The Silver Cities - an exploration in colonial Mexico
January 27 - February 3 2008
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico
EARLY BOOKING BONUS BEFORE NOVEMBER 25

Imagine cobbled streets and alleyways, colonial architecture and brightly-painted buildings, surrounding mountainscapes and duty ghost towns; where the sleepy pace of life can erupt into a spontaneous fiesta. Rich in history, redolent in character, these are the silver cities.

We reside in an elegantly restored 18th century Hacienda in Dolores Hidalgo, a town famous for its Talvera pottery and capricious ice cream vendors (who create such flavours as tequila and chipoltle along with the more subdued standards of mango and vanilla).

From Dolores Hidalo we explore San Miguel De Allende, a town that has fascinated artists for decades with its picturesque cityscapes and warm light. With more galleries per capita than any other city in Mexico, we find every kind of art and handicraft imaginable.

Guanajuato, a little further off of the gringo trail, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site - not a neon sign to be seen. Exploring plazas, wandering alleyways and legends, perhaps peeking into the birthplace of Diego Rivera or the slightly eerie Mummy Museum.

We may not have mentioned that the facilities at our Dolores Hidalgo Hacienda are spectacular - ten walled acres, spacious suites, gourmet regional cuisine produced from on-site organic gardens, and a number of special amenities: horseback riding, mountain biking, a heated pool and fitness centre are all included for the use of our guests. A full-time staff is available to ensure that participants are free to focus on their creative output.

Only 12 spaces are available for this workshop, contact us for an itinerary and registration forms.

$2400 based on double occupancy.
$500 single supplement. Non-painting partner $1500.
Includes all accomodation, meals, tours and daily instruction. Flight and airport transfers not included. Alcoholic beverages extra.

Shades of Grey: The magic of Haida Gwaii
September 20 - October 3 2008
Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

An archipelago of over a thousand islands Queen Charlotte Islands offers ample opportunity for discovery. The islands are home to one of the planet's most diverse and beautiful landscapes - from spectacular ancient rainforests to desolate beaches and rocky headlands to snow-capped mountains and craggy fjords.

Originally known as "Islands at the Boundary of the World" to the Haida people, who have inhabited the islands for thousands of years, there indeed seems to be a wild and timeless quality to this place. We will explore in paint and pencil the history of the island, weathered totems and abandoned villages, ancient landscapes and recording elusive wildlife.

$4200 based on double occupancy. Early Booking $3900 (until April 1, 2008).
$1200 single supplement.
Includes all accomodation, most meals, internal flights, tours and daily instruction.
Flight and airport transfers to Queen Charlotte City not included.
Alcoholic beverages extra.