Champagne, chocolate & more
By Edward Swift

Fábrica la Aurora
Fourth Anniversary Celebration
Sat, Feb 9, 6–9pm
Champagne, chocolate, music, dancing, art & more

In keeping with last year’s anniversary celebration, which drew a crowd of over 1,500 people, this year’s theme will once again be Champagne, Chocolate & More. All galleries, shops and restaurants will be open for the event which will include special exhibitions along with music and dancing in the patios.

The history of Fábrica la Aurora dates back to 1902 when it opened as a textile factory equipped with cylinders, spindles and looms for cleaning, ginning, cording and spinning raw cotton into thread. The factory produced manta (unbleached muslin) as its primary fabric. In 1991, the looms fell silent and still, but the building continues to be a hub of activity generated by the many galleries, workspaces for artists, restaurants and specialty shops selling everything from antiques and fine linens to handmade furniture. Although the factory has been given a new life and a new purpose, much of the past remains visible in the form of spindles, generators, tool sharpeners, wheels and pulleys that have been incorporated into the decor as a reminder of what the building was and what it has become. The shops and galleries which contain many relics of that past are: DeWayne Youts, The Store, the Generator Gallery, Merry Calderoni, La Mesa and Hierro Ornamental. The hallways are also a reminder of the factory’s past life—in the principal corridor a permanent exhibition of photographs shows it in its heyday.

Since 1932, Fábrica la Aurora has been owned and operated by the Garay family. In the eighties, the Mexican textile industry underwent many changes resulting in the decision to cease production here. The magnificent building went empty for a decade until Christopher Fallon, Merry Calderoni and Mary Rapp rented studio space from Paco Garay, General Director of La Aurora Associates.

Before long other artists, designers and retailers were trying to get in and today almost every nook and cranny is occupied. Perhaps Christopher Fallon expressed it best by saying, “I like the idea that we’ve been able to put an old empty building to a creative use and pour new life into it. And now that we have a restaurant, a café and a wine bar, it’s a great place to wander around and spend the day. Plus, you can always find a parking space.”

Fábrica la Aurora continues to generate new life as last year’s champagne and chocolate celebration has proven. As a result of the chocolate aphrodisiac, or possibly too much champagne, it is rumored that there were six proposals of marriage at the last anniversary party.

These proposals resulted in four weddings, two children, and so far, no divorces. This year we expect more of the same.

Edward Swift is a writer and visual artist. He lives in San Miguel.

New works, new studio, new house

Art Opening
Marcia Dworkin
Sun, Feb 3, 3–6pm
Calle el Pial 21

Marcia Dworkin, a longtime winter resident, has recently completed a body of work in her new home studio. Sculpture, handmade paper works and oil paintings will be on view at an opening in her garden, studio and home gallery.

These works are mixed media on canvas and pellon, combined with handmade paper. One series, “The Burnt Offerings and Other Sacrifices,” represents an exploration of images of her thoughts on life’s discrepancies and appeasements.

Dworkin is from Toronto, Canada, where her art is well known and has been shown frequently. Her works are in private collections in Mexico, Canada, the US and Israel.

Directions: Calle el Pial 21, Manjares de Mexiquito. After the Aurora Bridge, turn left on Boulevard Street. Follow it, after the arch and stone wall, turn right. Take the first left (one block) and follow el Pial to number 21. Follow the signs.

Erotica…a group exhibit

Art Opening
Erotica
Sat, Feb 9, 6–9pm
Generator Gallery
Fábrica la Aurora

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Generator Gallery presents an exhibit of 16 local and national artists’ interpretations of “Erotica.” This group of artists present their individual point of view in a great variety of media. From playful cast-resin sculptures embedded with colorful condoms, by Luís Espiridión from Guadalajara, to a graceful phallic teapot by Raúl Hernández of Rodriguez, to an evocative photo collage by Norma Suárez of San Miguel. The rest of the participating artists include: Peter Leventhal, David Leonardo, José Zufiaur, Melanie Harris, Alejandro Rivera Leal, Keith Miller, Kelley Vandiver, Gary Slipper, Cati Demme, Mary Rapp, Terra Mizwa, Terry Ann Tomlinson, Mary Jane Miller and Ron Richie. The show runs from January 31 to February 14 in the “Generator Room.”

Instituto hosts arts and crafts fair 

Arts and crafts fair
Sat–Sun, Feb 2–3, 10am–6pm
Instituto Allende
Ancha de San Antonio 20
Free

At Instituto Allende’s third in a series of four winter arts and crafts fairs, over 90 of San Miguel’s best artists and craftspeople show and sell their wares inside the historic courtyard. Admission is free, there’s food and the all-day entertainment features many of San Miguel’s most talented musicians in a wonderful atmosphere for locals or visitors.

Contemporary usefulness for a cosmopolitan community

Art Opening
Miguel Peyret
Sat, Feb 2, 6pm
BU Style, Gallery
Fábrica La Aurora

Many of us are familiar with Miguel Peyret furniture, whether we notice it or not.

