Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz

Oaxaca City

JM
25 reviews
Mar 8 - 17, 2024
Group size: 7 - 14
Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz
Oaxaca City

25 reviews

Mar 8 - 17, 2024
Group size: 7 - 14

About this trip

We had so much fun the first time, we decided to do it again. Join cultural curator, Jewel Murphy and mixed media artist, Mija Matriz, for nine glorious days enjoying the magical city of Oaxaca with a group of like minded creatives. We'll immerse ourselves in the contemporary arts and culture of the city and the indigenous wisdom of the villages then bring this inspiration to our creation in our light-filled studio. Mija will lead us with daily journal prompts and artistic practices for creating in our journals. Our focus will be on mixed media collage and this year’s special outings include encounters at a sustainable paper making factory, a hands on natural dye demonstration, a visit to the private home of the late Mexican maestro painter and collage artist Rodolfo Morales and learning about the collective nature of printmaking at the workshop Subterraneous. 

     

 We’ll be staying at the wonderful Casa Colonial, a classic hacienda near the center of town with lovely gardens, a fantastic art collection, serene library, beautiful dining room amazing staff and our own private art studio.

Our itinerary is carefully crafted to have both structured and free time. It is also subject to change based upon availability and opportunity. 


To learn more about Mija and her artwork visit her website www.mijamatriz.com.

Terms and Conditions

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

Your $500 deposit is non-refundable and holds your place. Final non-refundable payment is due 30 days before the start of the trip. Please be committed to this trip when you sign up. Failure to make your final payment in 30 days before the trip may forfeit your deposit and your place. We only offer refunds if the tour is cancelled because of government imposed restrictions and or lockdowns in which case there there will be a full refund. This is the rare exception to our no refund policy.. 


INSURANCE -

We recommend trip interruption insurance for your own peace of mind because things come up that you can’t even imagine. Not all trip insurance is created equal.  We have had good experiences with www.travelinsure.com 

What’s included

  • Lodging
    As always we stay at the fabulous Casa Colonial, home to folk art, a lush garden, an engaging library and possibly the kindest, most tender staff anywhere.
  • Meals
    Food is important to us. It fuels our creativity. We explore everythin from home cooking to high end restaurants. We have two evenings of meals on your own so you can explore the many food options
  • Guides
    We hire 100 percent born and raised in Oaxaca guides.
  • Transportation
    Airfare and transport to our hotel are not included. Once the tour starts all transport is included
  • Art Instruction
    Mija brings her decades of experience and playful approach to art making as she leads us with daily prompts and projects. The class is suitable for all skill levels
  • Art Materials
    Mija will bring a wide selection of art tools and materials to play with. Each participant will also be given a list of art supplies to bring.
  • More Good Things
    We’ll send you a reading list, some inspiring art videos and our Oaxaca food and shopping guide. Plus everyone gets a handmade journal.

What’s not included

  • Airfare & Hotel Transpo
    You will be responsible to get yourselves to Oaxaca city. There are multiple daily flights from Mexico City. In the past Dallas (American), Houston (United) and LA (Volaris) have had direct flights.
  • Tips & Gratuities
    Tipping hotel staff and drivers is customary but not required.
  • Alchohol
  • Laundry
    The casa has laundry services available at your expense.
  • Personal Shopping
    Most people budget $500 to $5000 or more. Oaxaca is full of beautiful rugs, contemporary clothing and artisan goods. There is a lot of temptation.

Available Packages

With Art Instruction
$2,595
Deposit: $500
Partner without Art Instruction
$2,395
Deposit: $500

Available Add-Ons

Single room supplement
$395


Itinerary

Day 1
Gathering

Today is a travel today and we’ll gather for a light meal in the evening and get to know one another. We’ll set our intentions and share our dreams for the trip. 

Your Organizer


JM
Jewel Murphy
25 reviews
I’m an award winning floral designer and shopkeeper indulging my late in life wanderlust. Sharing Mexico with others is my love language. I believe in slow travel, cultivating authentic cross cultural experiences, reciprocity, eating well and having fun. With two decades of travel experience, I’ve carefully curated my tours to take you places you might otherwise never see and to visit people who are world class artisans and caretakers of their cultural heritage.

Reviews

Our Art Adventure in Oaxaca with Jewel Murphy and Mija Matriz was a truly unique treasure of a trip. Jewel has spent many years immersing herself in the art and artisanal crafts of Oaxaca. Her unparalleled knowledge and relationships with local artisans, guides, and restaurants enabled us to meet Oaxacan artists who welcomed us into their homes and studios for in-depth, unhurried visits and personal attention. Our explorations were balanced with time in our own studio at the hotel. Inspired and patiently supported by art instructor Mija, we (of also wide range of skill levels) were set free with the materials, techniques, and encouragement to create in a joyful collaborative setting. Jewel and Mija are a great team, both friendly, curious, passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable about art, Oaxaca, and creating a great group dynamic. Our group of 12 consisted of some groups of friends and some "solo" travelers. Within a day or two, we were a blended family. Jewel and Mija set a tone that ensured that all of us had a great "art adventurer". The hotel, Casa Colonial, was also fantastic: not overly fancy or americanized, but beautiful, comfortable, secure, delicious food (accommodating dietary preferences) and amazing staff. On the edge of downtown but easily walkable to restaurants, shops, and zocalos. I would not have changed a thing about this trip!
By Carol B for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on May 05, 2025
Truly incredible trip! Jewel and Camilla led us with generosity and thoughtful exploration. We all felt connected as a group, and the surroundings, ruins, art, food, etc were all wonderful. What a special trip to a very special place. I felt like we were the luckiest people in the world every day! Thank you!
By Molly R for Corn Mother Pilgrimage with Camilla Blossom on Apr 21, 2025
This was another amazing cultural art adventure in Oaxaca with Mija and Jewel! This was the third year in a row that I've done this adventure, and it was once again completely wonderful. The visits with artisans were thoughtfully curated, and the art project we did was fun (and skills-building!), with great time in the studio. Tours are well managed and arranged, and Casa Colonial is a perfect home-base and home away from home. Meals at the Casa and elsewhere were fresh and delicious. I really can't recommend the Oaxaca Adventure with Mija and Jewel enough! I am missing it all terribly!
By Amy D for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Apr 19, 2025
A really wonderful trip with the right mix of experiential and observational activities. Loved the art making and visiting communities opportunities as well as all the delicious food and museum experiences and best of all, the people. Especially loved Casa. Colonial and all the supportive staff as well as the wonderful Jane. My heartfelt congratulations to both Mija and Jewel for making this trip possible.
By Ellen T for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Apr 16, 2025
WOW!!!! What a trip! Jewel and Mija were amazing and so knowledgeable. They put the trip together perfectly. And the accommodations were just beautiful. Art was everywhere and tried my hand at making stencils. I will be back!!I have found my Oaxaca family❤️
By sherri f for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Apr 15, 2025
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