The story of Little Friends

There was once a man named San Miguel De Caballo, who rode through the village of Mochitlán, nestled in the mountains several hours outside of Mexico City. As he traveled along the dusty road, he spotted a man, disheveled and naked, sitting in the dirt. The man was cold and broken..

Without hesitation, San Miguel dismounted from his horse and walked toward the stranger. He took off his own cloak and draped it over the man's shoulders. The stranger, with a sad and wary look in his eyes, refused.

"I cannot accept this," he said. "I will never be able to repay you.”

San Miguel gently replied, "You do not need to repay me. Just promise me this: When you find someone else in need, someone cold or hurting, pass this cloak along to them. That is how you can repay me."

The act of kindness wasn’t just about the cloak—it was about paying forward the generosity and love we receive. A simple gesture, one that rippled through time, teaching the village that kindness never truly ends.

Inspired by his mother’s birthplace and a mythical story of kindness, artist and performer Blake Hobson-Dimas invites you to take part in The Little Friend Factory, a drop-in workshop that transforms simple materials into something meaningful. During this two-hour event, participants will craft a Little Friend—a small, handmade puppet meant to bring joy and comfort to someone who needs it. Once completed, each Little Friend will be placed on The Tree of Friendship, where they will wait to be taken by someone who could use a reminder that they are not alone.

This workshop isn’t just about making puppets—it’s about creating a tangible act of kindness, inspired by a culture where generosity thrives in the face of hardship. Drop in anytime, create, and be part of a heartfelt tradition that turns small gestures into lasting connections.