Located in an industrial part of Candelstick point, Manuel Palos’s studio is a study in contrasts. A gallery of elegant, stately, classical and modern sculptures is nestled amongst a warehouse filled with equipment, tools, and large figural pieces, Maya stellas, ornamental architectural, all while students busily hone their skills chipping and carving their stone blocks. 

Born and raised in Mexico, Manuel came to the Bay Area to sculpt new friezes, urns, figures and angels for the Palace of Fine Arts from photographs and original drawings. A fellow sculptor recognized his talents and told him to continue to study and see more. His journey led him to working with a range of experts in Italy and Germany, becoming a master stone carver and sculptor.

Manuel is known for his many private and public commissions in private collections and public spaces. In addition to his original work, he and his firm is one of the leaders in architectural restoration, creating architectural stone carving, custom fine sculpture, ornamental architectural casting, and restoration and conservation of historic sites, parks and public spaces.  His restoration work includes the Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, Pacific Telephone Building, and San Francisco Hall of Justice.

As an 88 year old, he continues to work and teach. Influenced by the notable landmark structures and architecture that surrounded him, his creativity comes while he is working.  When he’s creating, he might get an idea for another, constantly seeing new possibilities. He teaches stone carving in his San Francisco studio and holds stone carving and sculpture workshops in his studio in Puerto Vallarta. He especially enjoys seeing once unsure students, grasping sculptural techniques and becoming serious about their work. He encourages others to continue to work and day by day get better at their art.