Mexico City Paper Mache + Alebrije Parade
with Marti McGinnis
and Meagan Burns
Epic Art Experience

4-Day, 5-Night On-Location Art Experience
​Tuesday, October 17 - Sunday, October 22, 2024

Epic Art Experience 

Join artists Marti McGinnis and Meagan Burns on this rare opportunity to experience Mexico City's annual Alebrije Parade. You'll create your own Spirit Animal Mask and Travel Sketchbook as we immerse ourselves in the magic of this special week.

In a charming neighborhood tucked within the bustling metropolis, we’ve designed this immersive workshop for creatives who are ready to tap into their self-expression in whole new ways! This experience is inspired by the vibrant and whimsical world of alebrijes (otherworldly spirit animals). It promises to be a fun-filled and enriching experience that invites participants to be deeply inspired by this extraordinary form of Mexican folk art.

Our small group will be based at a charming hotel in Roma Norte Mexico City where we'll start each day with drawing exercises to prepare you for capturing your experiences in your sketchbook. We'll walk a few blocks to the studio space where we'll create our paper mache sculptures while learning more about the significance of alebrijes throughout Mexican culture. We'll spend our out-of-studio time sketching in the streets in carefully selected venues and enjoy local food and vibrant culture, including a trip to the Arte Popular Museum, the creators and hosts of the annual Alebrije Parade. For our grand finale, we'll attend the annual Alebrije Parade that starts in the the heart of Mexico City's metropolis, at the Zocalo. 

This experience is a thoughtfully designed combination of sketching, sculpting and adventuring into the mythical and whimsical side of Mexico City, you don't want to miss this!

What are Alebrijes?

Alebrijes are colorful sculptures that entered the panoply of Mexican folk art in the middle of the last century. They are said to represent spirits that travel freely between this realm and the afterlife. They can be made of wood or paper mache and are intricately painted with vibrant color combinations. Every year in October giant versions are created by teams of skilled artisans and paraded through the streets of Mexico City. This is a uniquely Mexican experience that celebrates both the light hearted and the deeply spiritual aspects of this incredible art form.

Paper Mache Mask/Sculpture with Marti McGinnis

The art of paper mache is a technique that has been used for centuries in Mexico to create works of art that are found all throughout Mexican culture. You will be introduced to an elevated form of this medium and learn how to bring a rough drawing into a three dimensional representation of your vision. The end result will be one-of-a-kind paper mache mask or sculpture that will celebrate at the Alebrije Parade in Mexico City's Centro Historico.

Travel Sketching with Meagan Burns

Meagan will offer tips and techniques that will allow you to draw your experience of the lively Mexico City street scenes using the concept of continuous line drawing — one powerful, moving line that dances across your page — a technique Meagan champions to help artists of all skill levels better capture their experience of a location with a more organic and free flowing energy. We'll start each day with drawing warm-ups and exercises so you are prepared to capture your adventures in your sketchbook. These exercises will encourage you to lean into and develop your own personal drawing style and to let go of judgment because after all, this is your experience and your sketchbook! ​

Mexico City's Annual Alebreje Parade

On the last full day of our time together we will bring our creations to the annual alebrije parade for a delightfully immersive experience that will begin at Mexico City's grand Zocalo and travel through the Centro Historico up through the Paseo Reforma. The Alebrejes are parked on the Paseo for the following week through the Dia de los Muertos festivities, where you can walk among them to appreciate their true beauty and craftsmanship. 

Our workshop Grande Finale will not only include the parade but a photo shoot with a professional photographer so we can document our creations, and then an Adios Dinner so we may have one last toast to celebrate our time together.

Meagan and Marti have taken a fresh approach in designing this fresh workshop that offers an immersive opportunity to explore and create in a whole new fully immersive way. They are as excited as you are to experience these delightful events.

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in cultural traditions of paper mache sculpting in Mexico, along with a willingness to create a sculpture based on your history and personality. Prepare to create on this workshop!

Alebrije Parade October 2022

Join the Free Continuous Line Storytelling Group
​& start your drawing practicing now!

Who Is Marti McGinnis

Marti has decades of professional art experience, books, shows, accomplishments, years of teaching and art coaching, continued professional art career embracing new and revisiting traditional media. To learn more about her, see her platforms: 
happyart.com
facebook.com/HappyArtMarti
instagram.com/happyartmarti/

Who Is Meagan Burns

Meagan Burns Artist/Instructor originally from Chicago, first went to San Miguel de Allende in 2001 and now lives in Mexico City where she helps people plow through their drawing fears by practicing Continuous Line Urban Sketching online and in the fascinating streets of Mexico City and beyond. She rallied the San Miguel de Allende sketching community to become a Regional Chapter of Urban Sketchers in 2016, with artists sketching each week with the group from around the world. Background is marketing and graphic design, now she provides her community with art making opportunities, urban sketching and delicious tacos. Favorite motto: #makeartstaysane
​
In this new era of traveling art workshops, every aspect has been considered to make all workshops a safe and positive experience. We invite you to take the leap and join us on this culturally rich and educational experience in Oaxaca.

