Color and Light:

Mexico Mixed Media Retreat

with Susan Stover and Lisa Pressman

April 11-18, 2025

Join us for a week of inspiration and creating in Guanajuato, Mexico!

Treat yourself to an exciting art adventure in the Spanish Colonial hill town of Guanajuato, considered to be the jewel of the Colonial cities of Mexico. A UNESCO world heritage site and old mining town,  this European inspired city full of winding narrow streets and leafy garden plazas below which a labyrinth of tunnels and passageways serve as the thoroughfares of the city. By day, immerse yourself in an intensive art making workshop and take the evenings to enjoy the cantinas and cafes, strolling troubadours and string quartets in intimate settings. The numerous museums of art, history, churches and even the famous mummies all serve to make Guanajuato, still one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, a fascinating destination for an art making getaway.

We will go on photography excursions around town to build an inspiration library of color, shape, texture, and form. Taking that experience back into the studio is a perfect stepping stone to creating work that has a sense of place and a personal vision.

Color
The color of this university town is bright, saturated and bathed in warm light. Everywhere you walk are opportunities to document and expand your experience of color combinations.

Pattern
Ceramic tiles, bricks, painted walls, cobblestones, textiles, all play to the sense of history and place. The gardens with flowers and stone walls are abundant for inspiration.

Composition
Guanajuato, Mexico is built on a hill with stacked housing, interesting architecture, churches and music everywhere. Weavings, ceramics and architectual details are filled with patterns, texture and compositional ideas to bring back in to the studio.

Texture
Peeling paint and worn surfaces are juxtaposed with organic plant life. All the senses are engaged with the smell and tastes of the local cuisine.

Light
Mexico enjoys 11 hours of sunlight even on the shortest day of the year. Guanajuato is a festive city with celebrations going on day and night with mariachis playing in the streets. At night, churches are lit up and shadows dance in the squares.

Shape
Obviously, the grid is apparent in windows and doors and surrounding architecture. Interesting vignettes of shapes can be found in alleys and on walks.

The program begins with a festive welcome dinner and orientation at Alma del Sol on Friday April 11th. The studio which is a 10 minute walk is well suited to serve all the creative needs of workshop attendees. Five days of instruction and includes a “day off” on Wednesday the 16th when participants can take the time to explore the City and Region.

The program culminates with an informal critique and discussion to serve as closure and celebration on the final day of class.

Our host, Hugo Anaya, promises wonderfully prepared lunches each of the instructional days. Hugo will also serve as assistant for the workshop and will provide all the necessary information to help make this a memorable visit to Guanajuato and a rewarding artistic adventure.

(breakfast at Alma del Sol)

Both instructors bring their experience with a variety of materials, processes, and conceptual ideas to share with the group and individually.

Options for Materials and Processes include:

  • Painting

  • Drawing

  • Stitching

  • Collage

  • Pigment Sticks

  • Acrylic paint and other water-based paints

  • Variety of papers

  • Pastels

  • Ink

  • Mixed media and found objects

Our gracious host Hugo Anaya creating in the studio during one of our workshops.

Important Information:

What is included:

  • Welcome botanas (hors d'oeuvres) and drinks

  • 5 days of instruction with both instructors

  • 1 free day to explore or work in the studio

  • An awesome studio

  • 7 breakfasts (if you stay at Alma del Sol or Hotel del Color)

  • 5 home cooked lunches

  • Daily coffee, tea, and agua fresca (light fruit-flavored water)

  • Daily hora feliz (happy hour) on the beautiful Alma del Sol rooftop

What is NOT included:

  • Lodging

  • Airfare and taxis to/from the airport

  • Travel Insurance (recommended)

  • Dinners

  • Optional free day excursion costs to San Miguel to Allende or another preplanned day trip.

How much does it cost?

Accommodations:

  • We suggest that you stay at Hugo Anaya's venues:

  • Alma del Sol or Hotel del Color.

  • Hugo Anaya runs Alma del Sol, www.almadelsol.com as well as Hotel de Color, a small hotel near the Jardin. These accommodations range from $70-$100 per night/ room, including breakfast. They are available on a first come basis. Once your workshop participation is confirmed, contact Hugo directly at info@almadelsol.com to make your arrangements. As another option, Hugo recommends Hotel Casa del Agua. You are also free to make your own arrangements for lodging. 

  • ONCE Hotel Clubcafe

  • All lodging accommodations are a short cab ride or an invigorating walk to and from the studio.

Travel:

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Guanajuato. You will likely fly to Leon (BJX). Participants will be given instructions for transport to and from the airport to Guanajuato City.

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