Overview: The professional biography of this legendary line of metalsmiths dates back to 1928, when José María Méndez, of Portuguese descent, founded his workshop in Tamames, Salamanca.

His son Luis Méndez Vieira has continued on with his work and today his sons Luis, Raúl y Jerónimo Méndez López represent the third generation of metalsmiths in the family. “Brothers Luis, Raúl and Jerónimo Méndez López have become a model for the recovery of a technique of contemporary jewelry-making that has nearly been forgotten in the present day – filigree.

Luis Méndez Artesanos has a history of 88 years of artisan jewelry-making and three generations of filigree artists. The production process for all of their jewelry requires exclusive dedication and expert hands, thereby making each piece entirely unique. Their work features the possibilities of this ancient technique, bringing it to life by applying it to classic models as well as contemporary creations,” (Text from the catalogue. Exhibition Singular.es). Their pieces are sold from their gallery in Salamanca, where they showcase the cultural aspects of their product and provide the public with information about filigree technique. They promote the exhibition of different artists’ work and provide training at national and international « arts & crafts » centers.

 ***

***

They participate in trade fairs, exhibitions and various online sales platforms. They plan all their projects with the goal of raising awareness of the value of artisan work. Over the years, the workshop has maintained a coherent narrative, combining their know-how with new technologies to achieve a top-quality product. To date, their work has achieved significant recognition both in Spain and abroad. Recent Awards: Product Award – National Artisan Awards 2015 Ministry of Industry and the EOI Foundation – Madrid (Spain) March 31, 2016 Special Award for Best Business of the Year Salamanca City Council Salamanca – Spain. November 27, 2014. Finalist – Aileen International Crafts Competition. CMI Golden Jubilee Celebration Summit. World Crafts Council Dongyang (Zhejiang) CHINA. October 21, 2014 Pieces in Museums or Private Collections: Museum of International Folk Art Santa Fe, New Mexico. (USA) 2015 BANAMEX Great Artisan Masters of Ibero-America. Mexico City 2012 Salamanca Museum of Commerce and Industry. Salamanca (Spain) 2006 Publications:

The Work of Art – Folk Artist in the 21st Century Carmela Padilla – IFAA Media 2013 Earrings. 500 Artistic Creations from all over the world Nicolás Estrada Uribe – Promopress 2013 Great Master Craftsmen of Latin America Cultural Promotion Banamex 2012 Keynote Speeches & Workshops: Conference – Businessmen & Entrepreneurs.

The Salamancan Goldsmith (Charro Goldsmith) C.E.I.P Rufino Blanco (Junior high school). Salamanca, Spain. June 16, 2016 Únicos en la Joyería – Professional Experiences Exhibition and Interactive Conference – Mariano Timón School of Art Palencia, Spain. June 10, 2016 Jewelry Course: Filigree Techniques Santo Domingo Arts & Crafts School Foundation Bogota, Colombia. February and March 2016 Participation in Trade Fairs & Exhibitions: 10 Years of National Awards of Crafts – FUNDESARTE (EOI) Official School of Architects of Madrid (COAM) November 10, 2016 – January 5, 2017. Madrid, Spain. Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Santa Fe, New México (USA) July 8-10th of 2016. www.folkartmarket EXPOARTESANÍAS 2015 25th Anniversary– Magic Inspiration Organized by CORFERIAS y Craftsmen of Colombia. CORFERIAS. Bogotá (Colombia) December 4-17th of 2015. Organized Exhibitions: Exhibition – Artist: Cristina Parellada (Painting) Curator: Ricardo G. Núñez Luis Méndez Gallery. C/ Meléndez, 8. Bajo 2. 37002 Salamanca (Spain) November 5, 2016 – January 31, 2017 Exhibition – Artist: Aída Rubio (Painting) Curator: Ricardo G. Núñez Luis Méndez Gallery. C/ Meléndez, 8. Bajo 2. 37002 Salamanca (Spain) July 21 – October 31, 2016. Exhibition – Artist: Martín de Paz (Painting) Curator: Ricardo G. Núñez Luis Méndez Gallery. C/ Meléndez, 8. Bajo 2. 37002 Salamanca (Spain) April 1 – June 30, 2016.

For more information, you can visit the following links: https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisMendezArtesano https://issuu.com/liografico/docs/luismendezenglish https://www.facebook.com/Luis-M%C3%A9ndez-Artesanos-Filigrana-Gallery-201373156545005/ Photo copyright: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 José Blanco 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 Luis F. Lorenzo 12 FUNDESARTE – EOI