Artist Residency Reviews

Decent studio space, beautiful green surroundings, possibility to exchange with other artists in residence, interesting program of outings and gallery/museum visits for research, very helpful and reactive Staff, curator's visits in the studio.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program and I took away valuable experiences that helped me grow artistically and personally. At the same time, I felt like people were oversimplified and our complexities were not really honored — which is so important in an artist space. Too often we weren’t truly listened to, and that led to misunderstandings and limited our processes. I also noticed that Trina at times spoke poorly about other artists in ways that simplified or reduced them, which contributed to this dynamic of not honoring people fully. In my case, I shared vulnerably that I never felt at home in the U.S. and had taken a leap of faith to leave, yet later an image was edited to put a U.S. flag on my body without my consent. When I expressed discomfort and asked for it to be removed, my messages were ignored. I also shared that I am extremely allergic to cats and was assured they would not be in the space. When they were present near my house, instead of my allergy being taken seriously, I was told to “just hiss at them,” and my needs were reframed as a nervous system issue. Since exposure can cause anaphylaxis for me, this left me feeling unsafe and dismissed. On a practical level, I also found the program unreliable at times. We were told we would have certain support — such as someone to translate or scheduled activities — and then these would simply not happen, with no explanation. This made it harder to plan and fully engage in the work. Overall, I value what I gained, but I believe the program needs to grow by truly listening to participants, honoring their full complexity, respecting their identities, taking health and safety concerns seriously, and providing reliable support.

In my experience, it really depends on who is in your monthly cohort. There were a few strong personalities, and there was also some conflict between staff members who had personal relationships with certain residents. The whole space has a very open-minded, hippie-like vibe. I understand that the residency requires a lot of work to keep things running smoothly, but I think the staff could be more professional when it comes to balancing their personal lives with the work environment. That said, I truly love the natural surroundings at Artesumapaz. Most of the people there are friendly and kind. It’s a wonderful place to get away, spend time alone, and focus on yourself and your practice.

Not as advertised. Residencies are 2 months but artists choose 2 months within a 3 month time period, which means some artists will already be living and established at the residency for a month before other artists arrive. My experience and many others that I talked to at this residency was a negative one, it felt like being back at school, at an all girls school where there was cliques and you were not included if you were not in the clique. A group of artists that arrived at the same time stuck together and did nothing to welcome the new artists that arrived, completely ignored them. They loudly took up the social spaces in the house and made it uncomfortable for others to join. Even if you walked into the kithcne in the morning, no one would welcome you. As for the the accomodation and working space itself, the house is dark and only one room has the terrrace to sit out on, which is the room advertised on the website, most of the private rooms are small and not lit well. The beds are single camp beds pushed together to make a double bed and they aren't even the same size as each other so you can't sleep comfortably, it is a joke for the price you pay. The bathrooms, sinks and showers are open, you can hear everything. The sinks are in a communal room, you cannot even brush your teeth in peace. There was pressure form the clique group to make communal meals, if one did not want to particpatre and cook their own food, which they paid for, it was looked down on, wit others even asking to have some. The 'basic food' the residency provies is vegetables and spinach pasta, thats it. The surrounding nature is nice but it is not worth the mental load and outcastness you will feel. It all depends on who is iwth you on the residency of course my group may have been unlucky, but it seems like this clichy energy is constant. In terms of staff support, there really isnt much, one girl seems ot run most of it and does the group sessions i think it was once a week but it was up to each individual how much they contributed and most people didn't seem to want to talk about their owkr, which was also odd. The 'staff' are nic ebut they are most just people who come and go to the residency, there is no on site help or support 24hrs. There is two previous artists who come to stay in the house as co ordinators but they are really just artists doing their own work too. In terms of studio space there is 3 areas you can choose, but again it depends who has already set up in the space, one girl moved out of the studio after new people moved in. There isnt much to say about them, they are just rooms with desks. In terms of closeness to the city, it advertises that it is 40 mins to barcelona by bus. This bus is a locals bus and it only comes about every 4 hours, if even. The residency bus stop is also not an offical bus stop so you have to ask the bus driver to stop there, which is very daunting especially if you do not speak Catalan. The bus stops at the very edge of the city so it ends up being alot longer than 40 mins, but you also have to be very aware of the bus times for that certain day to make sure you are also able to get back. I think this reisdency is for a very specific type of person and the residency could do more to advertise that, it is really for nomadic creatives who dont care much about social connection but want to be in communal living. It is absolutely not the best for professional artists looking for a safe space to create and network.