We’ve all had coffee or a drink at one of his tables and sat on a chair designed by him, in La Terraza at Mama Mia, Teatro Angela Peralta’s coffee shop, La Luciérnaga or at the Jardín’s outdoors restaurants; his work is prevalent around town. For more than ten years, Miguel Peyret has produced furniture and spaces merging San Miguel de Allende’s many environments.

Today, Miguel Peyret finally opens his own show at Galería BU at La Aurora of his own contemporary furniture. Inspired by both comfort and pop art, clean lines and simple design make each one of them an elegant piece of art. Contemporary usefulness for a cosmopolitan community.

Art Opening

Musicians as Lovers with Music
Sae Otomo
Fri, Feb 1, 6pm
Café Santa Ana
Insurgentes 25

I am a painter and a photographer from Japan. I always listen to music when I work. I also like to observe musicians during performances. It is rare to see a good concert, one that encounters the soul of the music. These great performances inspired me to do their drawings, and through these drawings I hope to share the excitement I felt at the moment. This show is a collaboration of the musicians and one music-freak artist.

Local treasures featured in “Day in the Country”
By Susan Page


Community Event
Fluviales de Vida
Sat & Sun, Feb 2 & 3, Noon–5pm
Gallery openings
185-2225

Discover San Miguel’s Fluviales de Vida (Waterways of Life), when all of its attractions will be holding special open houses. Clustered around the spectacular historic Church at Atotonilco, just five miles north of town, are several hot springs, the Studio Showroom of fiber artist Monica Galera, a large and varied collection of Mexico’s finest folk art and country antiques in a beautiful country setting at Galeria Atotonilco, and the lush, tranquil country restaurant, Las Terrazas at Hotel Casa de Aves.

The Church at Atotonilco is known as the Sistine of Mexico since it is completely covered with remarkable frescos, painted in the mid-1700s over a 30-year period by Pocasangre. Because the church is a candidate for designation as a World Heritage Site, the frescoes and gilt baroque motifs have been meticulously restored in recent years. The church also played an important role in the Revolution of 1810 when the insurgents stopped there to collect the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who became the symbol of a free Mexico. The sweet little town of Atotonilco and the small spectacular church are not-to-be-missed for the visitor to San Miguel.

The studio-showroom of fiber artist Monica Galera is south on the Old Railroad Road. Galera uses only natural fibers found mostly on her own land to create innovative sculptures and paintings.

Made from handmade felt and paper, her tactile creations range in scale from tabletop icons to small sculptures and fountains to complete walls of soft, visually inviting works of art.

A few doors down from Monica’s showroom is Galería Atotonilco, displaying distinctive folk art, country antiques, historic photographs and rare vintage textiles. In this stunning showroom, you’ll see playful papier-maché skeletons by Mexico’s master of the craft; animated armadillos, frogs and peacocks by renowned Oaxacan wood carver Claudio Ojeda; a large collection of Huichol yarn paintings and beaded Huichol jewelry in fashion colors; and exquisitely painted ceramic plates and urns. Gallery owner Mayer Shacter is enthusiastic and loves to share his insights about the significant role of folk art in the life and history of Mexico.

A few miles further down the rustic road lies Casa de Aves, the beautiful boutique hotel where you can finish your day with an unforgettable country comida at Las Terrazas restaurant. Choose the pavilion overlooking the duck pond, or the tranquil terrace near the fountain.

If you start early in the day, you also might want to incorporate a visit to one of the two natural hot springs for a mineral water soak and a “massage” under the refreshing waterfall. Both La Gruta and Escondido spas lie in beautiful garden settings.

For questions and directions, call Mayer Shacter at 185-2225.

Susan Page is the founder and coordinator of the San Miguel Authors’ Sala.

Wild women and their art
By Kelly Gordon

Art Opening
Donna E. Drinnon & Rochelle Wald
Sun, Feb 3, 1–3pm
St. Paul’s Church
Cardo 6

Donna E. Drinnon and Rochelle Wald agree that color, pattern and texture are key physical ingredients for creating art. These qualities are immediately apparent in their work. It is also apparent that allowing oneself freedom of self-expression and letting your imagination and creative spirit go wild is even more important!

Though these two San Miguel resident artists came of age in the sixties and share common enthusiasms and ideals, their work is quite different. 

Born in Salem, Oregon in 1946, Drinnon creates captivating images of women and children, giving special attention to their clothing, jewelry and other adornment.

Working in a variety of mixed media—acrylic, pastel, fabric, glitter, ribbon and beads—on paper, her work is at the same time decorative and deep, drawing the viewer inside, beyond the alluring surface. Color and pattern fuel her inspirations, resulting in dynamic three-dimensional paintings.

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946, Wald’s art reflects her “study of peoples’ movements and words as one.” She works primarily with acrylic and varnish on canvas. Her paintings evoke a broad spectrum of emotions, often reflective of her past memories. The sky is the limit as she engages you to partake in her inner and outer world of monsters, animals and goblins—occasionally adapted to human form.

Join the artists for a wine and cheese reception. Their joint exhibit will continue through the end of March, 10am–1pm daily (20 percent of all proceeds goes to St. Paul’s). Together, they offer artistic diversity beyond your wildest dreams.