The Grammar of Threads:
Mexican Textiles Instructional Programs
Weaving, Embroidery or Tapestry
See the above link for more information and to apply.
The Mexican Textiles Instructional Programs are mentored programs that include instruction from a prominent master artist (27 hours for Weaving or Embroidery, or 36 hours for Tapestry) in Mexican textile techniques. Resident artists learn how to use the backstrap loom, including assembly and basic weaving techniques; or they study Mexican embroidery techniques such as cross-stitching, chain-stitching, shading, and pepenado hilván; or they explore tapestry techniques using a large floor loom. Each technique is offered separately. Instruction is in Spanish, but residents do not need to speak Spanish to successfully complete the course. Artists wishing to learn multiple techniques may apply for consecutive programs. Individualized mentoring is provided by our directorial and curatorial staff, offering critique, research and project guidance. Participants also have the opportunity to work independently in our spaces.
With three separate programs to choose from, traditional Weaving, Embroidery, or Tapestry, artists join an integral program in which they learn the technique, approach iconography and traditional textile production systems with more resources, and get a better understanding of Mexican culture.
PROGRAM DURATION / TIME PERIOD
Weaving or Embroidery: Sessions are 3 weeks, with option to extend for 1 more week of continued production as a standard Art, Design or Photography Program.
Tapestry: Sessions are 4 weeks (fixed).
For each of these separate programs, dates are not predetermined but are proposed by the applying artist.
WHAT THESE COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE
Technique Instruction:
– Weaving or Embroidery includes 27 hours master instruction, at 9 hours per week
– Tapestry includes 36 hours master instruction, at 9 hours per week
Staff Support:
– A weekly meeting with our directorial and curatorial staff for personalized mentoring, research assistance, project guidance, and critique
Accommodation and Local Transportation:
– Furnished, private bedroom
– 24-hour access to the kitchen for participants to prepare their own meals; meals/food are the participant’s responsibility
– Wireless Internet
– Use of Arquetopia’s common spaces
– Shared, serviced (single) bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers
– Housekeeping
– Downtown arrival pickup and departure dropoff transportation provided
– Affordable, everyday public transportation is available from the program vicinity into the city. Participants receive an orientation regarding the local transportation system upon arrival.
Studio Workspace and Materials:
– 24-hour access to shared studio with natural light
– Personal workspace with a large table
– Some tools provided
– Materials and supplies for the instructional course provided
– Materials and supplies for extended project production not included but available for purchase locally.
Peruvian Textiles Instructional Program
Andean Weaving
See the above link for more information and to apply.
The Peruvian Textiles Instructional Program: Andean Weaving is a 3-week mentored learning program that includes 27 hours of instruction from a prominent master weaver in Andean textile techniques. Participants will learn to use the traditional back-strap loom, including how to assemble it, and develop proficiency in basic weaving techniques. Artists engage in a comprehensive program that explores textiles as a form of text, local textile production systems, and deepens their understanding of Peruvian culture. Instruction is in Spanish, though participants do not need to speak Spanish to successfully complete the course. Individual mentoring is provided by our directorial and curatorial staff for personalized research assistance, project guidance, and critique. Participants also work independently in our spaces.
PROGRAM DURATION / TIME PERIOD
Sessions are 3 weeks, with option to extend for 1-2 more weeks of continued production as a standard Art, Design or Photography Program. Dates are not predetermined but are proposed by the applying artist.
WHAT THIS COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM INCLUDES
Technique Instruction:
– 27 hours master instruction, at 9 hours per week
Staff Support:
– A weekly meeting with our directorial and curatorial staff for personalized mentoring, research assistance, project guidance, and critique
Accommodation, Meals, and Airport Transportation:
– Furnished, private bedroom
– 24-hour access to the kitchen for participants to prepare their own meals; meals/food are the participant’s responsibility
– Wireless Internet
– Use of Arquetopia’s common spaces
– Shared, serviced (single) bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers
– Housekeeping
– Arrival pickup and departure dropoff transportation provided at Cusco Airport
– Affordable, everyday public transportation is available from the program vicinity of Urubamba to the city of Cusco. Participants receive an orientation regarding the local transportation system upon arrival
Studio Workspace and Materials:
– 24-hour access to shared studio with natural light
– Personal workspace with a large table
– Some tools provided
– Materials and supplies for the instructional course provided
– Materials and supplies for extended project production not included but available for purchase locally
Natural Pigments Instructional Program
Fiber Dyeing
See the above link for more information and to apply.
The Natural Pigments Instructional Program is a 3-week, mentored production program that includes 27 hours of master instruction in diverse dyeing techniques from Oaxaca, Mexico, or Cusco, Peru, depending on the supporting fiber—wool or cotton. Participants learn traditional preparations and recipes for natural dyes, mordants, and fixatives.
The program provides hands-on instruction with cochineal (ranging from red to purple), añil (blue), and pericón (yellow) from Mexico, as well as tara and blue collpa (blue) and Q’olle flowers (yellow) from Peru. Additional tree barks and fruit skins are incorporated to complete the color spectrum. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience in natural dye traditions, using ingredients specific to Oaxaca or Cusco, while also providing resources for a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of color in Mexico and Peru. Instruction is in Spanish, but fluency is not required to successfully complete the course. Participants receive individual mentoring from our directorial and curatorial staff, offering personalized research assistance, project guidance, and critique. In addition to mentored instruction, participants also work independently in our studio spaces.
PROGRAM DURATION / TIME PERIOD
Sessions are 3 weeks, with the option to extend for 1 to 2 additional weeks of continued production as a standard Art, Design, or Photography Program. Dates are not predetermined but are proposed by the applying artist.
WHAT THIS COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM INCLUDES
Technique Instruction:
– 27 hours master instruction and guidance, spaced at 9 hours per week
Staff Support:
– A weekly meeting with our directorial and curatorial staff for personalized mentoring, research assistance, project guidance, and critique
Accommodation and Local Transportation (Oaxaca):
– Furnished, private bedroom
– 24-hour access to the kitchen for participants to prepare their own meals; meals/food are the participant’s responsibility
– Wireless Internet
– Use of Arquetopia’s common spaces
– Shared, serviced (single) bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers
– Housekeeping
– Downtown arrival pickup and departure dropoff transportation provided
– Affordable, everyday public transportation is available from the program vicinity into the city. Participants receive an orientation regarding the local transportation system upon arrival
Studio Workspace and Materials (Oaxaca):
– 24-hour access to shared studio with natural light
– Personal workspace with a large table
– Some tools provided
– Materials and supplies for the instructional course provided
– Materials and supplies for additional project production not included but available for purchase locally
Accommodation and Airport Transportation (Cusco):
– Furnished, private bedroom
– 24-hour access to the kitchen for participants to prepare their own meals; meals/food are the participant’s responsibility
– Wireless Internet
– Use of Arquetopia’s common spaces
– Shared, serviced (single) bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers
– Housekeeping
– Arrival pickup and departure dropoff transportation provided at Cusco Airport
– Affordable, everyday public transportation is available from the program vicinity of Urubamba to the city of Cusco. Participants receive an orientation regarding the local transportation system upon arrival
Studio Workspace and Materials (Cusco):
– 24-hour access to shared studio with natural light
– Personal workspace with a large table
– Some tools provided
– Materials and supplies for the instructional course provided
– Materials and supplies for extended project production not included but available for purchase locally
