Join SchoolArts and CRIZMAC for a Journey of a Lifetime

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, trip activities begin with an introduction and orientation to the week. You will receive a handout with historical and cultural information about the places and artists we will visit. Educators will receive additional art lesson plans and ideas for developing interdisci- plinary curriculum units.


The orientation is followed by a walking tour of the highlights of the historic district, including a visit to the State Government Palace to view a wonderful mural that depicts the history of the region, a stroll through the public market, a chocolate-making store and more.

After a break for lunch we will continue our journey through the city streets, past galleries, shops, and restaurants, to the beautiful Santo Domingo Cathedral and the Regional Museum, housed in the restored convent of the church. The museum showcases exquisite Zapotec and Mixtec treasures excavated from Tomb Seven at Monte Albán as well as colonial artifacts and a contemporary art gallery. After our tour, you will have some free time before we enjoy a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Today we will leave the city and visit the archaeological site of Monte Albán to view the remains of a great Zapotec and Mixtec center. Built on top of a mountain, the site was constructed around a huge plaza. A small ball court lies in one corner of the plaza where the well-known pre-Columbian ballgame was played. Our guide will share the history of this magical site. The museum at Monte Albán offers a view of the artifacts collected from the pre-Columbian era. We will enjoy lunch at the restaurant overlooking the valley. After lunch we will head for the village of Atzompa to visit the renowned Enedina Vasquez family for a pottery demonstration. Enedina and her family members have earned many prestigious awards and are featured in the Grand Masters of Popular Art, Oaxaca Vol. II. (B, L) 

Next we will visit the home of artist Rudolfo Morales, the Morales Museum and the ex-convent he restored. The collection features Morales’ work, sculptures by the Aguilar family and colonial artifacts. Our next stop is the small village of Santo Tomas known for its backstrap loom weavers. The women demonstrate their weaving techniques in the center of town at their local cooperative.

Our next stop is the woodcarving village of San Martin Tilcajete and the home of Zeny Fuentes. For lunch we will enjoy a tradi- tional meal with the Fuentes family, after which Zeny and his wife Reyna will demonstrate their carving and painting techniques. You will have the opportunity to watch as the family works together to produce their art. The Fuentes family is included in many prominent folk art publications. Zeny is also the featured artist in the CRIZMAC Oaxacan Woodcarving DVD. (B, L) 

Your Journey Includes
• Six nights at the Marques del Valle Hotel
• Twelve meals
• Transfers from the airport to hotel (for those traveling on scheduled arrival & departure dates)
• Land transportation to seminar events • Museum and site admissions
• Artists visits and demonstrations• Server tips for group meals

• Seminar handbook
• Cost based on double occupancy rooms, single rooms available for an additional fee
• AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED