Hello San Miguel readers! I’ve got some bittersweet news to share from our charming town.
For over 40 years, Juan José Montiel and his wife have been creating playful paper-mâché masks and cheerful figures that truly capture the spirit of our local culture. They’ve made quite a name for themselves, exporting their delightful creations all around the world. But it looks like this beloved workshop is about to close its doors.
When we caught up with Juan José, he was a mix of nostalgia and pride, recalling how it all began. “I learned this craft from my wife, who was the first to dive into this art when there was only one workshop in San Miguel,” he shared with a hint of pride. They’ve come a long way since those humble beginnings, employed over thirty talented artisans along the way.
Remember those cute little papier-mâché clowns? Yep, they started off making those! With the years, they evolved to make stunning masks for various local celebrations. And let’s not forget about those fantastic Día de Muertos decorations that we all love. Juan José even mentioned that some of their pieces have made it to places like Brazil, France, and even the good ol’ USA!
Now, Juan José is ready to hang up his apron and let the next generation take over. But here’s the kicker—he’s worried that no one’s stepping up to keep this beautiful tradition alive. “There are hardly any young folks interested in this art form,” he lamented. Such a loss, right? A beloved piece of our local culture might fade away.
As he prepares for retirement, Juan José is contemplating opening a school to share his craft. “I haven’t told anyone I’m retiring, but I think it might be time,” he confided. Honestly, who can blame him after pouring so much of his life into his work?
So, let’s give a big shoutout to Juan José Montiel and his incredible journey. His artistry has brought joy and color to San Miguel and far beyond. While it’s sad to see his workshop close, let’s hope someone steps up to carry on the creativity that makes our town so unique.
As always, thanks for tuning in, and if you have any fond memories or thoughts about this amazing artisan, feel free to share them with us. Until next time, stay curious and keep celebrating our local culture!
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