San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is itself a work of art, in my view – a grand mosaic made of many colorful, diverse pieces forming a beautiful whole. This week a diverse group of people here in SMA gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the newest mosaic installation by artist Juan Eduardo Rios Mancilla in Colonia Guadalupe. Mosaics resonate here and are cause for celebration.

This new mosaic, which covers one full wall on the Arroyo Walkway near Calle Farolito, features many of the iconic elements of San Miguel – especially the Parroquia church in the Jardin in el centro.

Among the requisites of the installation, which took two months to complete, was that it be “family friendly” and that it might beautify the area and draw visitors to it.

Juan spoke to the group about his process and thanked everyone for their support – his generous patrons in Colonia Guadalupe, and especially his wife and family who help with his work:

“Without family,” Juan said in Spanish, “you can do nothing.”

Juan’s first patron in Guadalupe, artist Victoria Pierce, helped to organize this celebration, where she congratulated Juan on his latest success. (For the backstory on their relationship, please see my earlier post: www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/victoria-pierce-opening-doors/ .)

On a bright, mild May evening in San Miguel, young and old, gringo and Mexican, neighbors and visitors – the whole mosaic – celebrated together, drawn by the talent of this gifted artist.