This course is open to all Colleges of the Fenway, ProArts, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students.

Puebla and Cholula, our destination cities, have inspired artists and designers from pre-Colonial days. Mexico is our immediate southern neighbor and especially in the Northeast, we may have limited understanding of this vital culture and our historic and contemporary relationships. This program will introduce you to the people and the history, including the arts, in a first-hand manner with great local colleagues. The historic Hotel Colonial, in the heart of old Puebla City, will be our base. With the roof terrace and its 360-degree view of Puebla and Popocatapetl volcano, the entire city is our open studio.

We gain a deeper understanding of Mexico now by being immersed in Mexico past. In Cholula we go underground to the base of the Great Pyramid of Tepanapa, a pre-historic archeological site and have the opportunity to climb a section high above ground. The artisan market there is a visit to another era with distinct indigenous groups identified by traditionally patterned garments. Everything is art in Mexico and its national constitution reflects this commitment. Spanish Colonial palaces and churches are covered in multicolored Talavera tile. Huge cathedrals and basilicas, filled with ornate woodcarving and massive European style paintings, serve small groups of daily devotees along with thousands during many major fiestas. Fiestas, fireworks and costumed processions are daily occurances as there are literally hundreds of churches in both Puebla and Cholula. Add the Street of Candy, artist studios, contemporary and traditional and current galleries and amazing specialized museums, streets of artisan vendors, world class Poblano cuisine and we have a lush environment for art students from all areas of interest.

Built as a drawing and mixed media course this program is ideal for students across studio and academic areas. This includes at least students interested in photography, architecture, pattern, surface design, ceramics, drawing and illustration, painting, sketchbooks, education, art history, cultural studies. Course considers the breadth of drawing as visual thinking. In Puebla we use drawing as a means of investigation, observation, recording, responding, translating experiences and ideas. Participants will develop at least 2 sketchbooks and a cohesive series of work begun during the travel segment and finished after return. Completed series will be presented in final critique mid-May at MassArt.

Please note: Due to the high pace of movement through multiple venues of unknown ease, this trip is not recommended to participants requiring wheelchair accessibility. Please note that vegetarian options may be limited.

Price includes: International group flight to and from Boston Logan International airport, in-country flight, double occupancy accommodations, on-site transportation, group admission to museums and sites, travel health insurance, and all required activities during the duration of the travel component. Some group meals and materials for group projects may also be included. 

This fee does not cover: Costs for making independent flight arrangements, travel cancellation insurance, individual meals and food, tips, personal purchases, any activities that are not a required part of the course, and any travel expenses incurred outside the group travel dates.

For more information on this and other study abroad programs contact: MassArt Office of International Education Programs, globaleducation@massart.edu, or refer to the MassArt International Education Center for more information on Travel Courses.

Apply at: www.colleges-fenway.org/global