⚠️🎨 Artist Warning: Avoid “MADE, Creatives in Residency” in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico If you’re looking for an enriching and supportive artist residency in San Miguel de Allende, do not apply to MADE Creatives in Residence. This is not a real residency in any meaningful sense — it’s a poorly managed Airbnb-style rental run by a someone with no involvement in the local art community, who seems more interested in controlling artists than supporting them. The program claims to encourage cultural immersion and creative growth through classes and local engagement. In reality, you’re expected to take a small, handpicked list of classes taught by friends of the organizer, Yesica Guerra, the only person at this program, who becomes hostile if you choose differently. For example, I enrolled in a reputable class at Instituto Allende instead of one of her suggested options, and she was furious — not because I wasn’t engaging with art, but because I wasn’t doing it her way. She demanded to accompany residents to classes to take photos “of your process” for her promotional materials. She was even angry that I didn’t report my daily activities to her — despite the fact that I document them openly on Instagram. She seemed far more interested in inserting herself into our creative work than respecting the autonomy that most artists need to create. Another artist in the cohort, a professional writer, was bullied to attend a paper mache class that she did not want to take (from the list), just to check a box. The residency exists not to support artists but to serve as a vanity project for the organizer, and the level of control that she constantly trying to impress on us was exhausting. The facilities are unacceptable. For a one-month stay, you’re given one towel, one hand towel, and one change of sheets — with no access to cleaning supplies. Rooms are not clean upon arrival, yet residents are expected to maintain them. I upgraded to an apartment space and paid a large premium. When I requested a broom, she lent me one from her personal supply and later took it back. The on-site laundry exists but is off-limits to residents. Handwashing is strictly forbidden, You’re expected to lug your laundry down a steep 0.75-mile hill — for a 19 minute walk, especially while adjusting to the altitude.. She cuts corners at every opportunity: • No room cleaning. • Clean linens provided once for 30 days. • Promised weekly communal dinners vanish if fewer than three people are present. • Rooms are dirty and poorly sealed, letting in mosquitoes, humidity, and cold. (1/4-1/2 inch space around my front door that I could see the outside). • Basic things like heating or hot water aren’t reliably available. When the hot water ran out after four cold days, we were told to wait until “Señor ——” could come sometime next week — because apparently planning for weather is too much to expect from management. The level of control is invasive and inappropriate, the one open area to sit is monitored by cameras with lights that go on when it is too dark to film. • She enters your room to turn off lights and shut doors when you are not there. • She monitors your filtered water consumption if you are using more than what “others” have drunk. • She questions whether you “need” things like fans, heat, or basic comfort. • When a hurricane hit and temperatures dropped dramatically, we were denied heat. Instead, I was told to use a dusty, hair-covered blanket. Worst of all, Guerra, who owns and manages the property is hostile, petty, and completely unhelpful. Any question or concern is met with defensiveness or outright blame. She has no ties to the local arts community and offers no meaningful support or networking. In the end, I spent a month unable to create onsite, as a hostile environment is the opposite of what is needed to be creative.

AQB has a great community of local residents; I very much enjoyed my time there and the people I met. However given the residency fee, the support and care from the faculty was not the best. I’ve participated in several residencies where no payment was required, yet they offered significantly higher levels of professionalism and artist support. In comparison this experience was unfortunately quite disappointing.

I think back fondly on my residency at A Studio in the Woods despite the unsettled stories that live in that land. Between my workspace and my bedroom, I was comfortable and inspired to work. The land itself was perfect for contemplating my own practice, which draws from ancestral memory. The soil and the trees at ASITW have PLENTY to say to those who listen. I foraged banana leaves for the project I was working on and for my personal reserves. It’s a pleasure to be given a small building to make an art mess in. My studio was well lit with a beautiful view and just about all the features worked. The staff was organized with regard to payments, reimbursements, scheduling, logistics. It makes all the difference. 3 years later I still receive friendly correspondence from the ASITW team. With New Orleans as the hands this program is held in, it can be immensely enriching. The city is home to countless artists, legends and storytellers worth knowing.

