritage, and it's future. The mural corridor is the first step."

With my greatest appreciation, I thank April Gaydos, our wonderful and generous sponsors, and all the very special local artists for helping me keep a 14-year promise. 

Colleen has long been an advocate for legal painting on the streets. www.colleensorenson.com