"Art and Photography with Artists Kevin Macpherson and Lori Putnam" - November 1-11, 2022

Theme: “Art Ambassador for a Colorful World Art Mentoring, Photography and Art Projects with Mayan Children”
Trip Leaders: Kevin Macpherson / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Lori Putnam / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Mel Dinkel / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Leslie Baer Dinkel / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. providing logistical support:
Nights: 10
Trip Cost (Double/Triple Occupancy): $3389
Orientation Date: By ZOOM, September 3, 2022 • 9 AM-Noon Pacific Time
Flight Information: (See our recommendations at the bottom of this description)
To maximize your painting experience, Kevin and Lori have scouted all destinations for best painting locations. Both will offer happy hour critiques and helpful advice for furthering your career as a painter. During our formal orientation by phone, all aspects of group travel will be discussed and painting supplies will be suggested. Meals are hosted where noted.




Nov. 5, 6, 7 – Explore the village of San Martín Chiquito nestled at 8500 amidst rolling hills and cornfields. During our three days in this village where the local language is Mám-Maya, we will enjoy the comforts of the headquarters of our partner Xela AID, a human development organization in operation since 1993. We will combine painting and service projects, working side by side with the Mám people who will also serve models during painting sessions! Participants will meet local artists sponsored by Art Ambassador who, with their intimate knowledge of the area, will lead photo and painting tours to places off the beaten path. Each day we’ll enjoy a homemade, hosted, authentic Mayan meal prepared and served by women who’ve completed chef training. Participants will also receive a back-strap weaving demonstration, and will have the opportunity to take lessons in the ancient art, as well as participate in a Mayan cooking class that includes a trip to a local market (weaving and cooking lesson carry a nominal additional cost). Participants in the weaving class will keep their authentic backstrap loom.
At Lake Atitlan, delicious, homemade breakfasts and lunches are available daily, no-host, while your multi-course dinners are included each evening.
Nov 8, 9, 10 – We will leave especially early on the morning of November 6th to get to Panajachel, the renowned marketplace at Lake Atitlán, to tour and photograph. We will take private launches to our stunning accommodation, chalets perched on the edge of an ancient volcano caldera nestled amidst tropical gardens! During our stay at the Lake, artists will paint to their heart’s delight while all may choose to Kayak, or take a hike to the 16th Century church at Santa Cruz, including stunning vistas perfect to photograph and paint! Those who wish may take an optional excursion to meet Mariano Chabajay, one of Guatemala’s most famous artists, at his studio-home in San Pedro de Laguna (dependent on artist’s schedule). One evening, join us to soak in a fire-heated hot tub with views of the Lake against a backdrop of stars. On our last night, we will enjoy a farewell dinner and celebration.

FLIGHT BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Note: These suggested flights are from Los Angeles. If you are not traveling from Los Angeles, or you are but choose a different outbound option, MAKE SURE to arrive at the Guatemala City airport no later than 7 AM November 1st to join the group. To use group transportation, please make your return flight out no sooner than 6 PM November 11th.

ALTERNATE OUTBOUND DAYTIME FLIGHT – If you prefer to avoid overnight flights you can choose to fly earlier. If you arrive a day prior to the group and need accommodations, we suggest you stay at Radisson Hotel and Suites 1 Avenida 12-46 Zona 10 Guatemala City, 01010, Guatemala Phone: +502 2421 5151 (You will need to book this, as it is not included in your trip). The Radisson will provide a free shuttle for you to meet us at the airport.
RETURN EVENING FLIGHT: If you wish to use group transportation, please do NOT book a return flight that leaves prior to 6 PM on November 11th. If it is unavoidable, we are happy to arrange transportation for you but understand that an extra cost will be involved. We suggest this flight to LAX: Avianca AV640 leaving GC on November 11th at between 6 and 8 pm (time varies) arriving LAX near 11:40 PM. If flying into other U.S. cities, you may need to make arrangements to stay one night in GC. (See suggestions for the Radisson Hotel and Suites above.)
Please don’t hesitate to contact your trip leaders with questions about this trip.
Event Properties
Event Date | 11-01-2022 |
Cost (Dbl/Tpl Occu.) | $3,389 |
Location | Xela AID Guatemala |