School of Visual Arts: Independent Projects: Studio Intensive In Oaxaca Mexico

Jump start your studio practice this summer! Combine a visit to the enchanting city of Oaxaca, Mexico, with concentrated studio time to produce your project. Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film/video and interdisciplinary works are all excellent mediums to work with in this inspiring location. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Oaxaca is tranquil but lively city where you can appreciate ancient civilizations, Spanish Colonial art and architecture, vibrant cultural traditions and a lively contemporary arts scene.

Tours to the archeological sites of Monte Alban and the smaller, exquisitely detailed Mitla (both designated world heritage sites) will introduce the history of this beautiful valley and its indigenous people. A walking tour of the historic center of Oaxaca will bring us into the Colonial era of the 16th century, and visits to markets and artisan villages allow a closer look at the living traditions of the (mostly) Zapotec people. We will explore numerous contemporary museums and exhibition spaces, artists' studios, sustainable/community-oriented arts projects and designer/artist/artisan collaborations that look to the future in unexpected ways.

On location, a shared studio will be our base of operations as well as workspace. The studios will be formally in session for a total of 30 hours, with an additional 40 hours of open studio time. There will be informal group reviews and critiquesto enjoy peer feedback, and there will be a formal final group critique to end the session.

Tuition includes accommodations in the city's historic center, daily breakfast, tours to archeological sites and rural village markets, artist talks, studio visits and museum admissions.