BRIGHT PASSAGES:
Inspiration in stories and images

Guanajuato, Mexico
December 4 - 11, 2024


A perfect way brighten the shortest days of the year, bid farewell to 2024, and to experience the best that Guanajuato has to offer: join us for an inspiring week of fantastic people, delicious food, warm hospitality and creative play.

Friends and collaborators for more than 30 years, Hilary Downes -- writer, musician, media producer and psychotherapist; and Hugo Anaya -- master printmaker, Guanajuato native and beloved innkeeper -- invite you to this Spanish colonial gem in the central highlands of Mexico. Through guided daily practice, you will develop your voice and gain insight through written and visual expression.

CREATIVE WRITING AND PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

Home to the University of Guanajuato and the International Cervantino Festival, Guanajuato has a lively and vibrant historic center. Its museums, leafy plazas and legendary callejones are friendly and colorful both day and night. The sound of traditional Spanish musicians called estudiantinas can be heard as they lead processions through the streets of town after dark.

Marvelously located just steps from Diego Rivera’s house, numerous restaurants and shops, and the Museo del Pueblo, Alma del Sol is a unique bed and breakfast and art studio. Located next door to the Templo de la Compania, Alma offers full immersion in the sights and sounds of the city -- both by foot, and from the rooftop lounge and studio.

Our workshops will be held in Hugo’s studios. Morning coffee and evening happy hour will both be offered in the rooftop bar / lounge -- and breakfast in Alma’s bright and festive dining room. Morning writing exercises will be held in the dining room after breakfast.

Workshop participants will be hosted at Alma or at our sister property, Hotel de Color -- just a short walk from Alma. Both properties have wifi in the rooms and in common areas, and are cleaned and cared for daily by Hugo’s wonderful staff.

All bedrooms and suites have a private bathroom with shower, and all beds are luxuriously comfortable. As we are located in the center of a bustling city, you may want to consider bringing earplugs to help ensure an undisturbed sleep. We’ll assign rooms on a first come, first served basis; please let us know if you’d like to share a room with a friend or partner. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee.

WORKSHOP FEE: $1600

INCLUDED

  • shared room w/ bathroom (limited single rooms available for an additional $350)

  • printmaking workshop

  • creative writing workshop

  • project materials

  • hearty breakfast every day at Alma del Sol

  • six additional meals

  • cooking class

  • daily happy hour

NOT INCLUDED

  • transportation to / from Alma del Sol in Guanajuato, Mexico

  • food and accommodations before 12/4 or after 12/11

  • day trips

  • local transportation, taxis

  • tips

  • dinners

  • personal expenses

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

  • A $500 deposit by October 15, 2024 will reserve your spot; the balance of the fee is due by November 1, 2024. Please contact hilaryedownes@gmail.com for information about space, and about how / where to make these payments.

  • Workshop will take place only if there are enough committed participants with completed deposits by October 1, 2024.

  • If you choose to purchase your flight prior to October 1, 2024, we suggest you make your flight reservation changeable or cancelable. Travel insurance is also recommended.

  • Workshop will be limited to nine participants.

  • Both writing and printmaking critiques and discussions will be included. Individual critiques with either Hilary or Hugo will also be available.

  • The closest airport is BJX in Leon, Guanajuato.

  • Rides to / from the Leon airport for an additional fee can be arranged with Hugo at info@almadelsol.com.

For additional details and availability, please contact hilaryedownes@gmail.com.


ART FROM ALMA DEL SOL

Below are examples of various printmaking techniques; most of this work is Hugo’s, and there are also examples of work from a few participants from other workshops at Alma del Sol.