Meet Maria Luisa Arce, an artisan and mother of two, originally from Mexico, living and working in Highlandtown. We interviewed her about her art – making piñatas!
Q: How long have you been a part of the Highlandtown Arts District and how did you come to the area?
A: I’ve been living in Highlandtown since 2015. My brother brought me here to Highlandtown because the school Highlandtown #237 was the first to accept my children.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your art. Do you have a specialization?
A: My first specialization was in nail art. I had my own business in Mexico City for over 20 years. I had a hard time trying to start this business in Highlandtown because of the various licenses needed. I decided to start to paint faces instead, and practiced on my children’s faces in order to get the hang of it. Initially, the work opportunities were good, but I had a hard time with scheduling events because of my children’s needs. Instead, I switched to piñatas because I could make them at home and work on them at my leisure with my kids around. I got my start first by learning the basics of making piñatas at Mis Racíces [a parent group at Patterson Park Public Charter School]. When I started showing my work to others, they started asking me to make them for their children’s birthdays, etc. Things really took off from there, and so now I have so many clients that I have trouble keeping up with the demand.
Q: What are your favorite pieces?
A: I don’t have just one favorite. All of the pieces I make I create with love. Each one is a new challenge, and so upon completing a new piñata I improve and feel proud of myself. Each time I complete one I’m actually surprised at myself at what I’m capable of.
Q: What do you like most about working/living in Highlandtown?
A: I like Highlandtown because it’s really colorful. Here you find everything in terms of stores. You can see a lot of things when you go out on a walk — the trees, plants, the houses… I really enjoy being here because of the greenspaces also, because they provide places for my children to play. I also love going on walks and seeing places like the barbershops full of people and life. We have to go out and support these small businesses. When I go on walks I see new things, visit new small businesses, try new foods for example, and recommend them to others.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our community to know about you and your work?
A: My work is really important to me, and I do it with love. It’s also important because it helps me support my home and my children.
Q: What is your favorite snack to have while working on your art?
A: I always need my cup of black coffee. First I ask God to put his abilities in my hands, but then the smell and taste of black coffee opens up my mind and I’m ready!
Find Maria on Facebook
Call Maria at 443-676-4707 (in Spanish!)