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.

⚠️🎨 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.

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 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, Caribbean/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 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.

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.