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in cultural traditions of paper mache sculpting in Mexico, along with a willingness to create a sculpture based on your history and personality. Prepare to create on this workshop!

WORKSHOP COST: $1,400 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night Single x 5 = $300
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

Mexico City Travel

Mexico City (MEX) is a major hub and easily accessible from almost all corners of the world. Upon you arrival at the MEX airport, there are verified taxi stands where you can purchase your taxi ride with a verified taxi driver. Uber is also widely used and a safe and efficient way to travel in CDMX. Our hotel is located less than 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic, and the taxi should cost approximately $150 pesos, or about $8 USD. 

**Note: Mexico City has added a new large airport to its profile, and the unfortunate news is that it's located a good distance from the city proper, about 2 hours away. Please be aware when booking travel to Mexico City to choose the MEX airport and NOT the AIFA airport.

Mexico City Hotel

Arrive: Monday, October 14, 2024 (or arrive the day before to get settled)
Depart: Monday, October 21, 2024

Hotel centrally located in Colonia Roma Norte
$60 USD single room per night, includes breakfast*
*you may opt to get a room without breakfast for $55 per night, but it will be your responsibility to breakfast before we gather

We have a block of rooms reserved at our Roma Norte hotel. You'll pay the hotel directly, approximately $60 USD per night for a single room that includes breakfast, once your registration is confirmed; Meagan will confirm a room for you at the hotel.

If you prefer to stay elsewhere for the duration of the workshop, please note your plans in the registration comment section. For ease of access, it is suggested to stay close to Roma Norte in either a hotel or Airbnb of your choice. 

Workshop Agenda

Monday, October 14, 2024
Arrive Hotel, or day before to get settled 
4pm Intros and Workshop Agenda in Hotel Lobby
Walk to Welcome Dinner at local restaurant (included)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
Drawing exercises with Meagan
Walk to our studio space
Paper Mache with Marti McGinnis
Lunch Break
Afternoon: Paper Mache with Marti McGinnis
Walk to Hotel, Break
Dinner

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
​Drawing exercises with Meagan
9:30am Private van to Museo de Arte Popular
Museum Sketching 
2pm Walk to Lunch Restaurant
Lunch Break
Walk to Palacio de Bellas Artes
Return to Hotel
​Sketchbook Review  
Dinner

Thursday, October 17, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
​Drawing exercises with Meagan
Walk to our studio space
Paper Mache with Marti McGinnis
Lunch Break
Afternoon: Sketching and Paper Mache with Marti McGinnis
Return to Hotel
Sketchbook Review 
Dinner

Friday, October 18, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
​Drawing exercises with Meagan
10:00am Private van to Centro Historico
Alebreje Parade Sketching 
Alebreje Parade
Professional Photo Shoot 
Adios Dinner at Local Restaurant (included)

Saturday, October 19, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
​Drawing exercises with Meagan
10:00am Private van to Centro Historico
Alebreje Parade Sketching 
Alebreje Parade
Professional Photo Shoot 
Adios Dinner at Local Restaurant (included)

Sunday, October 20, 2024
9am Meet after breakfast in Hotel 
​Drawing exercises with Meagan
10:00am Private van to Centro Historico
Alebreje Parade Sketching 
Alebreje Parade
Professional Photo Shoot 
Adios Dinner at Local Restaurant (included)

Monday, October 20, 2024
Local Breakfast, hugs, goodbyes
​Check out and THE END

WORKSHOP COST: $1,800 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night Single x 5 = $300
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
Balance Due August 1, 2024, $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
​**See below for cancellation policy

PRICE INCLUDES:
Paper Mache Workshop with Marti McGinnis plus all Materials
Urban Sketching Workshop with Meagan Burns
Welcome Family Style Dinner at Traditional Roma Norte Restaurant
Private Roundtrip Transportation to Museum and Zocalo
Admission to Museo de Arte Popular
Professional Photo Shoot upon Workshop Completion
Last Night Celebration Dinner at Centro Historico Restaurant
Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare/Transportation to Mexico City (MEX)
Transportation to Mexico City Hotel
Hotel (see hotel information above)
Food & Drinks except for Welcome Dinner, Mercado All-Day Excursion, Last Night Celebration (breakfast is included in your hotel reservation)
Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion
Transaction Fee
Proof of first two doses Vaccination
​Required Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred):
InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com

We’re requiring everyone to purchase travel insurance for this trip (include medical evacuation of at least $50,000, international accident & health insurance including primary medical coverage, and trip cancellation coverage). There are also trip policies that include COVID cancellations. We recommend that you get PRIMARY medical coverage, not secondary. We encourage you to purchase trip insurance with “Cancel for Any Reason” to cover you for unexpected circumstances.

