Sketch San Miguel de Allende with Meagan Burns + Guanajuato with Hugo Anaya SKETCHING + PRINTMAKING Arrive San Miguel de Allende Monday, September 30, 2024 Workshop Begins Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Transfer to Guanajuato, Friday, October 4, 2024 Workshop Ends Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Meagan and Hugo are thrilled to invite all curious artists to join us first in San Miguel de Allende for a tremendous sketch adventure, and then onto Guanajuato to combine our sketches with printmaking and creative time in Hugo's beautiful rooftop studio. This immersive workshop presents an excellent opportunity to capture the vibrant essence of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato in a sketchbook and in monotype printmaking, towns both known for the Mexican Colonial architecture and culture, but each town having it's on special vibe. The creative powerhouse workshop is like no other!
We'll begin each workshop day at breakfast with drawing exercises, before setting out to explore and draw in the streets. Our itinerary includes hand-making a sketch journal for the week, time spent with a local tour guide to understand more about the two towns, a day trip to sketch and observe Mojiganga maker, Hermes Arroyo in his studio, an evening musical stroll with the Estudiantinas of Guanajuato, plus an exciting printmaking session in Hugo's studio, where we'll experiment with combining our sketches with printmaking techniques. Not to be missed!
Meagan has crafted a fresh and innovative workshop agenda that immerses you in the rich culture of Guanajuato, Mexico's two neighboring towns featuring the architecture, people, and street celebrations, while guiding you capture the lively essence efficiently using the concept of continuous line drawing. Meagan has a designed a curriculum that will help you to push past drawing fears, better understand composition and to build your drawing confidence while leaning into one's personal style.
We'll focus on having a very creative experience with our sketchbooks in tow, and then we'll take our creations into Hugo's printmaking studio to create even more artistic magic.
You'll want to meet Meagan and Hugo in October!
Learning Goals
- Push through drawing fears and fill your handmade sketchbook with memories of our time in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato - Gain a better understanding of composition through a continuous line practice - Build confidence by leaning into your own unique style of drawing and feel good about it! - Experience the inspiring art culture of both San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato
Who Should Attend This Workshop
You're a curious artist who loves to sketch your travels and enjoys many forms of storytelling, that includes sketching and printmaking. You've heard about San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato as well, now you're curious to experience both cities and make art in each one. This is more than a workshop, it's an EPIC cultural arts immersion experience and we invite adventure-seeking artist to join Meagan and Hugo!
Level: You've sketched on location, you love to travel and experience cultural activities, and are curious to do more
Continuous Line Urban Sketching from the Steps of Guanajuato
Meagan Burns artist, instructor and workshop creator, originally from Chicago, now living in Mexico City where she leads drawing classes online and in person to help people move past their drawing fears by practicing Continuous Line Drawing in the fascinating streets of Mexico City and beyond. Meagan has been a part of the urban sketching community since 2016 when she helped organize San Miguel de Allende to become an official USk Chapter, and has hosted sketch workshops throughout Mexico in cities such as Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Sayulita, Mexico City, Guanajuato and San Francisco, California. Background is marketing, graphic design and regenerative farming, now she provides her community with art making opportunities online and in -person, travel sketch cultural immersive workshops and community activities.
In the Continuous Line Storytelling group, Meagan offers tips, techniques, classes, demos and live streams that assist artists in becoming stronger line makers by using the concept of continuous line drawing. Meagan designed a specific curriculum with three powerful benefits: moving past drawing fears, increasing composition comprehension, and building confidence that helps artists of all skill levels encourage their creative expression.
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 San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City..
Who Is Hugo Anaya
Hugo and Meagan have been producing workshops together since 2016 and love to find new ways to create art-making opportunities for our community. Hugo is from Guanajuato City and in addition to being a welcoming hospitality professional at both Alma del Sol and Hotel Color for the past 20 years, he's also a skilled printmaker and printmaking instructor. Hugo designed and built his printmaking studio on the rooftop at Alma del Sol, where we'll spend some of our workshop time. almadelsol.com instagram.com/piramidalgrafica/
Who Should Attend This Workshop
You're a curious artist who loves to sketch your travels and enjoys many forms of storytelling, that includes sketching and printmaking. You've heard about San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato as well, now you're curious to experience both cities and make art in each one. This is more than a workshop, it's an EPIC cultural arts immersion experience and we invite adventure-seeking artist to join Meagan and Hugo!
