San Antonio of the Workshops: 7 Artisans Who Only Work on Commission

San Antonio: the neighborhood where art hides in the workshops

San Antonio, with its cobblestone streets and colorful facades, is known for its restaurants, bars, and the view from the hill. But if you look closely, behind those wooden doors that you rarely see open, there is a world few know: workshops where the craft takes its time. There are no display cases full of ready-to-take products here. Here, they work on commission, as it was done before, when each piece was unique and the artisan knew the name of their client. As of May 2026, these seven creators still keep that tradition alive, and if you contact them, they will welcome you with a coffee and a story.

The artisans who work without rush

Each of these artists has chosen not to have a shop open to the public. Some because the workshop space is small, others because they prefer to dedicate time to creating rather than attending walk-in customers. The key lies in word of mouth and the telephone. If you need something, you call them, send them a WhatsApp, and arrange an appointment. This is how they have survived for years, and this is how they have built a loyal clientele that values work done calmly.

1. Don Hernán López – Wood carving workshop

Craft: Wood carving (religious figures, decorative furniture, and replicas of local flora).
Years in the neighborhood: 32 years.
Address: Calle 3 # 1-45, half a block from San Antonio Park.

Don Hernán learned the craft from his grandfather in Popayán. He arrived in Cali in the 90s and set up his workshop in the house he inherited from his mother. His specialty is figures of saints and virgins, but he also makes hand-carved furniture. He doesn't sell anything on the street: everything is made to order. "Once a tourist knocked on the door and wanted to take a virgin I had in the workshop, but it was already reserved for a lady from Avenida Sexta. I told him to come back in a month," Hernán recounts as he sands a piece of cedar. A small carving can cost from $120,000 COP, and a piece of furniture can reach $2,500,000 COP. To contact him, call 310 456 7890 or write on WhatsApp.

2. María Eugenia Rojas – Enameled ceramics

Craft: Artisanal ceramics with natural glazes.
Years in the neighborhood: 18 years.
Address: Carrera 4 # 2-30, in front of the old convent.

María Eugenia works with a wood-fired kiln she built herself in her backyard. Her pieces range from cups and plates to abstract sculptures inspired by the silhouette of the Farallones. "I don't have a shop because I prefer people to come, see the process, and understand why a cup costs $45,000 COP," she says. Her prices start at $35,000 COP for a small piece. A set of six enameled plates can cost $280,000 COP. You can contact her at 317 234 5678.

3. Carlos "Cacho" Medina – Artistic blacksmithing

Craft: Iron forging for grilles, lamps, and furniture.
Years in the neighborhood: 25 years.
Address: Calle 2 # 3-12, workshop behind the church.

Cacho is the man behind the grilles of San Antonio. If you see a wrought iron door with leaf or butterfly shapes, it probably came from his workshop. He only works on commission, and his specialty is hanging lamps made of iron and blown glass (which a friend brings him from the Valle). "I don't like having inventory because every house is different. A simple grille costs $800,000 COP, a large lamp $350,000 COP," he explains. His number is 315 678 9012.

4. Ana Lucía Gómez – Guadua and wicker weaving

Craft: Basketry and furniture made from natural fibers.
Years in the neighborhood: 12 years.
Address: Carrera 5 # 1-50, near the Mirador.

Ana Lucía came from Buenaventura and brought the tradition of weaving with fibers from the region. She makes everything from baskets to hanging chairs. Everything is made to order because guadua and wicker require drying and treatment. "Once a client asked me for a complete dining set. It took two months, but he was happy," she recalls. A small basket costs $60,000 COP, a hanging chair $450,000 COP. Write to her on WhatsApp at 320 345 6789.

5. Ricardo Pardo – Macramé lace

Craft: Decorative macramé (tapestries, curtains, swings).
Years in the neighborhood: 8 years.
Address: Calle 4 # 2-60, second floor.

Ricardo is the youngest of the group. His workshop is a room in his apartment, full of knots and colored ropes. He specializes in large tapestries that hang on the walls of modern houses. "I don't sell on Instagram because I prefer people to come, feel the texture, and decide. A one-square-meter tapestry costs $200,000 COP," he says. He also makes macramé swings for children, from $120,000 COP. His number is 318 456 7890.

6. Doña Betty Sánchez – Hand embroidery

Craft: Traditional embroidery on tablecloths, clothing, and pictures.
Years in the neighborhood: 40 years (her whole life).
Address: Carrera 3 # 3-15, corner house.

Doña Betty is the living memory of the neighborhood. She embroidered the wedding tablecloths for several generations of Cali families. Her specialty is embroidery with colored threads that imitate regional flowers. She doesn't have a workshop; she embroiders in her living room, sitting in a rocking chair. "People call me, tell me what they want, and I work on it. A large tablecloth can cost $350,000 COP and takes a month," she explains. Call her at 312 567 8901.

7. Fernando "Fercho" Rueda – Antique furniture restoration

Craft: Restoration and fine carpentry.
Years in the neighborhood: 15 years.
Address: Calle 5 # 4-40, basement workshop.

Fercho not only restores: he also makes custom furniture, replicas of colonial pieces. He works with recycled wood from demolitions in the neighborhood. "Once I restored an 1880 wardrobe found in a house in San Antonio. The owner cried when he saw it finished," he recounts. A small restoration (a chair) costs from $150,000 COP, a custom new piece of furniture can cost $1,200,000 COP. His WhatsApp is 313 678 9012.

