‘I can’t imaging getting better, more inspired instruction anywhere.
- Lynn H
An aerial view of San Miguel with its famous Paroquia and Jardin Allende.
Looking down one of the many beautiful cobblestone streets.
Stepping into San Miguel is like stepping back in time to old world beauty.
San Miguel de Allende Workshops
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, culturally diverse city of about 175,000 people, located in the state of Guanajuato. In the early to mid-twentieth century it was ‘discovered’ by foreign artists who moved there and developed an artistic culture around institutes such as Instituto Allende and Escuela de Bellas Artes. Since that time, art has been a central theme in San Miguel life.
The climate in San Miguel is very mild. There are many delicious restaurants and plenty of beautiful hotels and Airbnb's for lodging. And because of the vibrant art scene, there are literally dozens of art galleries in walking distance.
Jerry’s workshops take place at Estudio Paloma. On workshop days, there is no need to worry about lunch or travel logistics. Pick up and drop off between San Miguel city center and the studio, as well as a full, home-cooked lunch and wine are included in the price.
Twilight in San Miguel.
Are supplies included?
To make travel more convenient, artists essentially need to bring only their tools, paints, creativity, and enthusiasm. The following supplies are provided:
cold wax medium
solvents
Arches oil paper
painting surfaces (Multimedia Artboard)
1 roll paper towels
waxed, non-stick, and other papers
texture materials, PanPastels, dry pigments, sand
palette paper
inks and other water-soluble media
and more!
What SHOULD you bring? Click HERE for a list of required and recommended art supplies to bring with you.
Click HERE for information about traveling with art supplies.
Can I ship my supplies to you? No. I cannot be responsible for receiving, picking up, holding, and customs issues related to your materials. If you choose to ship, that is something you will need to manage on your own.
Thinking of taking Jerry’s workshop? Make it happen, no matter the inconvenience, cost, or timing!
- Judy V
It was well thought out and more giving of experience and talent than any other workshop I have taken.
- Dana G
Getting to and around San Miguel
I recommend you fly into Leon (Guanajuato International Airport, BJX), which is about 60 miles from San Miguel or into Queretaro (also about 60 miles, QRO). From any of the airports you can take a cab or hire a car. There are shuttle/car services like BajioGo, whose services are reputable and have a solid track record. I use them when I go to/from the airport. I have some private drivers I can recommend if you are interested. Click HERE if you want names of private drivers.
You can also fly into Mexico City, but that is about 160 miles away and a 3-hour trip by car or bus to San Miguel.
Although you can rent a car and drive, having a car in SMA can be quite inconvenient with parking/traffic. It is easy to get around SMA via taxi and PickMe+. They are abundant and inexpensive. When getting into a ‘green taxi’ always agree on price before you depart. PickMe+ has fixed rates.
Lodging
The studio address is Paloma 11 La Luz, San Miguel de Allende, 37747 (the pink circle on the map).
Because daily transport to/from the workshop is included, I recommend you choose one of the many hotels or Airbnb’s in the city center and take advantage of the food, beauty, and culture of San Miguel.
If you would prefer to be walking distance to the workshop, Hotel Casa Primavera (the red circle), Hacienda San Patricio (between ‘SIN NOMBRE and pink circle), and some Airbnb’s in the area are options. However, unless you prefer a walking distance option, I recommend you stay in the city center (up and left of the red circle) and enjoy San Miguel. Here are some local hotels at various price ranges:
Rosewood - high end, great views, rooftop and restaurant, lots of amenities, historic
Hotel Live Aqua - high end, close to downtown but more private, pool, amenities, new
Hotel Apapacho - high end, downtown, rooftop, pool, restaurant
Casa Contenta - 7BR/7BA home, private rooms, great for groups or individuals, a more traditional/local neighborhood
Casa Schuck - a 10BR luxury B&B in centro, special pricing for my workshops, email them for info/pricing
Casa Carmen - a beautiful B&B in city center, great for groups or individuals
Casa Puesta del Sol - a beautiful hotel in a quiet neighborhood, modestly priced
Hotel Real de Minas - more ‘traditional’ hotel, modest prices, short walk to town but lots of good food nearby
Meson Hidalgo and Casa Delphine - small, boutique hotels owned by friends of ours, great for individuals or small groups
Hotel Casa Blanca - more ‘traditional’ hotel, modest prices, short walk to town, a more traditional/local neighborhood
Casa Carly - more ‘traditional’, a short walk to town but super close to dozens of art galleries in Fabrica la Aurora, modest prices
Casa Kilgore - 2BR/3BA home in San Antonio with artist studio and views, sleeps 3 couples, email them for info/pricing
*Please note, I am not endorsing any lodging. Where you stay, how much you spend, the kinds of services and amenities you expect are your personal choice. The locations I have listed are well known and reputable, and/or prior students have stayed there and reported a good experience.
