Surely one of the main attractions that draw North Americans to San Miguel are the beautiful colonial townhouses and the pink Paroquia facing the main square, which has an adorable bandstand and topiary trees:
But San Miguel is, above all, an art haven, where hundreds of painters, sculpters and gallerists live and work. Most of them have studios or galleries at the Fábrica La Aurora, a beautiful textile factory turned art center, with breezy courtyards and whitewashed walls. It oozes stylishness and good taste:
This was one of my favourite galleries, the Galería Manuel Chacón:
And here's one of the many art studios, which are open to visitors:
I was immediately drawn to these paintings by Leonard Brooks, a Canadian expat:
But to me the most beautiful art of all were the ceramics by Jaime Goded, a bit reminiscent of Picasso:
Jaime Goded was born in 1945 in Mexico City, to Spanish parents. He's lived in San Miguel since 1983, and has eight grandchildren.
The non-artsy can find plenty of other goodies to buy:
Especially at the Pineda Covalini boutique, selling gorgeous shawls and a myriad other luxury things - even Samsonite bags custom-designed by her. All stunning and quite pricey:
Not in the mood to spend? Well, that's what the wine bar is there for! :)
As I wandered along, I also found this charming café:
The Fábrica also offers art classes, studio visits and workshops.
In short, one simply can not go to San Miguel and not stop in for a visit!
Fábrica La Aurora: tel. (415) 152-1012
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