We are always excited about our February edition of LOCAL SMA Guide, not only because it is the first one we start the year with but also because we are always accompanied by top-notch protagonists. For this cover we invited Arturo Aranda, better known as the author behind Art Tour SMA, a platform to discover the local artistic proposal from its points of origin as artist studios and galleries. 

Arturo's dedication and passion for art have led him to establish a network of creators that is growing stronger every day, and that is available to all those who visit the city and want to know what is happening in the arts such as painting, sculpture, textiles and new media. We were able to talk with Arturo about his proposal and what is happening in the San Miguel art scene. We share the interview with you! 

Arturo, thank you very much for being our protagonist in the February edition of LOCAL! So that our audience can learn more about you and your work, tell us… 

L: What led you to start Art Tour SMA? How long have you been working on the project?

TO: I started this project 5 years ago when I came to live in San Miguel de Allende looking to do something different from what I was doing before in CDMX. I wanted to do a cultural project that would involve the art scene in San Miguel and art tourism, which I saw had been around since the 1930s.

L: From contacting artists to organizing and touring, tell us how your platform works.

TO: In this experience I collaborate with several local artists, of which I have their profile on arttoursma.com in the ART GALLERY / STUDIOS section, so that people looking for this art and tourism experience can see their profiles. You can contact me through the website, at the email arttoursma@gmail.com or through social media, telling me which workshops and/or galleries you want to visit. You can also tell me what kind of art you are interested in (painting, sculpture, textile, abstract, surrealist or any style) so I can personalize the experience for each person.

 We agree on the date and time for the experience and on the day of the tour we visit 3 or 4 workshops and/or art galleries in San Miguel and the surrounding areas. At each location we are greeted by the artist and/or gallery owner to talk about the work and the creative process in general. It lasts about 4 hours and I offer wine, olives and cheese or a chef can cook a menu for us to eat with one of the artists. It also includes transportation, although sometimes we walk when the distances are close.

L: Do you have an artistic background or where does your interest in the arts come from? 

TO: Originally, I was trained in Industrial Engineering. I have always been an art lover and when I wanted to get started in this world, I started working at Galería Manuk 5 years ago. During this time, I have been immersed in the art world in San Miguel de Allende and for me it has been very fun and fascinating. I have learned a lot and every day there are new things that I learn.

L: Do you collect art? Which artists or styles are your favorites?

TO: Yes, I love being surrounded by art that I like, the artists I have in my collection are: Catalina Gris, Mariana Magdaleno, Lorenzo Núñez, Paloma Domínguez, Ezshwan Winding, Gerardo Ruiz, Lourdes Rivera, Ana Ragá, Maru Stahl, Juan Luis Ramírez, Alfredo Esparza, among many others.

I like various styles of art, from abstract, figurative, surrealist, contemporary, pop art, painting, sculpture, textiles, crafts, photography... Over time I have learned to appreciate many styles.

L: SMA has always been a mecca for the visual arts. How do you see the outlook for local and foreign emerging artists who want to establish themselves here?

TO: I think that San Miguel de Allende has long been and continues to be a very good platform for emerging artists, local and foreign. There is a community that embraces creative people and I have seen how new artists have grown and obtained very good opportunities for their artistic careers.

L: Do you have a favorite artist's studio that you like to visit frequently?

TO: I have several but some of the ones I like are Terry Ann Tomlinson, Lourdes Rivera, Gerardo Ruiz, Yui Sakamoto, Suzy Taylor, Joaquin Piñeiro, Ezshwan Winding…

L: How would you describe the SMA art community?

TO: It is a very large community where many know each other and are very united and fun. They are artists with very different styles and concepts, yes, but they have in common that they like to share their art, they are very passionate about what each one does and there is a very relaxed atmosphere in general.

L: What's coming up for Art Tour SMA this year and how can those interested in one of your tours contact you?

TO: This year, which is my 5th anniversary, I want this art and tourism initiative to grow with the community of artists. I am preparing to do new projects such as Art Residency Experiences, auctions with local artists to help social causes, art exhibitions by very good artists, launching a newsletter called “La Gaceta de Arte” and more. Those who are interested in a tour can write to me at arttoursma@gmail.com or through my page www.arttoursma.com. People who are interested in collaborating on these projects can also write to me.

Follow Arthur as @arttoursma on Instagram and on FacebookYou can also visit their website for reservations and inquiries: www.arttoursma.com