February 1-5, 2022

Explore the colourful, cobbled streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and learn new skills with a sketching workshop taught by UK urban sketcher, Ian Fennelly! During this 5-day workshop we will take in the art and culture of this safe, sunny and clean retreat popular with so many fellow expat artists. San Miguel de Allende is a World Heritage Site. In the first week of February the average daytime high temperature is 75°F (24°C) and the average night-time low temperature is 44°F (7°C)--perfect weather for our art vacation! 

Please note the order of these workshops and attractions will be re-arranged so as to accommodate participants' covid testing deadlines.

Arrive Monday January 31, 2022

Welcome to San Miguel de Allende! Workshop participants who arrive early are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 2:00 for a warm up sketch (optional). All tour participants are invited to a welcome reception at 6pm. 

Day 1 the Templo de Nuestro + a Museum Visit

Tuesday February 1, 2022

In the morning we will explore some of the cobbled streets near our hotel as we walk to the location of Workshop #1. After lunch we will take in one of the quirky little museums this town is known for.

Day 2 Templo de la Purísima Concepción + a trolley tour

Wednesday February 2, 2022

Today we will make our way to the Templo de la Purisma and Workshop #2 will be held nearby.  In the afternoon we will enjoy a tour of town by trolley and take in el Mirador, the famous vista.

Day 3 Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel + Art Gallery crawl 

Thursday February 3, 2022

After breakfast, participants will walk to a quiet spot near the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel where Ian will teach Workshop #3. After lunch we will explore some of the many little art galleries supported by this town.

Friday February 4, 2022

Today we will explore the the springs, the park and the temple at Parque el Chorro  and Ian will teach Workshop #4 nearby. In the afternoon we will visit a popular market just a short walk away.

Day 5 Full Day Excursion to Atotonilco + Cañada de la Virgen

Saturday February 5, 2022

Today we will travel by private coach to Atotonilco, where we will visit the sanctuary. Ian will teach Workshop #5 in the morning and then after lunch (included) we will travel to nearby Cañada de la Virgen, an Otomi archeological site that features a step-pyramid likely started around 530AD. After a one-hour guided tour we will return via coach to our hotel.

Departure

Sunday February 6, 2022

It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or extend your stay for a long relaxing holiday!  

Recommended Workshop Supply List

For a complete workshop supply list, click HERE.

FAQs

Click HERE for answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information about the workshops content contact Ian at fennellyian@gmail.com.

For more information about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray Studio56Boutique@gmail.com. 

Tour Includes

• A welcome reception
• All art classes
• Admission to attractions listed above
• Full-day excursion to Canada de la Virgen + Atotonilco via coach + lunch
• Farewell dinner

Tour Excludes

• Flights to/from
• Hotel
• airport pick-up and drop-off
• Meals (except those listed above)
• Painting supplies
• Porterage/luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list

Cost in USD

$1399.USD Workshop Participant

$599.USD NonWorkshop Participant (such as partner or travelling buddy)

NonWorkshop Participant tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.

To reserve your spot in this workshop a $500 nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $200 nonrefundable deposit is required for nonWorkshop Participants which is due Sept 20, 2021. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the workshop on October 4, 2021.

To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.

Please note that the date of this workshop is subject to change in light of the current covid-19 virus. We will be monitoring the situation closely in an effort to ensure everyone's safety.

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Accommodations

The official hotel of this tour is Hacienda el Santuario, Aldama 41 & Terraplén 42, San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato, 37700. It is a beautiful boutique hotel with an enclosed leafy courtyard just a 6 minute walk to the historical centre of town.  The group room rate varies depending on type of room but the range is approximately $175-$260USD/room/night breakfast + taxes included. Below is a chart of the rooms rates in Mexican pesos:

How to Make A Hotel Reservation

Before making a hotel reservation, please click the BOOK NOW button below to ensure you have a spot in this workshop.

After you have secured your spot in this workshop, then you can make a reservation in this hotel first by visiting the hotel website to familiarize yourself with the types of rooms available. I recommend that you email Zaira (pronounced "Syra") at ventas@haciendaelsantuario.com to request a reservation stating the type of room you want and your check in and check out dates asking for the Studio 56 group rate. Then you will need to call (011-52-415-152-0335) to give the hotel your credit card number over the phone because you do not want to include your credit card number in an email.  No charge will be made to your credit card at time of booking. It is only used as a guarantee to hold your room. Your room will be charged to your credit card on November 20, 2021. Free cancellation up until that date.

Workshop participants are not obliged to stay in this hotel. You are welcome to stay in another hotel or Airbnb if you prefer. However, if you would like to stay in this hotel, we suggest you make your reservation asap to get the type of room you want as there is free cancellation up to Nov 20, 2021. Note if you want to share a room with another participant, let Brenda know and we will try to find a room mate for you. The hotel has only 3 rooms with 2 beds. All other rooms have one king sized bed.

Practical Tips

The nearest airport is called Santiago de Querétaro (QRO) and is a 45 minute taxi ride to the hotel.

Travel + Medical Insurance

Travel insurance is also highly recommended as it covers you in the event you must cancel your trip and it covers emergency medical services which may be significantly more expensive than expected when travelling in a foreign country. Please check with your insurance provider. Click HERE for a list of US insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip with that card. 

Covid-19 Vaccinations

The instructor and tour manager are fully vaccinated against covid-19 and it is mandatory that all participants are fully vaccinated against covid-19. Likely the Mexican government will require proof of vaccination before allowing you to enter the country. This tour will be following all locally recommended protocols.

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is an artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Learn more about Brenda HERE. 

For More Information

Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.

How to Register for this Workshop

The first step to register for this exciting vacation workshop is to click the BOOK NOW button below to make your deposit.