Level: You've sketched on location, you love to travel and experience cultural activities, and are curious to do more
WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD Add 4 Nights @ San Miguel de Allende // Hotel Sautto Add 4 Nights @ Guanajuato // Alma del Sol Add Travel to (BJX) Leon, Guanajuato
Arrive: Monday, September 30 BJX airport, shared shuttle service to San Miguel de Allende hotel Depart: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from Guanajuato City; taxi to BJX airport Airport Code: BJX (Leon, Guanajuato)
San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are both located in the Mexican State of Guanajuato, and about 1.5 hours away from each other. The closest airport is Leon, Guanajuato (BJX), where shared shuttles and taxis can safely and efficiently deliver you to our hotel.
Upon arrival to BJX, you can choose a shared shuttle service to deliver you to our San Miguel de Allende hotel. The cost is approximately $30 USD and takes about 1.5 hours. For departure from Guanajuato City, it's best to take a private driver from our network of drivers; the cost is approximately $30 USD and take under an hour. We can confirm these details upon your workshop confirmation.
Guanajuato is largely overshadowed by San Miguel de Allende, but the charm and whimsey of both towns are must sees for any artist. Guanajuato is a university town that's energetic and vibrant, whereas San Miguel de Allende is a designer and foodie town, yet also home to many foreign retirees. This is a grand opportunity to experience both charming Mexican towns.
Arrive San Miguel de Allende Monday, September 30, 2024 Workshop Begins Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Transfer to Guanajuato, Friday, October 4, 2024 Workshop Ends Monday, October 7, 2024
Workshop Agenda
Monday, September 30, 2024 Arrive BJX Leon, Guanajuato Airport Transfer to San Miguel de Allende Hotel
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 8:30am Breakfast in Hotel Garden Cafe 2pm Gather at SMA Hotel for Workshop Intro Sketchbook Art Project 6:30pm Welcome Dinner at Restaurant
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 8:30am Breakfast in Hotel Garden Cafe Meagan Burns Workshop: Continuous Line Workshop in the Streets Local SMA Tour Guide @ Parroquia plus sketching Lunch at SMA Restaurant Folk Art Talk @ Sanctuario Local Dinner Hotel Sanctuario Sketchbook Review
Thursday, October 3, 2024 8:30am Breakfast in Hotel Garden Cafe Meagan Burns Workshop: Continuous Line Workshop in the Streets Meet & Sketch the Puppet Maker: Hermes Arroyo and the SMA Mojigangas Lunch at SMA Restaurant Sketch Assignment: Oratorio Church Street Tacos + Elote (included) Dinner at CEN TRO Bar Sketchbook Review
Friday, October 4, 2024 8:30am Breakfast in Hotel Garden Cafe Free Morning, Pack for Departure, Lunch on your own 1pm Depart for Guanajuato Arrive Alma del Sol, Guanajuato, get settled Happy Hour Margaritas + Apps @ Rooftop Terraza Rooftop Sketching + Review
Saturday, October 5, 2024 8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop 9am Breakfast in Dining Room Printmaking with Hugo Anaya and our Sketches Printmaker's Lunch in Studio Evening Outing: The Wandering Singers of Guanajuato (Las Estudiantinas)
Sunday, October 6, 2024 8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop 9am Breakfast in Dining Room Meagan Burns Continuous Line Drawing workshop in the Streets of Guanajuato Afternoon in the Studio Happy Hour Margaritas + Apps @ Rooftop Terraza Rooftop Sketching + Review
Monday, October 7, 2024 8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop 9am Breakfast in Dining Room Meagan Burns Continuous Line Drawing workshop Continuous Line Drawing Ex-Hacienda Guanajuato Art Gallery Show and Tellon Rooftop, Light Snacks and Margaritas
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 8am Coffee Service available on Rooftop 9am Breakfast in Dining Room Goodbyes, Hugs, Photos, Depart -- THE END
San Miguel de Allende Hotel: Hotel Sautto
We have reserved a block of rooms at Hotel Sautto, conveniently located about two blocks from the main garden -- this is the location you want! There are many luxurious hotel in SMA, but Hotel Sautto was selected for it's basic charm and economic sensibility, as well as it's fabulous location. We have single rooms and hared room available, please select your option when registering.
Hotel Sautto pay directly upon arrival: Shared Double Room, $80 per night per person Single Room, $70 per night
Guanajuato Hotel: Alma del Sol + Hotel Colors
As part of your registration, you'll receive a shared room based on availability, but if you would like a guaranteed single room, please select that option upon registration and Meagan will confirm availability with you. I've been hosting art workshops at Hugo's Alma del Sol for almost a decade and it's a warm, spacious and beautifully located hotel and workshops space, and it's also an old home, so it's not your basic hotel, it funky and charismatic, and Hugo's hospitality touches has made it even more special.
