Join us for a 14 day immersive experience in what is considered the jewels of colonial Mexico and centre of Arts and Culture: San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.

ARTIST & HOST | KERRI AINSWORTH | ART TRAVEL ADVENTURES

Kerri Ainsworth is an Artist and Set Designer with over 25 years’ experience working in the film, television and events industries. Her creative career has included illustration, set design, installation art and teaching. Kerri has a Degree in Drawing and Masters Degree in Design from the University of NSW, specialising in Public Art Installation, Event Design and Sustainable Practice. Inspired by her passion for art and travel for people, like herself, looking for a more authentic and memorable travel experiences, she founded ART Travel Adventures. Kerri has travelled extensively throughout Latin America and speaks Spanish.

MEXICO CITY

Cosmopolitan and cultured, Mexico City is buzzing with life from old-school cantinas, intriguing museums, inspiring Baroque and La Belle Epoch architecture, boating along ancient canals and a pre-Hispanic history that goes way back to Aztec times.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Located in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful colonial city famous for its Baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene and cultural festivals. With its narrow cobblestone streets, leafy courtyards, fine architectural details and sumptuous interiors, San Miguel is considered the prettiest town in Mexico. Each year it celebrates, over 4 days and nights, the Day of the Dead festival - an experience, not to be missed!

THE DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL

The Day of the Dead is one of the most colourful and charming holidays of the year when Mexicans welcome the dead back to earth for a visit. Tour through the wealth of art installations, hear a variety of music and celebrate the dead along with the community. Daytime events immerse participants in cultural activities, including live art installations, creative workshops, and tours of cemeteries and traditional altars. The evenings are dominated by costumed processions, musical performances and parties that last until sunrise. 

GUANAJUATO

Just over an hour by bus from San Miguel is the charming colonial city of Guanajuato, situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Sierra de Guanajuato mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the real Mexico, where you feel more like a guest than a tourist.

Guanajuato is very much a walkable city, perfect for wandering aimlessly, exploring hidden laneways, leafy plazas, sidewalk cafes, museums, art galleries and markets. The historic centre has a distinct European flavour with its vibrant streets and hundreds of narrow cobblestone callejones (alleyways) running up and down the hillside. Its quaint houses seem to tumble down the hills that surround the town, in every imaginable colour. Fuchsia pink sits next to lime green, purple, brilliant orange and vivid turquoise and yet, like a fabulous painting, it works. Despite its beauty, Guanajuato retains a gritty realness - it’s a city where people live, work, study and play. At sunset the streets come alive with people sipping drinks in charming outdoor terraces, or simply taking a stroll, enjoying the lively atmosphere, mariachi bands and street performers.

PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

We will be staying with artist Hugo Anaya in his charming B&B, right in the heart of Guanajuato's historic centre, with its beautiful décor and extensive views of the city from the rooftop terrace. The large rooms have high ceilings and are decorated in exotic textiles and beautiful Mexican art. Each morning we will enjoy a delicious breakfast on the rooftop terrace while at night, sip a margarita as the sun sets over the town.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hugo Anaya is a master printmaker and Guanajuato local. He studied his craft while living and working in Portland, Oregan for over a decade. His work has been featured in galleries across Mexico and the United States. The workshops are held in his well equipped studio on the rooftop terrace of his 17th century hacienda.

The morning class is followed by a delicious traditional Mexican lunch, prepared by his staff, on the terrace. The classes are relaxed and fun and no experience is necessary. 

THE WORKSHOP

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to create artworks in the Mexican tradition. Hugo combines hand coloured dry point printing and mixed media, so everything you create is totally original. While all the printmaking materials are supplied, bring your own watercolour brushes, a selection of two or more acrylic paints, a sketch pad, pencil and paper. We spend the morning in the workshop, followed by a delicious lunch. The workshop hours are entirely flexible. The late afternoon is for wandering around and exploring this fascinating, historic town.

NOTE

Participants on ART Travel Adventures workshops should bring a spirit of flexibility and adventure. Itineraries can be subject to local change and unforeseen circumstances.

*Because of the cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces, this trip is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

Art Travel Adventures Pty Ltd

Phone: +61 (0) 417 033233
info@arttraveladventures.com.au