Oaxaca is famous for its diverse artisan folk art, thriving contemporary art scene, gorgeous moutainous landscapes, and its strong desire for social justice. This 10-day trip combines all of these elements to give you a ¨behind the scenes¨experience to incorporate in your personal art and activism.
You will sit with artisan masters and learn their techniques in natural dyes and weaving, black pottery, and alebrijes (wooden carvings).
You will visit markets, Zapotec ruins and natural wonders with plenty of time to sketch, photograph and/or paint. In addition, the Spanish colonial architecture in the historic center offers a rich and inspiring background for creating new work.
The discussions are organized so you will network with contemporary artists and have concrete discussions about the role of artists in social movments. One talk is focused on the 2006 Oaxacan teachers strike, which mushroomed into a mass movement that paralyzed the city for months with the full participation of many local artists, and the other is a broader roundtable discussion involving the group and local Oaxacan artists who are activists and teachers as well.
The trip will culminate with a group mural painted in the center of the city followed by an art opening in a downtown gallery of selected work the group has produced during the trip.
We invite students, teachers, artists and activists to join us for this amazing experience that will not only transform the way you think about your art, but how you view the world.
The cost of the program is $1,220. 50% must be paid by May 30th to reserve your spot and the rest paid before July 15th. The price does not include airfare, meals beyond breakfast, and personal art supplies. Spanish is not a requirement to participate.
To register or for more information please contact us