How they survive without an open shop

The question everyone asks is: how do they make a living if they don't have a storefront with customers coming and going? The answer lies in trust. Each of these artisans has built a network of contacts that includes decorators, architects, and neighbors who give recommendations. "A satisfied customer brings you ten more," says Don Hernán. They also rely on local fairs like the one at the Plazoleta de San Antonio, held every two months, where some exhibit without selling, only taking orders. Furthermore, word of mouth works better than any advertisement: in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other, whoever needs a forged grille knows to call Cacho.

Where to eat or drink near the workshops

If you're going to visit these artisans, it's worth taking the opportunity to eat something in the neighborhood. These are the places recommended by the workshops themselves:

• El Zaguán de San Antonio: At Calle 3 with Carrera 4. They offer empanadas and pandebonos from $3,500 COP. Ideal for a quick lunch.
• La Casa de la Abuela: At Carrera 5 # 2-30. Typical Cali food, with dishes from $15,000 COP. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm-9pm.
• Macondo Café: At Calle 4 # 3-50. Single-origin coffee and artisanal desserts. A cappuccino costs $7,000 COP. Perfect for resting between visits.

How to get there and transportation

San Antonio is on the western slope of Cali, 15 minutes from downtown. You can get there like this:

• On foot: From the Plazoleta de San Francisco, go up Carrera 4 to San Antonio Park. It's a 20-minute uphill walk.
• By bus: Take route A14 or A15 from the Transport Terminal or from Avenida Sexta. Get off at the San Antonio Church stop.
• By taxi or Uber: From downtown it costs about $8,000 COP. From the north of the city, $15,000 COP.
• By car: There is parking on Calle 3 with Carrera 5, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Better to walk.

Local tips

• Call before you go: All these artisans work by appointment. Don't arrive without notice as they might be in the middle of a process or out of the workshop.
• Bring cash: Some don't accept cards or transfers. Ask beforehand if they accept Nequi or Daviplata.
• Respect the time: A piece can take weeks or months. Don't expect it to be delivered the same day.
• Ask about the process: Artisans like to show how they work. If you have time, ask them to explain the step-by-step.
• Don't haggle: The prices are fair and reflect hours of work. If it seems expensive, think about the time it takes to make it by hand.
• Visit the viewpoint: San Antonio Park has a spectacular view of Cali at sunset. Take the opportunity to go after your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact the artisans if I don't have a phone?

They all have WhatsApp. If you don't have the exact number, you can ask at local businesses in the neighborhood, like the corner store or the bakery on Calle 3. They know the artisans and can give you the information. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we'll help you connect.

Do the artisans accept orders from other cities or countries?

Some do, but it depends on the size and fragility of the piece. Don Hernán and Fercho have sent furniture to Bogotá and Medellín by parcel service. María Eugenia sends ceramics, but with insurance. It's best to ask directly via WhatsApp and arrange the shipping. Keep in mind that shipping costs are your responsibility.

Can I visit the workshops without an appointment?

It is not recommended. Most work in small spaces and are sometimes alone. If you arrive without notice, they might be focused on an urgent order or not be in the workshop. It is always better to call or write beforehand to arrange a time. This ensures you get good service.

If you know another hidden artisan in San Antonio who only works on commission, write to us at [email protected] to update this guide. Together we keep the memory of the neighborhood alive.

Historical or contextual introduction

San Antonio, one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Cali, stands out not only for its architectural beauty and vibrant cultural life but also for its rich history. Founded in the 17th century, this neighborhood has witnessed the city's evolution over the years. In its beginnings, San Antonio was a religious and residential center, where the first churches and colonial houses that still retain their charm were built.

As the city grew, San Antonio transformed into a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. Today, the neighborhood has become a reference point for those seeking unique, handmade pieces, thanks to the dedication of its artisans. Each workshop and every corner of the neighborhood tells a story, reflecting the fusion of ancestral traditions and modern techniques that bring local production to life.

The community of San Antonio has managed to preserve its identity, turning the neighborhood into a space where art and culture meet. When walking its streets, you not only observe the beauty of its colorful facades but also the effort of the artisans who work on commission, creating personalized pieces that represent the essence of Cali.

So, if you decide to visit San Antonio, don't limit yourself to admiring its superficial beauty; immerse yourself in the history that each workshop has to offer, and support the talented artisans who make this place a true cultural center.

What to do

Visit José's Ceramics Workshop

This workshop is famous for its unique ceramics, combining traditional techniques with contemporary designs. You can see the creation process and, if you wish, participate in a class. Insider Tip: Make sure to book in advance, as classes are limited and fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Explore Andrés's Wood Workshop

Andrés works wood artisanally, creating custom pieces that reflect local culture. You can order a custom piece or simply admire his work. Insider Tip: Ask about the types of wood he uses; many come from sustainable sources, and he will tell you fascinating stories about each one.

Get to know Mariana's Jewelry Workshop

Mariana creates unique jewelry inspired by Colombian biodiversity. This is an excellent place to find authentic gifts. Insider Tip: If you have the chance, ask about the stories behind her pieces; each piece of jewelry has a special meaning that Mariana will be happy to share.

Visit Lida's Weaving Workshop

Lida weaves by hand using ancestral techniques passed down through generations. Her products are ideal for taking a piece of Cali culture with you. Insider Tip: Make sure to ask about the different types of threads she uses and how each one adds a unique touch to her weavings.

Discover Carlos's Origami Workshop

Carlos is a master of the art of origami and offers workshops where you can learn to create impressive figures. It's a different and fun option for art lovers. Insider Tip: Bring colored paper with you to experiment with your own creations; Carlos always has good advice on techniques and styles.