People enjoying evening in the square.
Any advice about traveling here?
San Miguel is incredible. If you can plan some days before or after the workshop to just enjoy it, do so. You won’t regret it
SAFETY - the press loves to dramatize. Mexico is not the United States, but if we didn’t feel it was safe, we wouldn’t live here or have friends, family, and workshops here.
MONEY - using an ATM to get cash is easiest and they are everywhere. Most restaurants/shops take credit cards but taxis and markets are cash only.
SPANISH - while I think everyone should make an effort to practice some basic Spanish here, nearly all hotels/restaurants/shops speak functional English.
WALKING - San Miguel is a very walkable city (with lots of cobblestone and hilly streets). Bring comfortable shoes.
CLIMATE - we are at 6,500ft (2,000m), high desert climate. It is sunny and warm during the day but cooler at night. Dress in layers and have a light jacket. A hat or umbrella will help with the sun, but don’t forget sunscreen. Drink LOTS of water while you are here. Workshops, walking, and traveling can make you more tired than usual. Rest if you need to.
WATER - water, ice, and food from restaurants is fine. Plan on bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
NOISE - San Miguel is an active city at night - tourists, dogs, fireworks. If you need lots of quiet to sleep, perhaps one of the hotels a bit outside centro is best, or bring a white noise machine.
What can I do during non-workshop time?
There is so much to enjoy. Here’s a short list of restaurants, rooftops, and recreation. I encourage you to just walk and explore the spontaneity of San Miguel de Allende. You won’t be disappointed.
Bekeb - rooftop bar, views, restaurant
La Doña - rooftop bar, views, food
Rústica - delicious food, outdoor patio
Cafe Lula - delicious food, cocktails
Raíces - unassuming restaurant, delicious Oaxacan-inspired food
The Restaurant - upscale dining and drinks
Zumo - upscale dining/drinks, great rooftop views
Fatima - rooftop restaurant with Middle Eastern flair, views, bar
Lavanda Cafe - great breakfast/brunch
Inside Cafe - great breakfast, lunch, brunch
El Manantial - local hangout, great drinks and tacos
Sobroso - great rooftop for views and delicious, greasy tacos/nachos
Mezcaleria - great place to taste mezcal and eat yummy food
Lolitas - all around great food, more local
Mercado del Carmen - a food court with delicious international foods
Mercado Sano - great for Saturday morning local food and shopping, organic products
Rosewood - great rooftop bar/food, among best views in the city
Tacos Don Felix - local taco and drinks favorite
La Fabrica Aurora - dozens of art galleries all in a converted old mill
El Charco - beautiful walking through a desert botanical garden
Mercado de Artesanias & Mercado Ignacio Ramirez - several streets of enclosed and open markets
Instituto Allende - local arts school/univeristy, one of the central reasons San Miguel is so art-centric
The plaza inside Instituto Allende
View from Rosewood’s Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar
How will I get my paintings home?
We will be working on surfaces varying among 9x12, 12x12, 12x16, 16x16, or 16x20, depending on what sizes you choose when you’re here. I recommend you bring two pieces of corrugated cardboard approximately 1 inch bigger than the largest size you plan on working with (e.g. 17x17 will accommodate a 16x16 inch painting). This will keep them protected during your travel.
Travel Insurance
I recommend that you purchase travel insurance to help cover the cost of workshop, flight, lodging, luggage, etc., should there be interruption or disruption of your travels. Your policy should also include health coverage. Medicare and many other insurance plans do not cover medical expenses or repatriation during international travel. Click HERE for basic information on travel insurance.