La Manchoza
19.9304°N · 103.6581°W
A self-directed artist residency in the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico.
Sculpture · Ceramics · Painting · Writing · Nature
Ideal for artists seeking residencies from 1 to 6 months.
La Manchoza is a small artist residency located near Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico.
Founded by sculptor Ana Paula Luna and programmer Juan Lanzagorta, La Manchoza offers artists, writers, makers, researchers, and creative thinkers a place to focus deeply on their work while living close to nature.
This is not a retreat and not a structured educational program. La Manchoza is a self-directed residency designed for people who value autonomy, experimentation, and uninterrupted creative time.
We believe creativity flourishes when people have
Time · Space · Nature · Quiet · Freedom
Residents are encouraged to develop their own projects and create their own rhythms.
The residency sits on approximately 4,000 square meters (43,056 square feet) of living land.
The property includes
Fresh eggs, fruit, and vegetables are available whenever the land is producing.
Residents share the wider property while enjoying their own private garden beside the residency house.
La Manchoza is located approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Tapalpa, Jalisco — a mountain town of pine forests, cobblestone streets, and traditional architecture.
Tapalpa moves at a slower pace. Fresh mountain air, scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and the famous Las Piedrotas rock formations sit alongside local markets, cafés, and a deep rural culture. For artists, it is a quiet, constant source of inspiration.
Tapalpa covers the essentials — roughly 25–30 minutes away by car
Nothing here is scheduled. These are simply the places and experiences that live in the landscape around La Manchoza — to find on your own time, at your own pace.
Nature & Exploration
Paragliding — local takeoff spot
One of the rare features of the area is an active paragliding takeoff point about 500 meters from the residency — not just a school, but a real mountain launch site for free flight over the surrounding valleys and forests.
Depending on your experience and the conditions, you can take lessons or fly from the nearby launch with certified pilots.
This activity is independent and not organized by La Manchoza — simply a rare opportunity in immediate proximity to the property.
La Manchoza demonstrates how sustainability and comfort can coexist.
The residency includes a fully private house, exclusively for residents, located about 30 meters (98 feet) from the hosts’ home. You enjoy real privacy while support stays close when you need it.
The house is flexible and adapts to different artistic practices, with a private garden adjacent to it. Furniture can be rearranged according to the needs of your project.
Ground floor
Upper floor
Included amenities
Power is solar: 110 V and 220 V at 60 Hz, with usable output up to about 1,500 W. Every outlet also has built-in USB and USB-C ports.
The residency uses a modern composting toilet as part of its off-grid water management. Unlike conventional toilets that consume large amounts of potable water, it transforms waste into a manageable organic material through natural decomposition.
The system is clean, odor-free when used properly, and designed to significantly reduce water consumption. We provide clear instructions on arrival, and most guests adapt quickly. For many residents it becomes a chance to experience a different relationship with resources — an intentional part of our commitment to ecological responsibility, rainwater harvesting, and off-grid living.
The residency supports a wide range of artistic practices, with particular emphasis on sculpture. It encourages experimentation over comfort and convention.
Particular emphasis on sculpture.
A high-temperature gas kiln and dedicated workspace.
Commercial glazes are hard to find in Mexico, so there is much more access to raw materials for making your own. What we love to share is experience and tested recipes.
Indoor and outdoor light, and a flexible studio.
Desks made to inspire, indoors and out.
A covered outdoor workshop for wood sculpture.
From mold to patina — hands-on, start to finish.
Additional facilities
A shipping container adjacent to the house serves as storage and project support space.
Bronze casting is available through collaborations with local artists and foundries in Tapalpa. Interested artists can take part directly in the process and get firsthand exposure to traditional foundry techniques.
Tell us about your bronze project in the application form. →
There are no mandatory workshops, classes, schedules, or communal activities. Residents organize their own time around the needs of their projects.
Some artists prefer solitude. Others enjoy occasional conversations and shared experiences. Both are equally welcome.
The residency exists to provide
The property is shared with
Residents should be comfortable living around animals and nature.
Nearest airport
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
Airport pickup can be arranged. We’re happy to collect residents and help them settle in.
We can also introduce you to
La Manchoza sits about 20 km from the center of Tapalpa, Jalisco.
Sculptor · Founder
A professional sculptor and the founder of La Manchoza, Ana Paula works across wood, ceramics, and bronze. Her practice shapes the spirit of the residency and its emphasis on making by hand.
lunaescultura.com →Engineer · Founder
A programmer and builder, Juan co-founded La Manchoza and designed much of its off-grid, smart-home infrastructure. Together, he and Ana Paula built much of the project using reclaimed materials and sustainable construction principles.
The house is built from what was found, salvaged, and made.
The architecture reflects experimentation, creativity, and resourcefulness.
We understand many artists apply for grants and cultural funding.
At this time, La Manchoza cannot offer scholarships or funded residencies. As a young and growing project, we hope to expand these opportunities in the future.
Every residency begins with a conversation. Tell us about your project and we can discuss possibilities, dates, technical requirements, and residency goals.
Applications open year-round · stays from 1 to 6 months.
Approx. per month: $1,200 USD · €1,100 EUR · ¥180,000 JPY · ₩1,610,000 KRW · CN¥8,600 CNY · ₽108,000 RUB
We’re happy to help residents source and purchase materials locally.
Materials & Project Costs
Material and production costs are discussed individually with each resident. A few references:
Access to the kiln and ceramic workspace is included. As a general reference, gas for about three firings usually runs around 1,500 MXN.
It depends on the project, but producing 3–4 pieces in 20–40 cm formats may run around 12,000 MXN.
Material costs depend entirely on project requirements. We can help you locate and purchase materials locally.
How to apply
Send us an email with the template below. Open your email app with one click, or copy the template and paste it into a new message.
Yes. The house has one private bedroom, but the space is flexible — tell us who’s coming when you write to us and we’ll work out the arrangements together.
Yes.
A car gives you more freedom, but it isn’t necessary. We drive to the large markets every two weeks, and to the corner store (about 5 km away) once or twice a week.
Yes.
Not yet — we’re just getting started, but we hope to soon.
Yes — we just need to arrange the dates.
Yes.
We decide case by case, but ideally from 1 to 6 months.
Absolutely.
The best way to reach us is by email. Tell us about your work and what you’d like to create here.