I attended the MADE Creatives in Residence in spring 2024 and had such a great time that I extended my stay (with permission of the host and organizer Yesica). The experience was a positive reset on life, and a reminder of joie de vivre in the every day. The rhythm and pace of life in San Miguel de Allende is different, and it reminds you too, that there are many ways to live. Small daily interactions on the streets and with classmates in art classes reverberated with a warmth that reminded you how relationships with people are important. It was a notable contrast to the everyday hustle in the US. SMA is a special place not just in comparison to the US, but is known as being part of the “cultural heart” of Mexico itself, so it attracts many people from all over. I felt Yesica went out of her way to help me and the other residents connect with the the uniqueness of the town, the many cultural traditions and celebrations during the spring season, and the local art institutions. I took painting, printmaking and cartonería courses and the classes were a mix of locals, seasonal visitors, long-term expats, and shorter term visitors like myself. The instructors brought so much knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to their craft, I could understand why some students were long-term repeats. The historic buildings where I took art courses were stunning and an incentive to go to class. I also spent time working at the residency and enjoyed the quietness at times and the dynamic of running into cohort colleagues who were going to/from classes. Sometimes we would hang out on the upper patio and chat and occasionally enjoy the evening air and stars, or join each other on walks or outings. I liked living in a neighborhood and felt safe on my own. My cohort included people from different parts of the US, Carribean/US, South America and Europe. Yesica organized weekly dinners for the group, prepared by an amazing local cook who brings love to her food and you. During dinners we would share our weeks, what we learned, and also talk about about upcoming events or outings that might be of interest to us. Yesica was very organized and knowledgeable about what was going on, and even gave recommendations and organizational support for day trips or weekend trips to nearby places. She was very flexible and open to us, knowing that we each had various interests and focuses while at the residency. I felt inspired by the work of other artists in my cohort, and what I saw in town, as there are many museums and galleries. It is a vibrant scene. The cumulative experience made me feel energized in my own work.

I found MADE to be well-maintained, clean and a lot of care into the space. It is not an airbnb or a hotel, so you do take care of your own space, but the sheets, etc, are changed mid- month. It is like many artist residencies where you are responsible for cleaning up after yourself and if you need to borrow a broom, it is easy to ask. 

As someone who has spent time working and living abroad, this was a great place to stay and a memorable and positive experience. It is important to be open to other ways of living, and to be mindful of resources in a finite world. The popularity of SMA and a warming planet has resulted in water concerns for the mountain town - I saw two fliers for public talk/presentations about while I was there (organized by long-term US expats). Caring for the place that you visit is important whenever you go; you are a guest given the gift of time to be in special place. 
 Towards the end of my stay, I came across a painted bench outside of an elementary school that read, “Lo esencial es invisible a los ojos, solo se puede ver con el corazón”. (The essential is invisible to the eyes, it can only be seen with the heart). It was a positive message to share with young children, but felt it was a reminder to adults too, to see with your heart. I highly recommend the MADE Creatives in Residence as a recharge for the heart and spirit, led by the big hearted Yesica who brings people together and instills the values of community and care for the residents and the community at large.

This is a persistent spam.

I am a 71 year old woman who was traveling alone to MADE for the month of January, 2025, in one of the apartments. When I found out I was going to be the only resident there, alone in the house by myself and in a strange neighborhood and city I almost cancelled. I am so glad that I didn’t. My month in SMA at MADE was one of the most magical and transformative experiences of my life. I felt so safe and comfortable that I freely explored the city and immersed myself in the neighborhood and my art. I created 4 beautiful works of art while there. Artist in Residencies are not luxury Airbnb’s. You are not paying for that. Having been to residencies in Mexico and Europe I can tell you that most of these residencies are very old buildings without a lot of modern amenities. Rooms are cold and drafty. Plumbing can be sketchy and most operate without heat or air conditioning. If your read the profiles of many of the Airbnb properties in SMA they advise you that they don’t have heat or AC and if you can’t handle it don’t stay there. I loved everything about my stay at MADE and found Yesica to be an incredibly thoughtful host who was very generous with her time and her desire to show you the heartbeat of SMA. I understand that experiences vary, and while mine was very positive, others may have different perspectives. Personally, I have made a life long friend with Yesica Guerra after my stay at MADE and I will be returning soon.

