Treat yourself to an exciting art adventure while enjoying the wonders of Guanajuato, considered to be the jewel of the Colonial cities of Mexico. Experience 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. The 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.
The Workshop
The workshop focuses on monotype as a tool for mixed media printmaking. Using Akua non-toxic water-based inks, participants of all levels will learn monotype through various methods of mixing, modifying, layering inks, using and abusing mark-making tools, and exploring the limits of paper. Instruction includes a wide range of uses for chine colle, collage, and drawing. A small supply of 8×10 Solarplates will be available for purchase to experiment with. If you have ImagOn, Solarplates, or other matrix, feel free to bring them. These can be incorporated with multi-plate printing methods, opening the door to limitless opportunities.
The emphasis is on “the artist as an inventor” and each participant will be encouraged to stretch his or her methods of expressing and breaking barriers into new and uncharted territory. The information presented is cumulative and participants will have the opportunity to revisit their works-in-progress over the course of the week. If you have any questions regarding the coursework please contact Ron Pokrasso, pokrasso@gmail.com or have a look at the website, www.ronpokrasso.com.
The Program
The program begins with a festive welcome dinner and orientation at Alma del Sol on Tuesday, Feb 3. The workshop takes place at Piramidal Grafica. With three large presses and ample workspace for 12 participants, this professional printmaking facility is well suited to serve all the creative needs of workshop attendees. Seven days have been allotted for the program including a day-off on Saturday, Feb. 7 when participants can take the time to explore the City and Region. The program culminates with an informal critique/appreciation and a farewell dinner/celebration on Tuesday, Feb 10, the final day of class.
There is a minimum of 36 instructional hours, 10am-5pm each day (except Saturday, Feb 7). Most printmaking materials such as Akua inks and modifiers, monotype plates, tools, adhesives, paper towels, rags, solvents, etc. are included. A limited supply of Arches 88 paper is available for purchase @$8.00/sheet. Participants are encouraged to bring some of their own paper. A list of optional materials will be sent to each participant.
Our host Hugo Anaya provides 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.
Tuition
The workshop tuition is $1495 and includes 36 hours of instruction, welcome and farewell dinners and 6 in–studio lunches. A $395 deposit is required. This is first come-first serve so the first 12 people providing deposits will fill the workshop. To confirm your participation and hold your space, use the Add To Cart button below to pay the deposit by credit card. If you want to pay by check, you need to contact me first with your intention and then send a check for $395, payable to:
Ron Pokrasso, 1417 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
Deposits are fully refundable until November 15 (less Paypal fees).
Tuition balance is due December 15. After December 15, refunds (less a $100 admin fee) are possible only if your space can be filled.
Accommodations
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 Club Cafe, right next door to Alma. You are also free to make your own arrangements for lodging and pay for breakfasts at Alma.
All lodging accommodations are an invigorating walk or a short cab ride 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 from the airport to Guanajuato City.
Schedule
On or before Tues, Feb 3 – Arrival in Guanajuato
Tues, Feb 3, 7 pm – Welcome dinner and orientation at Alma del Sol
Wed – Fri, Feb 4-6 – Instruction 10-5
Sat, Feb 7 – day off to tour the city and region (open studio possible)
Sun – Tues, Feb 8-10 – Instruction 10-5
Tues, Feb 10 – late afternoon/evening – informal critique and farewell dinner at Alma del Sol
Wed – Thurs, Feb 11 – Check out
Contacts
For workshop questions & tuition payments
Ron Pokrasso
1417 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 577 6296
For lodging, transportation questions and any dietary restrictions
