Painting, Sculpture and Handcrafts, retiring from the school after 38 years. In 2001, he also became involved with a federally-funded project to teach extremely poor Tepehuan communities in the municipality of Mezquital pottery and ceramic techniques. . First he investigated the clays in the area, and found types suitable for high-fire utilitarian items such as bathroom fixtures and tile, as well as those suitable for low-fire domestic and decorative items. The goal was to help the residents of the area be self-sufficient in their communities, without having to migrate to Durango city or other areas to work. The decision was made to found mini-workshops attached to family homes. The success of this project is one of the artist's main sources of pride. Núñez has established three major ceramics workshops, his own called Taller Toltecatl, a workshop in Nuevo Ideal, Durango and the workshop in Durango city's main cultural center (Casa de Cultura), which now bears his name. This last one he founded in 1980, and has served as its main instructor since then. The classes he gives here are one of the center's main attractions, teaching not only ceramics, but also cartonería and alebrije making. He was offered the chance to introduce a new handcraft to the Casa de Cultura, including wood sculpture, but chose made cartonería alebrijes because of it is economical, making it accessible to more people. He also finds it limitless in terms of imagination. Most start out with one idea but then finish with something different as the alebrije develops. Exhibitions and recognition Núñez began formally exhibiting his work when he was about twenty five years old. Since then, he has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. From 1964 to 1982 he exhibited regularly at the Los Tlacuilos gallery in School of Painting, Sculpture and Handcrafts, and still has shows there on occasion. The vast majority of his exhibitions have been in the state of Durango, including fine art venues such as the Guillermo Ceniceros Modern Art Museum. In 1995, he exhibited at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City and in 2000 at the National Museum of Ceramic Handcrafts in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. He has also judged numerous handcraft competitions in the state. He is a quiet man, preferring that his work speak for him. He has Numerous other awards from municipal and state entities. His awards include first place at the XII State Handcraft Fair