Overview: Dates of Residency: March 2025. I applied online after a friend attended (September 2024), a community colleague (March 2024), and life changes occurred (death and unemployment). Application Process: The application process was straightforward to follow. Provided my interest in attending the program and my intention. I received a call soon after submitting from Yesica, founder/creative director. I explained where I was in my life and what I had accomplished over the years as a creative. I explained that I had heard of San Miguel de Allende (SMA) and her facilitation and process, with everyone having positive experiences. We discussed photography and printmaking classes, given the access I would have after completing the residency to continue my practice. Time of year: When we spoke, we discussed the availability and the best time to attend and enjoy the city's culture and events. I was given time to decide when it was best to participate after being informed about what the program could offer. I responded within a month that I would be attending in March. I have neurodivergent tendencies, and after submitting my deposit, Yesica reached out and encouraged me to submit paperwork in a timely manner. Unfortunately, in January 2025, some programs were temporarily closed, and the photography workshop I had planned to take would be unavailable while I was there. I was informed quickly, and I pivoted to taking a class at El Sindicato, a cultural center that employs local artists and is a pillar of the community. Discipline: Photography & Drawing. Overall Impression/Rating: 5 stars - I highly recommend. Facilities and Resources: Studio space: I chose a single room. The room was ample and allowed for privacy when needed. Ventilation was excellent, as to be expected of city living, but even better because you are in SMA. The space was clean, there was cleaning schedule discussed prior to attending and if you wanted to clean outside of that schedule supplies were offered. There was plenty of natural light. If you know Mexican homes in that region, you are aware that they often have a central area of natural light, which is incredible! The residents had access to both the downstairs and upstairs outdoor areas. Upon the recommendation and assistance of Yesica, we placed a long table on the first floor, allowing us to work on projects outside of workshop times with daylight. At any given moment, it could be one artist working alone or a group of us sharing our experiences. Accommodations: I was informed of all that would be provided in a thorough contract, and a week before arriving, the cohort was introduced and connected via a group thread. Three days before the residency began, I received another message via the group thread, informing me of the internet access, the closest place for groceries, and small businesses near the residency. Yesica provided us with the name of a laundry facility that others had used and been satisfied with. When I spoke with Yesica the first time, she informed me about the hill near the residency and the distance to the laundry facility. It was incredible to walk to and from town. I felt safe, and Yesica provided the cohort with an extensive list of restaurants, coffee shops, art stores, leisure activities, and entertainment options. There is a great deal to do in SMA. Yesica also provided the name of a taxi service in case it was needed. Taxis were accessible, along with Uber. Responsiveness: Yesica responded promptly to any questions or concerns – I rarely had any, thanks to the information provided upon arrival. Workshops/ Program Structure and Support: Printmaking: My instructor was fantastic. I learned linocut (completed three prints), Tetra-Pak printmaking (two prints), and Collography (one print). The instructor was accessible and very thorough. She spoke about her life growing up in Mexico and her learning process. I was able to see her work, and she shared insights about the region of Mexico where she grew up and how it influenced some of her pieces and her teaching with local students. The class was 2-3 people. Mexican Cartoneria: My instructor was incredibly joyful and knowledgeable. Not only was I taught how to do the sculpting, but I was also able to learn the history of the art form. The classes included locals and another resident. The space was filled with the cultural richness and vibrancy of the community. I created a meaningful piece that resonated with me culturally and reflected who I am becoming. Honors my past, respects my present, and provides me with the hope for my future. The instructor was accessible outside of class hours and was able to provide direction when I worked on my project at the residency. Yesica also assisted with the process, and I was able to get input from my cohort – we provided each other feedback throughout our stay. Library/Research Resources: Yesica provided several books throughout my time there, and we discussed others that intersect with creativity and wellness, which fall within my specialty. Community/Peer Interaction: While there, Yesica offered information about local events and the connection with traditions in the area. The city's culture is evident in our visits to the People's Market, Fabrica Aurora, and Atotonilco (home to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site), as well as our encouragement to explore places like the Toy Museum, Bellas Artes, the Saturday Organic Market, and the Mercado de Artesanias. I only know all of this because Yesica provided the information. Conclusion: I am providing a thorough response because my experience was terrific, and if you are open to being culturally immersed in search of some connection or inspiration, then this may be a good fit for you. I felt safe, cared for, and appreciated for where I was in my journey at the time of arrival, while being mentored and nudged to step outside my comfort zone, which I enjoyed and expected in such a space. I met with other artists who are friends of friends, and I spoke to them about the program, the space, and the direction I was being given. They were all very impressed. I have also discussed the program with others in my artist circle and have referred several to attend. My father-in-law is an artist who used to take students to SMA, and he also stated that he was impressed with my experience. I have and will continue to recommend this program because it was an invaluable experience with a beautiful cohort brought together with intention by Yesica.

