Art & Spanish

MexArt's Art Session is a one month intensive Art, Spanish and Cultural immersion summer program open to students finishing the 8th through 12th grades in the spring of 2012.  While some MexArt participants are highly talented and experienced, others may just have an interest in art.

ART:  The emphasis of MexArt's Art Session, of course, is Art and Spanish, pairing two interests. Students choose one major area and two elective areas from the following:  painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, metal work, jewelry making, and community service.  Participants spend 3 hours per day, five days per week on their major area of interest. Students also choose one or two electives and spend 5-10 hours per week in their elective areas, maximizing their options to pursue the artistic areas that interest them most. After two weeks, participants can re-evaluate and make a new schedule.  Professional artists teach classes in various media and may conduct the class in Spanish or English.

In addition to the two electives, one-shot workshops are offered some evenings or afternoons to add diversity and spontaneity to the program. Community service is also available in place of an art elective and is documented for use toward school community service requirements.

SPANISH:  MexArt is open to individuals at the beginning Spanish level through advanced or AP levels. Conversational Spanish classes are taught to all participants at every level. Classes are held two hours per day, five days a week. Classes are intended to be fun and advance communication skills and confidence over the course of the month. Outside of the classroom, students practice their skills in the streets, with local youth, in the artisan market, in the main square, at the corner grocery, and through playing games. Teaching are presented in a non-competitive atmosphere and is geared toward each individual student. Teachers are bilingual and extremely experienced in teaching Spanish to foreigners.

DAY TRIPS:  While in this beautiful foreign  culture, opportunities for side trips abound and are organized on weekends. This component adds diversity and fun to the program. Participants may choose to visit hot springs, go horseback riding in the mountains, be a guest in a brick-making village where an old man and his family make pottery that is on display in the Smithsonian, travel to Guanajuato, hike in the mountains or botanical gardens, and much more.  One weekend we visit the town of Dolores Hidalgo where hundreds of small factories produce colorful Mexican pottery. Here there's a tour of a production site and participants can shop. For $2-$3 one can bring home fabulous gifts for family and friends. Other options include a visit to the ghost town of Pozos, was famous for its silver mines. 

Throughout the month participants integrate into the community of San Miguel and eat at local restaurants, sit in the jardin, can attend yoga or aerobics classes and explore the many options San Miguel has to offer its visitors.

EVENING ACTIVITIES:  The evening activity is an integral part of the MexArt program and varies according to what is happening in San Miguel. After lunch a short meeting is held to cover announcements and to organize upcoming events. The evening activities are discussed and a meeting place is agreed upon. Some evening activities take place in public places with Mexicans, Americans and tourists. These include concerts, theater, dance performances and art openings. Other activities are just for MexArt participants and staff such as poetry slams, talent shows, coffee houses, art project, or the occasional movie

    Requisites:

    Spanish:  All levels welcome
    Art:  All levels welcome
    Age:  Must have completed the 8-12 grade