WORKSHOP LOGISTICS
for San Miguel de Allende
- PLEASE READ ALL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THOROUGHLY -
Below you will find information about getting to/around San Miguel, tools,
supplies, lodging, and much more. Don’t forget to click the links!
Please do NOT forget to complete your balance payments by their due date. You can click HERE to complete payment.
‘Jerry is mentor, friend, instructor, and teacher. Patient, intelligent, articulate and passionate about art and sharing his knowledge. By far the most beneficial workshop I have ever participated in.’
- Barbara S
An aerial view of San Miguel with its famous Paroquia and Jardin Allende.
Looking down one of the many beautiful cobblestone streets.
ABOUT JERRY’S SAN MIGUEL WORKSHOPS
All workshops are at least five days. This gives participants plenty of time to paint, practice, and incorporate the workshop topics.
All workshops include a one-on-one coaching/mentoring session with Jerry. Artists have the opportunity to address technical, artistic, or professional development issues specific to them.
Pre-workshop meet and greet. The evening before the workshop begins, all participants are invited to a meet and greet at Jerry’s home. Cocktails and light snacks served. If Jerry is unable to host, we will meet at a location in centro. Details on this will be sent to you near the workshop start date.
Unless otherwise stated, Jerry’s workshops take place at Estudio Paloma. On workshop days, there is no need to worry about lunch or travel logistics. Pick up and drop off between San Miguel city center and the studio, as well as a full, home-cooked lunch and wine are included in the price. We will collect information for pick-up/drop-off closer to workshop start date.
‘I will never forget Blanca, our lunches in her beautiful home, and our conversations in her car to and from my little abode. Thanks for this workshop and your wonderful teaching skills.’
- Shelley H
Are supplies included?
To make travel more convenient, artists essentially need to bring only their tools, paints, creativity, and enthusiasm. The following supplies are provided:
cold wax medium
solvents
Arches oil paper
painting surfaces (Multimedia Artboard)
paper towels
waxed, non-stick, and other papers
texture materials, PanPastels, dry pigments, sand
palette paper
inks and other water-soluble media
and more!
Thinking of taking the workshop? Make it happen, no matter the inconvenience, cost, or timing!
- Judy V
It was well thought out and more giving of experience and talent than any other workshop I have taken.
- Dana G
San Miguel at dusk.
Getting to and around San Miguel
I recommend you fly into Leon (Guanajuato International Airport, BJX), which is about 60 miles from San Miguel, or into Queretaro (also about 60 miles, QRO). From any of the airports you can take a cab or hire a car. There are shuttle/car services like BajioGo, whose services are reputable and have a solid track record. I use them when I go to/from the airport. You can arrange airport pick-up/drop-off prior to your trip. I also have some private drivers I can recommend if you are interested. Click HERE to email me about private drivers.
You can also fly into Mexico City, but that is about 160 miles away and a 3-hour trip by car or bus to San Miguel.
Although you can rent a car and drive, having a car in SMA can be inconvenient with parking/traffic. It is easy to get around via taxi. They are abundant and inexpensive. ‘Green taxis’ are all around town. You can hail one or find one parked nearby. If you use a green cab, agree on the price before riding, usually 50-100 pesos ($2.50-5.00 USD). Many of the private drivers I refer can also provide taxi service around town. PickMe+ is an ‘Uber-like’ service requested/dispatched via text. Their rates are flat-fee and you pay the driver directly. They use WhatsApp as their platform for communication (see next section). We use them all the time!
Communication in Mexico
San Miguel has a lot of tourists, so nearly all businesses (hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) will have someone who speaks at least basic English. Markets, street vendors, taxis, and smaller stores may not. Either way, please at least TRY to use some basic Spanish while you are here. It shows respect, courtesy, and goes a long way to bridging cultural gaps.
Like the rest of the world, everyone here uses cell/smart phones. Some tips:
Mexico’s country code is +52. You may or may not need to use this, depending on your cell plan.
Make sure you have international service when you’re here, or plan on using a data-based option like WhatsApp.
Nearly everyone here (including major businesses) uses WhatsApp for texting, and often calling. It uses internet/data/WiFi instead of phone service. I highly recommend downloading it to your phone.
Google Maps is very accurate here. I highly recommend it.
If you have a crisis or emergency when you are here, you can text me. However, I am not a travel guide, and I do not provide language services, logistical help, or travel assistance. Please do not contact me with those kinds of questions.
Lodg
ing
The studio address is Paloma 11 La Luz, San Miguel de Allende, 37747 (the pink circle on the map). Because daily transport to/from the workshop is included, you can book one of the many hotels or Airbnb’s in the city center and take advantage of the food, beauty, and culture of San Miguel.
If you would prefer to be walking distance to the workshop, Hotel Casa Primavera (the red circle), Hacienda San Patricio (between ‘SIN NOMBRE and pink circle), and some Airbnb’s in the area are options. However, unless you prefer a walking distance option, I recommend you stay in the city center (up and left of the red circle) and enjoy San Miguel. Here are some local hotels at various price ranges:
Rosewood - high end, great views, rooftop and restaurant, lots of amenities, historic
Hotel Live Aqua - high end, close to downtown but more private, pool, amenities, new
Hotel Apapacho - high end, downtown, rooftop, pool, restaurant
Casa Contenta - 7BR/7BA home, private rooms, great for groups or individuals, a more traditional/local neighborhood
Casa Carmen - a beautiful B&B in city center, great for groups or individuals
Casa Puesta del Sol - a beautiful hotel in a quiet neighborhood, modestly priced
Hotel Real de Minas - more ‘traditional’ hotel, modest prices, short walk to town but lots of good food nearby
Meson Hidalgo and Casa Delphine - small, boutique hotels owned by friends of ours, great for individuals or small groups
Hotel Casa Blanca - more ‘traditional’ hotel, modest prices, short walk to town, a more traditional/local neighborhood
Casa Carly - more ‘traditional’, a short walk to town but super close to dozens of art galleries in Fabrica la Aurora, modest prices
My home is a bit further out, located in the blue circle. I will be hosting our ‘meet and greet’ the night before the workshop starts.
