Many years ago, I attended a benefit sale at Galería La Mano Mágica to raise money to enable famed ceramicist Josefina Aguilar to have cataract surgery. My eyes were immediately drawn to a sculpture by her granddaughter, Fran Garcia Vásquez. I bought it and the Tehuana sculpture remains one of my most treasured pieces — though she has had her ups and downs.
The 8.2 earthquake in September 2017 resulted in a broken arm. It was a clean break and I was able to make the repair.
Alas, in June 2020 (due to my carelessness), she suffered more serious injuries — the extent of which were well beyond my abilities to mend. She and all her pieces were carefully cushioned in a box and there she lay through the worst of the pandemic and my move to Barrio de Jalatlaco.
It was only a month or so ago that it dawned on me to contact her creator, Fran Garcia Vásquez to ask if she could repair my sculpture — after all, she had the clay, paint, and expertise! She readily agreed and on March 13, I took my treasured Tehuana to the workshop she shares with family members in Ocotlán de Morelos (Av. Morelos #428). Five days later, the repair had been completed and she brought the sculpture to my home.
When Fran unwrapped and placed the Tehuana in my hands, I must admit I became a little teary eyed. The sculpture is as good as new and looks proud and serene in her new home.
March 19 was Día de las Artesanas y los Artesanos in Mexico and the entire month of March is designated “Month of the Artisan.” I want to thank all of them deeply for carrying on, often renewing, and always enriching traditions with their own creative spirit.
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View From Casita Colibrí 
Beautiful and heartening, thank you.
Thank you for appreciating my Tehuana’s story.
A beautiful sculpture and a beautiful story of renewal. Thank you!
After so many years, it’s so wonderful to be able to again see and enjoy her beauty every day.
Few pieces of folk art seem to survive without glue….
I know! A couple of my alebrije have also experienced a little glue here and there.
Wow. I’ve done ceramic repair as a sideline, and though the breakage was extensive, she did an outstanding restoration job. ‘Felicitaciones’
Yes, my Tehuana looks like she did the evening I bought her. I’m SO glad it finally occurred to me to contact her creator!
Oh my god I love this so much! I’m a big fan of the Aguilar’s work. I have a couple of little sculptures. This makes me want to come to Oaxaca again.
Fran’s work is so expressive. You absolutely must return!
That piece of art is so precious. And the story of how it was mended by the artist’s hand is beautiful as well. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re very welcome. I feel so fortunate that Fran was available and wiling to repair my Tehuana.
We love their work and especially the faces that Josefina does so distinctively.Her son’s scenes are also amazing. I’m so glad she was able to repair the Tehuana
Yes, the Aguilar family is so talented. I also have painting by Demetrio Garcia Aguilar and a Covid-themed sculpture by Concepción Aguilar.
Heck, the story brought tears to my eyes. I have an Aguilar sculpture that I bought in Oaxaca. A treasure for sure.
Tears in mine too 💖.
My Tehuana’s story so perfectly illustrates how special and rewarding it is to develop a relationship and buy from the creators.