Insiders’ Emerging Artists: Galeria Potranca, Art For Today

By Iven Kelley-Dobson

Galería Potranca focuses on emerging artists along with additional artists who have had limited exposure. A wine & cheese reception on Friday of the second and final weekends each month kicks off the weekend featuring new work. In June, on the 6th and 27th, we will be introducing three new artists and their work, with eleven artists returning, introducing new work.  Come, enjoy wine and meet the artists!

Among our artists in June you will meet:

Hugo García: A native Sanmiguelense, Hugo received his creativity from his grandfather and his love of craftmanship from his father. As a young boy he would do his homework in his father’s workshop, right alongside him, watching him (and being distracted from his homework). Fifteen years ago, Hugo had the opportunity to start working with jewelers, developing a deep passion for jewelry as well as learning the intricate techniques evident in his work. His work with skilled and talented jewelers and in stores took him throughout Mexico and the United States. In 2025 Hugo decided to create his own collection for men and women inspired by nature, his travels, experiences, and conversations with people he meets along the path of life. Evident in every piece you will see Hugo’s precision, passion, and heart. Since the launch of his own collection this year, Hugo has garnered a loyal following, which is directly attributed to his creativity, skill, and personality.

Linda:  Linda Mefford’s first visit to San Miguel was in 1998.  On that visit she dined at Harry Bisset’s (now Hank’s), where she saw Toller Cranston’s work in vibrant, fantastical colors.  She was also inspired by the colors and architecture exploring our magical city. Immediately upon returning home she began collecting art books that opened a whole new world and she began dreaming of becoming an artist in San Miguel.  Those dreams were her escape and coping mechanism in a stressful nursing career, and those dreams manifested into reality creating a life in San Miguel better than she could imagine.  Linda works two dimensionally in mixed media and three dimensionally in clay.  Her work is colorful, fun, whimsical, and carries fantastical emotions.  You will smile inside and out as you view her work.

Sandra:  Sandra Esquivel was born in Tampico, inheriting her mother’s passion for art, creativity, flair, and the ability to embrace laughter. Creating vitreous enamel jewelry, she instills magic, spark, and wit in each piece! Her earrings don't just hang, they dance. Each piece is like a miniature party: colorful, bold, and with the personality to become the life of any party. Sandra has shown through Mexico from the Riviera Maya to San Miguel de Allende leaving her mark with designs that blend architecture, fashion, and that savory coastal humor. Sandra’s jewelry tells stories and brings smiles.

Mark: Since his first visit to San Miguel de Allende in 1995, Mark Rewarts made his dream of living in our beautiful town a reality in 2018 and truly feels San Miguel is now his forever home. His life-long career in the creative arts with combined his extensive international travels have strongly influenced his work.  A ceramicist, Mark’s technique is hand-building.  He delights in the challenge of creating light and delicate work that defies the appearance of hand-building. You will be in awe of his detailed work and design.  Mark has established himself as one of the most popular artists at Galería Potranca and has developed a considerable following of collectors.

Approximately 50% of the artists at Galería Potranca are Mexican, and many could be considered “outsider artists” in that they have not had formal art training but their talent and creativity are natural and readily apparent. Other artists have had studied art and techniques (some having art degrees).  Our goal at Galeria Potranca is to give artists a platform to show their work and meet the public, giving them the opportunity to receive feedback and encouragement.

You have two opportunities to view new art, meet the artists and enjoy wine & cheese at both events every second and final friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the following Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Galeria Potranca is open every Friday and Saturday and by appointment.

Iven Kelley-Dobson who created the concept of Galería Potranca brings a lifelong career as an entrepreneur in the creative fields of floral art, and interior design.  With his husband, Jim, he has called San Miguel home since 2011. His work in Galería Potranca is called FACES, mixed media sculptures created from found objects.

Galería Potranca Potranca 4, Guadiana 415 117 2923