First of all, the SPA International Residency is a three-month, collective-based program, meaning applicants must apply as a group and live together for three months at the residency space. For artists who usually go solo, this requirement might seem like a high barrier. The good news is that the institution welcomes both pre-existing and newly formed collectives. So, if you're open to collective practices or have been longing for the time and space to explore one, this residency could be an ideal opportunity. And that was exactly what I did. Together with other three artists friends, we formed a new collective to apply for the program and were fortunate to be selected. The experience, in every aspect, was very satisfying and rewarding. Since it's a new residency program (our round was the inaugural one), so everything is freshly renovated. Each resident is provided with a compact IKEA-style suite, including a bedroom, a studio space, and a private bathroom. There’s also a fully equipped shared kitchen and living area. A note is that, the residency “studios” resemble offices more than traditional artist studios. There are strict guidelines requiring spaces to be kept tidy and returned to their original condition. As a result, the environment is better suited to “clean” practices—such as image-based or concept-driven work—rather than messy or material-heavy processes. Another note is that unfortunately there is no fabrication facilities avaiable at the residency, so there is no wooden or metal workshop, and etc. We had an open studio session in the middle of our stay, hosted over 100 visiters throughout the day, and received lots of positive feedback. The residecny also resulted to a final exhibition, the information of which could be easily found on the SPA website. Overall, I can say I highly recommend this residency program.

MADE is a creative refuge for anyone who wants to explore their craft and enrich their perspective. The house represents Mexico's history so beautifully, inviting the cohort to co-create while also providing everyone with their own safe space. MADE's team is caring and supportive, guiding residents from beginning to end. My only recommendation for anyone who feels called to apply (especially if you've never been to SMA) is to be genuinely interested in immersing yourself in a wonderful and rich culture. It's a perfect opportunity to question and transform your voice within your work by engaging with SMA's people, gastronomy, history, and art.

Benefits: It's wonderful to get away from your world and your rhythms, immerse yourself in another culture with new artists and live and work with a variety of creatives doing the same thing. The full days and weeks of opportunity to work, explore, go to museums, challenge yourself is perfect. The final 'exhibition' at AIR Vallauris provided a good focus, but came up quickly and was challenging to move into 'presenting' mode. Challenges: It's always hard to work in a new studio with equipment you do not know, clay & glazes unfamiliar to you and an environment that is new. The infusion of "unknown" can either push you to growth - or make you anxious. I go into circumstances like that with an open mind to receive what I get, not necessarily what I think I should get. That ability to 'let go' allows me to dive deeply and be present to both my own state of mind, creative in and output and to receive others around me the same way.

I had a fantastic experience during my artist residency in CDMX. The program was thoughtfully organized and perfectly located, offering easy access to the city's vibrant cultural scene. I learned so much during my time there—both through my work and the inspiring community of artists and organizers. It was a deeply rewarding and creatively enriching experience.

