Tour Host Pick of the Month...

Art Workshops in Guatemala
and Monteverde Studio of the Arts

Sheri Leigh

Perhaps you have already read Weaving in Guatemala, which chronicles one traveler’s experiences with the native artists of that country. Well, that is only a small example of what awaits when taking a course with Art Workshops in Guatemala. 

The company, founded by Liza Fourre, is not your traditional tour company. Rather, it’s an art school. While it makes all arrangements for your trip, the company’s focus is on the cultural experience and interplay with both the local people and surroundings that inspire artistic creation. 

Liza was a commercial photographer before giving up her day job to follow her heart. The love and energy she devotes to introducing people to her part-time home and the culture she loves make an impression on all the travelers she has touched.

The workshops cover a wide variety of media, but photography, not surprisingly, and textiles play a major role in course offerings. In addition to the native artists who welcome students into their homes and studios, there are a number of nonresident professionals who utilize the great natural beauty of the land and its people in their courses.

Monteverde Studio of the Arts (Editors Note: This company is no longer in business)

High in Costa Rica, straddling the Continental Divide, floats the Monteverde Cloud Forest, long famous as a nature/eco-tourist destination. The small community of Monteverde was founded as a haven for artists seeking nature as their theme. After eight years living in this community, founder Sybil Terres Gilmar created the Monteverde Studio of the Arts in 1998 to support these locals and bring their work to a wider audience.

Courses are taught in the homes and studios of the artists. All the teachers at the studio are residents of the community and most of the non-natives have lived there for many years.  Painting, drawing and textile courses make up the bulk of courses offered, but there are also such specialized courses as jewelry making, paper making, and basket weaving from local pine needles. 

Many of the artists have flexible schedules and frequently can accommodate special arrangements. Depending on the traveler’s interest, accommodations can range from home stays to residence at local hotels. Speaking Spanish is not a prerequisite since most of the artists are bilingual, but the local interaction offers a great chance to improve your language skills if desired.