In the event you become injured or contract Covid or another illness, we will do what we can to isolate you from the workshop location, but it is your responsibility to get yourself home and treated. Please do not bypass this important step for peace of mind.

Mexico City Weather

Dress in Layers!  Mexico City enjoys almost year-round ideal weather, although it does have brief rainstorms in the afternoons. Bring some rain gear (like a poncho or umbrella) and a back-up pair of shoes just in case we get wet.
​
Layers are super important to stay comfortable! It gets hot in the afternoon and chilly at night, but is overall really pleasant and non-humid. Locals in CDMX dress relatively conservatively; avoid wearing tank tops and shorts, or you’ll stand out. Dress in Layers!  ​

Covid Safety

This workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Mexico City's restaurants are now out in the streets, although generally speaking much of life has always been lived in the streets in Mexico. Personal responsibility is necessary and current boosters are suggested, please travel with a health pack to include masks, pain relievers and travel insurance; let's do what we can to ensure the group has a safe and enjoyable workshop experience, as well as each individual person.

If Covid protocols are required by Mexican Government and/or City Officials, we will abide and you must agree to abide.

Suggested Art Materials

I use Canson XL Watercolor 140lb 9"x12" plus Hahnemuhle 100% cotton; I combine these sketchbooks into one and have them spiral bound at my local Office Depot.​
What's in My Art Bag:
​Sailor Dude de Mannen Fountain Pen (or similar of your choice)
Sharpie Fine Point Markers
Quality Watercolors in Travel Pan Set (Daniel Smith is recommended)
Quality Watercolor Brushes
Pentel Brush Pens
Platinum Carbon Ink (for Sailor and Pentel Brush)
HB Pencil
Gum Eraser
Water Containers
Paper Towels
Water Bottle (for you to drink)
Backpack to carry all your supplies
**Tiny stool for sitting (**completely optional to bring a portable stool to sit on; I have the Cooseon 10" folding stool, folds up nicely and fits in my backpack, but others prefer the Walkstool Comfort)
Sun Hat + sturdy walking shoes
Layers of clothes for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, rainy evenings
A regard for the safety of yourself and others
Your enthusiasm and sense of adventure

Additional art supplies of your preference
*It is not an option to attend this workshop and not participate in the art-making activities

Download Materials List

Connect on the Socials

@happyartmarti

@artleapadventures

@meagan_burns_

---

SMALL PRINT, PLEASE READ

- Minor agenda changes may occur, but the substance of the tour will remain.
- Please always be armed with your walking shoes, N95 masks, sun hat, sketch bag and sense of adventure, as there will be sketching prompts throughout the workshop, as well as unforeseen circumstances that naturally occur in Mexico. We'll roll with the changes and ask for your patience if a change in the agenda is necessary.
- Group is limited to 8 participants + Marti + Meagan
​- During our group meals; we will have one bill per table and you must pay for what you consume plus a 20% tip. Please keep track of what you consume.
- Food sensitivities can be accommodated with proper notification, but please know that corn is an extremely important ingredient in the food and culture in Mexico. Vegan and vegetarian options exists, with diligence, yet currently this ALA agenda includes meat and corn.

​Physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is absolutely necessary.

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
Balance Due August 1, 2024, $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
​**See below for cancellation policy

WORKSHOP COST: $1,800 USD
Add Accommodations: $60 USD per night Single x 5 = $300
Add Travel to Mexico City (MEX)

50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
Balance Due August 1, 2024, $900 USD + $27 Transaction Fee = $927
​**See below for cancellation policy

Cancellation Policy

1) All individual cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt. There is no guarantee of a refund of money unless you as the participant can fill your space with a paying replacement.

2) If you have paid your deposit or trip fee and are unable to attend due to medical emergency, you will receive a 100% refund up until July 1, 2024.

3) If you need to cancel after July 1, 2024, please contact Meagan and we can discuss the options for the possible refund of monies, which will include finding a full-paying replacement.

4) If a waiting list of interested participants has formed, we will put you in contact with the first person on the list with whom you can offer your class spot. If the person accepts and then pays the workshop fee in full, you will be reimbursed for your workshop fee.

5) If there is no waiting list, you can transfer your paid fees to another ALA travel workshop within 12 months. However this option is not possible if canceled within three months or less until workshop date.

6) Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g., non-refundable purchased airline tickets) are not the responsibility of ALA. It is required to obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.

7) If an emergency occurs and you must make a change to your participation status, please contact Meagan to discuss.

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Those who curious to explore the world as an artist by documenting your travels in your sketchbook, with an interest in cultural traditions of paper mache sculpting in Mexico, along with a willingness to create a sculpture based on your history and personality. Prepare to create on this workshop!

Register:
Paper Mache + Urban Sketch Alebrije Parade
Mexico City with
Marti McGinnis and Meagan Burns

Photos from Urban Sketch Mexico City June 2022

---

Where is Mexico City?