I will never forget my experience at MADE Creatives in Residence. Located in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, in a true neighborhood, as opposed to being in an isolated ex-pat community, it is close to markets, laundromats, cafes, and a weekly farmers market. It is a good, easy walk to the central part of town, too, and I loved walking the cobblestone streets to explore, which is the theme of this residency. Yesica, the founder of MADE makes each resident feel welcome and supported, and is there to guide you with anything you need--selection of classes at the amazing local art institutions, what neighborhoods, food places to explore, and shares about all of that month's local cultural celebrations to be able to witness. Yesica shares that this residency is more about the time and space to create, but also to try an art form outside of your regular practice, and to immerse yourself in the people and place of SMA. It is not a typical, hole yourself away and create in your room yet you can structure your time to your desired experience. I loved being able to connect with the other artists there, to commune over cooking in our communal kitchen, to even collaborate on a shared art piece. Yesica was always there if we wanted to talk about art, or future goals, and again for guidance on things we could experience while inSMA. I hope to return one day again to MADE, which really was a positive, transformational experience for me.

MADE Creatives was a magical, mind-blowing experience, thanks to Yesica, the director. I am incredibly grateful to Yesica for her exquisite knowledge, generosity, enthusiasm and wisdom in guiding me through the residency and through the various communities of San Miguel. I came here not really knowing what to expect. Through the sights, smells, sounds and touch of the city my new work developed. I deeply appreciate that MADE offered time and space to move into the research and let things marinate as long as necessary. Being in a new environment where culture is valued, accessible and integrated into LIFE is a revelation. Being with other creative minds – 3 other artistis in residence – was generative and inspiring. I loved hearing and learning about their interests and sharing so many new things together. The work was made possible by the contributions of many people and experiences I met and had here. These introductions were made possible by our fearless La Jefa, Yesica.

MADE was my first artist residency experience. I wasn't sure what to expect. After submitting my application, I had a phone conversation with Yesica. I reviewed the residency contract and prepared a list of questions for her. She answered the questions and I was confident that I had a good idea of what was expected from residents as well as from MADE. Yesica made the arrangements for the classes I selected. There was a glitch in one class selection but Yesica quickly found an alternative that turned out to be the print making class I wanted. She came to the classes periodically to make sure everything was going ok. The residency is located in a neighborhood. I appreciated the experience of living with Mexican people. The roosters did crow but I had my earplugs! My apartment was clean and linen was changed mid-month. I read this in the application so it wasn't a surprise. MADE is not a hotel or AirB&B.. I had to do some cleaning, purchase/cook my own food, make up my bed etc. I came to MADE for an opportunity to enhance my artistic education but also to learn about another culture. Weekly the residents gather to have dinner and talk about our experiences and ourselves. We were a diverse group of 5. We were from all over the United States. The ages ranged from 30s to 70+. We also attended several festivals and excursions in and around San Miguel. This trip was life changing for me. Artistically, I exploded. I found the art vibe to be very strong. I was turning out collages with an intensity I didn't know I possessed as well as completing a book. Yesica created an atmosphere that gave us an opportunity to get to know each other as well as delve deeper into our own artistic endeavors. I would definitely go back to MADE again.

I stayed at Made in San Miguel during the month of March and was introduced to Jewelry making. One of the best experiences in my life. I got to be immersed in the culture by living around the local community, tasting local food. Let's talk about having someone who personally showed you places that's not toursy. I remember after one week I felt like a local, the way I moved around San Miguel. My instructor was the best, 40 years in the business. If you get the invite to stay at Made Creative, go with an open Heart and Mind and your life could change.

What’s most positive about this residency is the generous amount of time awarded the resident artists, privacy, location, and the freedom to choose whether to produce or just use the time to not do anything at all and just relax. Having so much privacy in one’s own studio and casita are also one of the greatest benefits in this residency. At the same time, having that privacy, along with the generous amount of time, I feel that these provided the ingredients to cultivate very meaningful connections with my fellow residents who have become my friends to this day. And the staff are simply wonderful and supportive. A possible practical hurdle that some may consider: to appreciate the residency fully, I highly recommend that one has a vehicle because some of the most beautiful and enchanting parts of the southwest (in fact the whole of US!) are driving distance from the residency. Fortunately the residency provides bicycles-ma fantastic way to explore the beautiful nearby areas of Taos, such as downtown, museums, nearby hikes, and more. I highly recommend the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation as a residency, and I am forever grateful to the foundation to the most precious gift of time, space, serenity and connections that I received.