Hugo also has a second location called Hotel del Colors, situated about four blocks away from Alma del Sol. We place participants in this located when we fill up Alma del Sol, yet all breakfasts and workshops take place at Alma del Sol.
Alma del Sol, price includes breakfast, pay directly upon arrival: Shared Room, $50 per night per person Single Room, Limited Availability $70 per night Guaranteed Single Room @ Hotel Colors $70
WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD Add 4 Nights @ San Miguel de Allende // Hotel Sautto Add 4 Nights @ Guanajuato // Alma del Sol Add Travel to (BJX) Leon, Guanajuato
50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $588 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $606 Balance Due July 15, 2024, $587 USD + $17 Transaction Fee = $604 **See cancellation policy for more information
PRICE INCLUDES: Continuous Line Sketch Workshop with Meagan Burns Welcome Dinner Materials for Handmade Sketchbook Local Guide and Tour of San Miguel de Allende Local Guide and Tour of Mexican Folk Art Museum Field Trip to Mojiganga Puppet Studio Evening Out: Street Tacos + Elote Private Transportation to Guanajuato Daily Breakfast at Hotels Guanajuato Rooftop Margaritas with Sketchbook Review Admission to Evening Stroll for the Callejonada Combo Monotype Printmaking + Drawing Session with Hugo Anaya Printmaker's Lunch Last Night Art Gallery Fiesta Tour management by Meagan Burns // Art Leap Adventures
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare/Transportation to BJX Leon, Guanajuato Airport Transfer to San Miguel de Allende Hotel, from Guanajuato Hotel Accommodations at Hotels in San Miguel de Allende + Guanajuato (see below) Lunch and dinner during workshop days (except for special events listed in agenda) Hotel staff tips Alcohol, shopping, incidental food, taxi and tips at your discretion Transaction Fees Recommended Trip Insurance: suggested providers (but please use your own if preferred): InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com
We highly recommend everyone 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.
San Miguel de Allende + Guanajuato Weather
Dress in Layers! The two neighboring towns enjoy almost year-round ideal weather, although with the shorter days we may experience some cold evenings, so plan accordingly. Dressing in layers is your best bet, sweater, jacket and scarves for the evening, t-shirts, shorts and sandals for the daytime. Please have closed-toe shoes for when we're out walking in the streets. Bring earplugs for sleeping, Mexico is loud!
Covid Safety
This workshop is designed to be mostly outside and many of Mexico's restaurants are now out in the streets, although generally speaking much of life has always been lived in the streets in Mexico.If you have any further concerns about the Covid situation in Mexico, please feel free to reach out to Meagan, but I have been living in Mexico throughout the entire pandemic and have found it somewhat easy to navigate an outdoor existence because so much happens outside. Personal responsibility is necessary and current boosters are recommended but not required; let's do what we can to ensure the group has a safe and enjoyable workshop experience.
If Covid protocols are required by Mexican Government and/or City Officials, we will abide and you must agree to abide.
Suggested Art Materials
What's in My Art Bag: I use Canson XL Watercolor 140lb 9"x12", but I also experiment with other sketchbooks. I tend to use larger sketchbooks. Sailor Fude de Mannen Fountain Pen (or similar of your choice) Sharpies INDArt Saturated Watercolor Inks Quality Watercolors in Travel Pan Set (Daniel Smith) Quality Watercolor Brushes Pentel Brush Pens Platinum Carbon Ink (for Sailor and Pentel Brush) Sun Hat + sturdy walking shoes Pencil, Gum Eraser, Salt, Scrapers, Bleed Proof White, Water Bottle, Paper Towel **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)
Additional art supplies of your preference. It is not an option to attend this workshop without the sketching activities.
- 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 10 participants + 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, however, currently this ALA agenda includes meat and corn.
Physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is absolutely necessary.
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 15, 2024.
3) If you need to cancel after July 15, 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.
WORKSHOP COST: $1,175 USD Add 4 Nights @ San Miguel de Allende // Hotel Sautto Add 4 Nights @ Alma del Sol // Alma del Sol Add Travel to Leon, GTO (BJX)
50% Deposit due now to reserve your spot: $588 USD + $18 Transaction Fee = $606 Balance Due July 15, 2024, $587 USD + $17 Transaction Fee = $604 **See cancellation policy for more information