SAN MIGUEL de ALLENDE, MEXICO
Friday, March 12 - Saturday, March 20, 2004
Click here to see a gallery of San Miguel de Allende Photos.

Join other watercolorists for an unusual painting journey to magical San Miguel, Mexico, rich in culture, heritage and history. San Miguel de Allende, a declared National Monument, lies in the highlands of central Mexico in the state of Guanajuato-a vast plateau of fertile soil and rolling hills. It is one of Mexico’s prettiest colonial towns with cobblestone streets, 16th & 17th century textured architecture, vivid color and beautiful old churches. Be inspired by a step back in time with excellent cuisine, art galleries, crafts and a bounty of new images & ideas. This 3rd annual workshop will also include two day trips – exciting Guanajuato, birthplace of Diego Rivera & nearby La Fachada del Santuario de Atotonilco, a famous picturesque church & village featured in many films.

$1.495* - 8 DAYS IN MEXICO

TOTAL WORKSHOP FEE & GROUND PRICES

NON-PARTICIPANT FEE/SPOUSE: LESS $100

*price based on 12 participants - 18 maximum

GROUP LAND PACKAGES INCLUDE:
1. 7 days of thematic & organized morning, afternoon & sunset painting sessions
2. Formal & informal group & individual daily critiques and demonstrations.
3. Workshop fee, museum entrance fees, personal assistance, taxes, tips.
4. All group lodging for 8 nights w/full breakfast, full service 4* B & B or 4* central old town San Miguel hotel near the square & cathedral; *double occupancy, ask for single rates.
5. Three group lunches, one dinner, extended snacks + social hour/critique drinks
6. Private group transportation for two exciting full guided daytrips;
some group taxi service around town.
NOT INCLUDED IN GROUND PACKAGE
1. 4 personal lunches, most formal evening dinners (2 evenings-extended snacks).
2. Most group, individual taxis service around town. Most destinations can be walked.
3. Personal transportation to San Miguel.
4. Laundry, phone calls-telephone cards may be purchased on the square.
5. Passport or birth certificate with raised seal needed for entrance and proof of identity.
6. Travel insurance.



TRANSPORTATION:


*WW OFFERS AIRLINE PRICES FROM ALL US GATEWAY CITES*

FLYING –There are flights into Leon,Mexico (1.5 hrs.-San Miguel)–direct from DFW on American Airlines and a one-stop through Houston on Continental. Aeromexico Airlines and Delta are also a one-stop from DFW, with Mexicana flying in from California. Mexico City (3 hrs. - San Miguel) has cheaper air prices but the commute to San Miguel is 3 hours.

WW will organize the private airport pickup for the trip to San Miguel from Leon for those participants who arrange ahead of time. The shuttle to and from Leon is not covered in the workshop cost, due to the numbers in each van and the various arrival schedules. There are also buses from private transfers at other times as well as a taxis. The shuttle is usually $25 per person each way and the driver will greet you outside with your name posted. Rob and Millie will greet the participants at the residences in San Miguel as they will be arrive in San Miguel, Thursday night, March 11th.

BUS – There is an excellent bus network into Mexico from Laredo with service to San Miguel. A bus can also be taken from the Mexico City airport.

DRIVING – From the DFW area, the trip down 1-35 is about 7 hours to Laredo with an excellent highway into Leon, another 8 hours. The border crossing could be swift or make for a long delay lasting several hours.


LODGING


WW has selected the best for the price in San Miguel. Participants may select from two lodging offerings, the B & B with a commanding view above San Miguel and famous, classic hotel well situated in the town center. Each site is a wonderful site to paint and relax with quiet gardens, delightful staffs and arranged massages. If driving, parking is available.

4* B & B - Go to the website to select a bedroom or inquire: www.casapuestadelsol.com
The B & B used the past two years has a commanding view of San Miguel, about 5 blocks up from the main plaza, walk or taxis to a beautiful walled garden setting & full breakfasts of choice.
4* Classic Hotel - The second lodging choice is in the city center near the cathedral and the main square, is a quiet and intimate hotel with a beautiful courtyard with excellent cuisine.


DAILY ROUTINE


There will be a daily morning gathering of the group for a discussion of discovery, information and an important demonstration in at the designated daily site. The group will be given a general painting theme with issues to consider. Rob will paint for the group at least once a day and at least one evening. All of the San Miguel painting sites are within walking distance of the old city and the lodging bases. Some members have painted and photographed earlier in the mornings to get an early start before our group meeting time after breakfast.

There will be a group gathering at the end of each day, either later in the afternoon after lunch or in the early evenings. There will be personal down time to explore the markets and city. A final daily schedule will be sent to each participant prior to arrival.


WORKSHOP DEMANDS


There are no expectations in terms of the numbers of works one is expected to complete, nor the size of the work. San Miguel is at 6,000 feet above sea level, so the air and altitude is refreshing with pleasant days in March at around 75 degrees. This is a warning that one will be walking in the city center areas, however, there are local taxis at a reasonable cost at your own expense. This distance with your gear will range from a couple of blocks to several blocks, some with a slight incline…I know some of you have heard this before.


FOOD


Wonderful local dishes abound in San Miguel with many recommendations. Full breakfasts are covered along with an opening evening group dinner, extended snacks, drinks and three group lunches. A recommendation is to bring your own water bottle.


PAYMENT SCHEDULE
$250 Deposit
By February 15, 2004 at the latest
$500 Payment
February 15, 2004
To Be Billed
March 5, 2004

Click here to schedule this workshop.