Internet connection problems prevented me from posting the last two days of my 2017 Mexican artist blog...
Happy Birthday Hermes Arroyo!
Born on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1970, in San Miguel Allende. He became interested in crafts in school when a classmate brought some handmade nativity figures by his father to show at school. He apprenticed with the father, Antonio Amanza and then attended Centro Cultural El Nigromante.
Arroyo is known best for his large paper mache puppets or "mojigangas". The characteers are worn by dancers in festivals and processions. They were originally religious in nature but today they are primarily historical, pop culture or bride and groom figures. Although he did not invent these figures, he has become known as the artist responsible for their making, popularity, and preservation. He has received many commissions for his work and has exhibitd numerous times. Arroyo has taught handcrafts at summer camps and other venues and has worked with special needs students for over 20 years.
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