MADE Creatives in Residence

I've recently returned from a month-long stay (Sept 2025) as part of MADE's program in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I cannot be effusive enough about my time there! Yesica has created an incredible experience for artists, making her life-long vision and dream come to life, and you can feel the love and dedication to that vision in every single aspect of the program. It was my first ever artist residency program and it was everything I had hoped it would be. Even though it was my first art residency experience, after talking with others who have done half a dozen residencies, I'm so incredibly grateful for my month there with her. It was ~ I learned ~ a unique residency experience because she carefully cultivates relationships with local Mexican artists and artisans and ensures that as a visiting artist, we too get to experience the richness and community of the people and art there. Those connections are what makes it so enriching and special. My two classes that I took were with Mexican artists and artisans and I was learning alongside Mexican students. Having the chance to get to know the community at this level made it an unforgettable experience with connections that will continue well beyond the residency program. I applaud her commitment to weaving our stay there so deeply into the local community, fostering relationships of this kind takes time and dedication and she's done an amazing job. Having been to Mexico several times during my life I knew what to expect as far as comforts and amenities are concerned. Yesica provided a lovely setting where the residents, while having our own rooms, could interact often during our time there. The weekly communal meals were a lovely part of the stay. I've formed friendships that I know will now last a lifetime. Living in a different country, sharing space with others, and navigating a different language and culture can be challenging, it is also a fabulous opportunity to build community, as well as a way to get to know yourself. It's not an experience for just anyone, but as artists it can be a perfect trifecta for enriching ones creative life. If you're looking for a magical and transformative experience where you can focus on your art, connect with other creatives, and be changed forever by the people and culture of Mexico, I highly recommend looking into a stay at MADE.