Street Art In San Miguel: The Opening of La Vida de Las Cachinches project

By Colleen Sorenson

The first day of August began as another perfect day in San Miguel de Allende, later transforming into a sudden monsoon-like storm of hail, wind and flooding rain.

Those of us with the La Vida de Las Cachinches mural project had spent the day preparing for an outdoor celebration honoring the artists and sponsors of the 12 new murals along the mural walkway. The event setup was lovely and included delectable finger foods provided by Chef Donnie Masterton of The Restaurant, who has been a supporter of street art since the beginning in 2013. For over an hour, artists and sponsors met each other and mingled at their murals and over refreshments.

April Gaydos, president of Audubon de México A.C. was getting ready to present her talk about the purpose and importance of this project when the sky burst open. The event was quickly over, everything soaked. Despite this sudden act of nature, it was a classy, beautiful and memorable success. We hope this will be the beginning of a continuous transformation along the arroyo, revitalizing it with native habitats and the projects of local and special invited artists. Together, we can create a gorgeous destination area for all the people to enjoy and learn about the urban nature found at the arroyo.

Artists deserve to receive payment for their work and now, through Audubon de México A.C., the business community and individuals can support Public Art and receive a tax credit by sponsoring a mural along the arroyo. Images of San Miguel's urban nature and waterway will offer a wide range for "artistic freedom of expression", bringing an unending variety of colorful interpretations of the outdoors.

This was an outstanding and cheerful group of artists working together over two weeks and April Gaydos was pleased with the results.

Artist Yazmín Obregón Prescott remarked, "It all worked. It was a very positive project with sponsors who support everything: the ecology part, also the artistic part, the artists, the locals, everything all around."

Merle Herrera added, "Many years painting in this beautiful city and many bad experiences with the passage of time, now I am grateful to be with beautiful people who are on the same path and to hold each other collectively, all that remains for me is to say thank you."

Numerous artists have shared their feelings of disrespect from those who benefit from their work with tours, yet do not credit artists properly or know anything about the artist's work. Now, alongside each new mural are QR codes giving proper credit to each artist and their work, the sponsor and an explanation of their mural. QR codes and signage are temporary, to be replaced with permanent installations.

I wish to personally extend my sincere gratitude to all our exceptional sponsors: Comex, Fundación 11:59:59, Namuh, Engel & Volkers SMA, Melinda and Kevin Reilly, Firefly Energy Solutions, Gustavo Jiménez Company, The Agency SMA, Atención News, 100X, Epicurean Exchange, Panio, Quince Rooftop, Maison Mexique, Ranchito Cascabel, Fábrica La Aurora, Jim and Tati McDermott, Joe Pascual, Dr. Juan and Joni Reyna, Stephanie and R. Alan Rudy.

This has been a very special and beautiful project. Please support Public Art.

For information sponsoring murals with your favorite artists and becoming a part of San Miguel's beautiful art history, please contact: audubondeMéxico@gmail.com and audubonMéxico.org

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

www.colleensorenson.com