*Please note, I am not endorsing any lodging. Where you stay, how much you spend, the kinds of services and amenities you expect are your personal choice. The locations I have listed are well known and reputable, and/or prior students have stayed there and reported a good experience.
People enjoying evening in the square.
Some advice…
San Miguel is incredible. If you can plan some days before or after the workshop to just enjoy it, do so. You won’t regret it
SAFETY - the press loves to dramatize. Mexico is not the United States, but if we didn’t feel it was safe, we wouldn’t live here or have friends, family, and workshops here. Use common sense.
MONEY - using an ATM to get cash is easiest and they are everywhere. Most restaurants/shops take credit cards but taxis and markets are cash only. Do not expect to be able to use US dollars.
SPANISH - I think everyone should make an effort to practice some basic Spanish here, however, nearly all hotels/restaurants/shops speak functional English.
WALKING - San Miguel is a very walkable city (with lots of cobblestone and hilly streets). Bring comfortable shoes.
CLIMATE - we are at 6,500ft (2,000m), high desert climate. It is sunny and warm during the day but cooler at night. Dress in layers and have a light jacket. A hat or umbrella will help with the sun, and don’t forget sunscreen. Drink LOTS of water while you are here. Workshops, walking, and traveling can make you more tired than usual. Rest if you need to.
WATER - water, ice, and food from restaurants is fine. Plan on bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. We eat from street vendors, but maybe not the best idea when traveling.
NOISE - San Miguel is an active city at night - tourists, dogs, fireworks. If you need lots of quiet to sleep, perhaps one of the hotels a bit outside centro is best, or bring a white noise machine.
View from Rosewood’s Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar
The plaza inside Instituto Allende.
What can I do during non-workshop time?
There is so much to enjoy. Here’s a short list of restaurants, rooftops, and recreation. I encourage you to just walk and explore the spontaneity of San Miguel de Allende. You won’t be disappointed.
Bekeb - rooftop bar, views, restaurant
La Doña - rooftop bar, views, food
The Restaurant - nice food, nice bar
Fatima - rooftop restaurant with Middle Eastern flair, views, bar
Lavanda Cafe - great breakfast/brunch
Inside Cafe - great breakfast, lunch, brunch
El Manantial - local hangout, great drinks and tacos
Sobroso - great rooftop for views and delicious, greasy tacos/nachos
Mezcaleria - great place to taste mezcal and eat yummy food
Lolitas - all around great food, more local
Mercado del Carmen - a food court with delicious international foods
Mercado Sano - great for Saturday morning local food and shopping, organic products
Rosewood - great rooftop bar/food, among best views in the city
Tacos Don Felix - local taco and drinks favorite
La Fabrica Aurora - dozens of art galleries all in a converted old mill
El Charco - beautiful walking through a desert botanical garden
Mercado de Artesanias & Mercado Ignacio Ramirez - several streets of enclosed and open markets
Instituto Allende - local arts school/univeristy, one of the central reasons San Miguel is so art-centric
Click HERE for information about traveling with art supplies.
Can I ship my supplies to you? No. I cannot be responsible for receiving, picking up, holding, and customs issues related to your materials. If you choose to ship, that is something you will need to manage on your own.
How will I get my paintings home?
We will be working on surfaces varying among 9x12, 12x12, 12x16, 16x16, or 16x20, depending on what sizes you choose when you’re here. I recommend you bring two pieces of corrugated cardboard approximately 1 inch bigger than the largest size you plan on working with (e.g. 17x17 will accommodate a 16x16 inch painting). This will keep them protected during your travel.
Travel Insurance
I recommend that you purchase travel insurance to help cover the cost of flight, lodging, luggage, etc., should there be interruption or disruption of your travels. Your policy should also include health coverage. Medicare and many other insurance plans do not cover medical expenses or repatriation during international travel. Click HERE for basic information on travel insurance.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Jerry McLaughlin, MD, initially trained as a pediatric critical care physician. He began his artistic career as a fine art photographer, but realizing he had always wanted to be a painter, he abandoned photography and started painting. Although encaustic was his initial medium, once he discovered cold wax and oils, he quickly transitioned and has never gone back. His work has been collected across the US and internationally and has appeared in many publications. He works with HG Contemporary Gallery in New York, DZINE Gallery in San Francisco.
In 2017, Jerry, with co-author Rebecca Crowell, published the internationally award-winning Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations. It is the first ever comprehensive book exploring the myriad techniques and ways artists are using cold wax medium. In 2020, Rebeca and Jerry started COLD WAX ACADEMY, the only online learning portal devoted exclusively to artists interested in cold wax.
Jerry is passionate about teaching, and he holds a certificate in adult education from the University of Washington. His strength lies in identifying and addressing the individual needs of his students and helping them analyze and develop solutions to the difficulties they are encountering. Jerry maintains an active artist mentoring and coaching practice, working with artists around the world
Jerry went for the first time to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2018. Three weeks later he and his husband, Mike, bought a home. They left Oakland and now live in San Miguel with their dog, Bert.
