A new residence for international artists has opened on a picturesque property in AtotonilcoJust outside San Miguel de Allende.
“Throughout the centuries, the extraordinary energy of Atotonilco allowed hot waters to flow and buzz the spiritual fervor,” explains Way of artThe founder of Monica Contreras, referring to well -known natural hot sources of Atotonilco. “In 2020, I decided that it would be a site where artists, writers and creative spirits could come together to produce works of ingenuity and beauty.”
In October 2023, the Vision de Contreras of a space dedicated to imagination and invention became a reality when the Mexican and American non -profit residence welcomed its first artist. Since then, modern architectural terrains surrounded by Mesquite trees have favored the work of 23 creatives from Canada, the United States, Mexico and South America.
One of these artists is Antonio Castro, art teacher at the University of Texas-El Paso.
“I believe that Camino Al Arte’s mission is to create opportunities for emerging and established artists around the world to connect with the artistic community of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding area,” explains Castro. “But more than that, it is also a space that encourages significant conversations – in particular on the problems that affect society – and, in turn, influences the way we create.”
With a unique philosophy that welcomes women artists with their children, senior artists over the age of 70 and emerging artists fresh out of school, Camino Al Arte aims to be an inspiring presence in the community.
Visit artists organize on -site educational events on subjects of local importance. Contreras works in close collaboration with schools, teachers and surrounding families.
“Thanks to artists, we are able to sponsor a community arts education program called Somos El Arte,” she said. “We (give) around 20 workshops, classes and events a year to young people, women and teachers.”
Internationally recognized artists
It seems that Contreras realizes her original dream, which, according to her, is “to improve the lives of people through their immersion and their exposure to the arts”.
“We are only starting to start,” she says, “but in five years, Camino Al Arte will offer an even more robust residence program, scholarships and allowances for emerging artists and an extended infrastructure for programs for artistic education activities in our community.”
Although Contreras has a special place in his heart for emerging and senior artists, Way of art was also an escape for those who have a well -established career, such as Professor Castro.
In April, the artist in residence was Danielle TrussIn New York Times, USA Today and Sunday Times Top 10 successful novelist. His most recent novel, Puzzle box, Recently won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the Mystery / Thriller category.
Danielle says she came to Camino Al Arte in search of peace and tranquility.
“I brought out a book last October and I spent this month to tour.
Danielle, who has a seven -year -old daughter, laughed.
“There is a lot of noise in my house. This is the first time I could calm down. I meditate in the morning. I was able to enter the natural rhythm of my work. I make walks and, if I want, I write in the middle of the night.
Castro found his time at Way of art Being an experience that changes life. Already a successful graphic designer with many important prices, he came to the residence to do something separate and personal – to commemorate his mother’s memory.
“My mother died the previous year after fighting the dementia of Lewy’s body, a vicious and degenerative disease,” he said. “Watching her forget her children and her husband was devastating, not only for her, but for our whole family.
“As heartbreaking as it can be, I found the strength to document your last years through photography, with the intention of using these images as a basis for a new work. Joy that we have experienced together.
“Being in such an isolated place gave me the space and the concentration to treat everything I had crossed,” added Castro. “In a way, it has become a type of personal mourning, but through the eyes of an artist.”
A positive community impact
One of the hopes of Contreras for the future is to focus even more on beneficial interactions with families in the Atotonilco community.
“Last summer,” she said, “Uruguayan resident artist Serrana del Castillo decided to extend her cultural exchange experience by spending time at Carmen Muñoz’s home, a community leader. mole And make fresh tortillas. I love this memory because it really illustrates the magic that occurs in Camino Al Arte: meet local talents and visitors, joining the hands to produce something extraordinary. »»
Contreras recently launched a new program called Community Impact Residency. Made possible by the organization Fomento Educacional AC, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity for emerging artists and students graduates from the United States to interact with Mexican communities through art.
Residents are selected to create impactful projects that deal with significant social problems, such as forced migration, water shortage, pregnancy in adolescent girls and gentrification.
“”Way of art A particular emphasis on the attenuation of the effects of life without access to the arts and culture in some of our most vulnerable communities “, explains Contreras.” Our goal is to stimulate people, in particular our young people, to develop skills that help increase their optimism, their creativity and their productivity and their global quality of life. »»
The social impact of the non -profit organization is made possible thanks to donations and contributions from customers and artists.
Promote multicultural understanding
This sanctuary, where artists from around the world come to live, create and volunteer together, is a rare opportunity to find out about other cultures.
“I was born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua,” explains Castro. “And like many residents of the borders, I divided my young years between Juárez (Mexico) and El Paso, in Texas. Spanish was my first language, and the duality of life on the border has become a decisive part of whom I am. ”
Living at the intersection of two nations is a unique experience, called Castro
“However, rather than being a source of confusion or conflict, this duality enriches us. The people of the border are not exploded by these influences; We are made more whole, more resilient, ”he says. “I have found that those who grow up along the border are remarkably adaptable, often prosper in situations that could challenge individuals from the interior of one or the other country.”
Way of art In many ways is a new revolutionary addition to the constantly evolving cultural offers in Mexico. And, as Castro points out, being immersed in other cultures and languages is a source of enrichment and understanding.
“There is a palpable confidence that comes from the daily navigation of the worlds. It becomes a force, a way of seeing, a way of being – and in my case, a way of creating. ”
Camino Al Arte offers residences of two, four, six and eight weeks, with flexibility for those who want to stay longer.
To apply, contact Camino Al Arte to:
(Protected by e-mail)
+52 415 167 1255 (Mexico)
+1 646 327 3774 (US)
Anne Richards is a author based in San Miguel de Allende.
