Former MujerArtes Artists

My family has lived in Kansas since the early 1900’s. I graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in Education. I taught Spanish and ESL for a few years eventually working for the Santa Fe Railway in my hometown of Emporia. I worked in Kansas City and Fort Worth, Texas and took early retirement moving to San Antonio with my husband, Regino (Kiko). My son, Sergio, who lives in Novato, California and his wife, Kate, have  three beautiful grandchildren, Jaeden Miguel, Mateo Rey and Evelina (Evie).

I was born in El Salvador in 1977. I was the seventh daughter born to Salvadorian parents. I never aspired to be an artist. I was impassioned with helping and serving the community and when I finished my studies at the National University of El Salvador I pursued my dream of becoming a medical doctor. After 4 years of study I emigrated to the United States where I got married and had three beautiful children. During that time I was filled with regret about abandoning my studies and felt an emptiness in my heart. That has now disappeared, thanks to MujerArtes I have found a new dream working with clay and remembering my land, my childhood, and my traditions and culture.

I have always liked art but it has been difficult for me to have time for it. I was happily married for 39 years but am now a widow of 14 years. Between my responsibilities as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, volunteer work and serving at church it left me very little time. At MujerArtes it's been a dream come true. I have experienced art in a wonderful way. Learning has been fun and exciting. I see art everywhere. Exciting colors and forms. Thank you Jesus, Thank you MujerArtes for the opportunities you have given me.

I was born in Laredo, TX. I heard about MujerArtes on TV and liked the idea of joining because I like Mexican ceramics and art. I have been at MujerArtes about a year. During this time I have learned a lot and want to learn more.

Grace was born and reared in San Antonio’s near Westside. Grace has attended MujerArtes for the past 7 years.

I was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas and grew up in San Luis Potosi with my grandmother. I love sports and I practice Zumba. I love to cook and love art. I make plates and figures with clay and enjoy that very much. I hope the MujerArtes program continues on for many years—so other women may have the opportunity to learn like me.

I was born in my Grandma Concha's home in the Five Points neighborhood of San Antonio. Later, I moved with my parents, Roberto & Estella, to the Veramendi Homes on the Westside. My father passed away at age 24. We then moved around to places such as Chicago and Merced, California oftentimes doing migrant work picking cherry tomatoes, grapes, oranges, etc. In 1967 we moved back to San Antonio and were called "The California Girls" by our cousins. I attended Mark Twain Jr. High & Thomas Edison High, began employment in 1975 with the Texas Department of Public Welfare—later called Texas Health & Human Services, and retired in 2008. My biggest accomplishment is raising my daughter, Annette, age 43, to be a independent hard working woman & a fabulous mother.

Former MujerArtes Coordinator & Teacher

One of the founding members of the first class of MujerArtes. My first teacher was Magda McChesney and I remember her softening the clay by slamming it on to the floor. I have learned from each teacher and have been part of many groups of mujeres at la casita. Veronica Castillo's child, Alfonsina, grew up with us at MujerArtes. Each teacher has taught me something and as a result I have become a clay artist, myself. I try to work the best way I can with each woman and look forward to developing a new studio of our own at El Rinconcito de Esperanza.