The Story Behind Van Doren Metal Art Workshop
How decades of experience turned into San Miguel’s #1 creative workshop.
In the heart of San Miguel de Allende—where tradition and creativity intertwine—you’ll find the Van Doren Metal Art Workshop. But before it became the #1 rated class and workshop in all of Guanajuato State, it was simply a dream shared between father and son, forged over decades of work, craftsmanship, and a deep love for metal art.
Built on 50 Years of Experience
The Van Doren Metal Art Workshop is the result of our combined 50 years of hands-on experience in the world of metal. As a father/son team, we’ve worked across every application of the craft—MIG, TIG, Arc, and Spot welding, as well as forging, casting, and soldering.
For more than 30 years, we’ve designed and built large-scale installations—corporate, public, and private—along with custom water features and architectural pieces. You’ll find our work in homes and businesses across North America, and right here in San Miguel at our gallery, Van Doren Studio, inside the iconic Fábrica La Aurora.
From Commissions to Community
Over time, people began to ask more and more:
"Can you teach me how to do this?"
That ongoing interest—from friends, family, travelers, and fellow artists—sparked the next chapter of our journey: Van Doren Metal Art Workshops.
We opened our doors to the public with one goal in mind: to share the joy of creating with metal. From beginner basics to advanced sculptural work, we offer hands-on instruction in a real working studio. Whether you’ve never picked up a welding torch before or you're looking to refine your skills, there’s space for you here.
The Response Has Been Incredible
Since we launched the workshops just eight years ago, we’ve welcomed over 3,000 students through 300+ sessions—and counting.
We’re proud to be the #1 rated class/workshop in all of Guanajuato State on TripAdvisor for eight years running, with over 400 five-star reviews. Our students come from all over the world to learn, create, and connect through the powerful medium of metal.
“Absolutely unforgettable. I never imagined I’d learn to weld and create something so personal in just a few days.”
— TripAdvisor Review
What Drives Us
At the core of everything we do is a passion for metal art and a belief in the value of passing on this craft. There’s something timeless about shaping raw material into something meaningful with your own two hands. We see it in every student who walks into our workshop, and we feel it in every piece we create.
Whether you’re here to take a class, commission a custom work, or simply visit our gallery at La Aurora, we invite you to be a part of our story—and to start one of your own.
