By Jade Muriel
When Merry Calderoni first came to San Miguel in 1974 to study painting, she fell in love with the town. It wasn’t until more than a quarter of a century later that she realized her dream of staying when she and her husband bought a bed and breakfast here and moved to a totally new and different life. She always liked to be the first at everything and was able to achieve that by discovering rental space in the former Fábrica Aurora, a textile factory that had existed for decades providing employment to San Miguel workers.
The business closed during the early 90s and most of the facility had remained idle and empty until the early 2000s when its spaces attracted a variety of artists and entrepreneurs, and the Garay family generously helped. Calderoni was the first artist to find her own special corner in what used to be the foundry complete with forge and hand-made grinding tools. This location with its soaring ceilings and abandoned relics of the former fabric-producing operation was totally unique and inspiring.
Soon others followed her path and before long there was a close-knit group of artists including Mary Rapp and Peter Leventhal. The rest is history as the Fábrica has become a center for art and design bringing thousands of visitors weekly to the other side of town and away from the attractions of Centro.
During the more than 20 years that Calderoni has been at La Aurora, she has created a gallery from what was initially only her studio and during that time has invited other artists to join her to show their work. During that time, she created a series of collections that have been appreciated and can be found in homes and businesses all over the world.
Celebrating the range of her creativity and her prolific work, Calderoni is hosting a personal retrospective of what she has produced while at La Aurora. She always loved the history of Mexico, its people, and the culture. Her work is evidence of her respect for all that is Mexican. Ranging from the Mexcavations series, inspired by visits to archeological sites; to the Soldaderas, the female warriors of Mexican revolutionary history; to her Relics of La Aurora, where found artifacts from the original factory are incorporated; to her more recent modern abstract expressionist work; and not to mention her “Whiplash World Premier” when she actually created strikingly colorful abstract art with eight-foot-long whips. Examples of each series or inspiration will be on view starting at the Aurora’s February Art Walk and for some time thereafter.
As well as artworks hanging on the walls, there will be chances for guests to discover throughout the tools, brushes, and palettes that are all essential and surprising elements of her creative process. Calderoni invites you to join her on opening night for refreshments and conversation and a walk through her years at Fábrica.
Art Exhibition
“Merry Calderoni´s Work Retrospective”
Sat., Feb. 4, 5-7pm
Art Walk Anniversary
Fábrica La Aurora
