San Miguel: Beyond Collage Stories
A seven day collage workshop retreat
October 29th- November 4th-, 2026
with Artist and Teacher Donna Watson
You will begin by hand painting papers in your choice of colors, patterns and textures.
You will create three simple books, using easy stitching methods.
We will then spend several days filling your books with all sorts of collage papers.
During the week you will be introduced to simple compositions, with design elements and principles. Y
You will explore what content is personal to you: family history and heritage, travel experiences, sense of place, past or current experiences, hobbies or interests such as walking in the woods.
“Donna is very skilled at getting students to think for themselves, to push their boundaries, to open their minds.”~ Lyn Hart
Dia de los Muertos-Day of the Dead, is one of the most festive times to visit San Miguel de Allende. The visuals are stunning and the town is dressed up for the occasion. November 1-2, are the main festivities for Day of the Dead. We will have a half day on November 1st in order to arrange lunch and then spend the afternoon viewing the altars in the jardin, go to the cemetery or Botanical Gardens… your choice! The Catrina parade takes place at 7 p.m., where you may participate or simply observe. Here are a few pics from around town last year:
Our welcome dinner will be a wine tasting, pairing four wines with small plates at El Pavo Real, a spectacular vineyard just outside of town.
On Saturday, October 31st, there will be the monthly art walk at La Fabrica Aurora (4-8), an old textile mill that houses galleries, studios, shops and restaurants.
On November 1 and 2, the cemetery will be filled with families tending the graves
You'll stay in a centrally-located hotel with an interior courtyard, swimming pool and luxurious garden. Classes will be held there. Some meals are included, but you'll also have a chance to explore the city's many first class restaurants on your own.
Itinerary
October 29th, Thursday, Arrive at hotel: 5pm: complimentary margaritas
October 30th, Friday, Full Day workshop, welcome dinner at El Pavo wine tasting
October 31st, Saturday, Full Day workshop, La Fabrica Aurora (4-8pm)
November 1st, Sunday, Half Day… walk to the jardin, or go to the cemetery, or
Botanical Gardens, Catrina parade at 7pm
November 2, Monday… Full Day workshop
November 3, Tuesday… Full Day workshop, Farewell dinner
November 4th, Wednesday… Depart
Cancellation Policy Please Review
All deposits and balances for workshops are non-refundable. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead for a trip such as this and these uncertain times have created a bit more challenge. We thank you for your understanding of the need for these policies on our end. We ask that retreat participants be vaccinated. Note: Mexico never closed its borders to travelers during 2020.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
All participants will be asked to download and sign the waiver form and provide emergency contact info. Please email to lalainoart@yahoo.com
Linda will provide all participants with an SMA Survival Guide listing restaurants, things to do on off hours, and useful phone numbers.
Location
San Miguel de Allende, located in central Mexico is a Heritage UNESCO puebla magica, not to mention voted one of the best places in the world to live by Conde Nast Traveler two years in a row. Come and be captivated by the friendliness and beauty of this town! Linda Laino has lived in San Miguel for twelve years and is helping Donna facilitate the retreat.
More on San Miguel below.
Retreat Venue
We are sure you will be delighted with the accommodations and facilities. Hacienda de las Flores is a family owned, old-world style hotel in the heart of centro making it a super convenient and easy home base from which to explore San Miguel.
About Donna Watson
Donna Watson is a mixed media painter and collage artist for 40 years. Her works have been accepted into numerous juried national and international exhibitions and she has received many awards. Donna is president emeritus of the National Watercolor Society and the Northwest Watercolor Society. She has signature memberships in the American and National Watercolor Society. Donna has extensive experience as a juror and workshop instructor all over the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Her works have been widely published in art magazines like American Artist and The Artist’s Magazine. Her works have also been published in books including MASTERS COLLAGE: Major Works by Leading Artists (Lark) and THE PULSE OF MIXED MEDIA by Seth Apter (Northlight Books). Her works have also been published in 100 ARTISTS OF THE NORTHWEST (Schiffer) and STORYTELLING WITH COLLAGE by Roxanne Evans Stout. Most recently, her paintings have been included in the book COLD WAX MEDIUM by Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin…and FRAGMENTATION AND REPAIR by Shelley Rhodes.
Her works can be found in the Lynn Hanson Gallery (Seattle, WA) and the Maztke Fine Art Gallery (Camano Island, WA). Take a look at this wonderful video of Donna’s process and her ties to Japan.
“Donna’s workshops are confidence builders for artists. As a teacher, Donnas is generous and knowledgable, and able to help individual artists drill down to develop their individual, creative voice.” Leslie Avon Miller, collage artist
Travel
Please make your reservations to arrive at Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports. Information about easy and reliable shuttle service will be shared with participants. Please note, if you decide to fly into Mexico City, it is another four hours to San Miguel.
*Note: Please wait to make your flight arrangements until we inform you the retreat is full.
“This course is a beautifully conceived and organized journey. The presentations and discussions were inspiring, and the printed materials and exercises gave us a lot to work on during the week.” ~Nancy Nordquist
Please click here for pricing and registration information
Mexico is a huge country that offers its visitors an amazing amount of diversity. San Miguel de Allende is located in the geographical center of the country and is said to be built upon a bed of crystal quartz. Many people believe this legend aids in the “magical” quality so often associated with this town. San Miguel is a peaceful, safe environment, full of friendly people, sophistication and charm to spare. It is small, but far from sleepy. The streets are always full of visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. Most days you can count on very cool mornings, warm to hot sunny afternoons, and slightly cooler evenings. Think layers and bring a light sweater. There is virtually no humidity. San Miguel is quite hilly in parts, and the streets are cobbled. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking (the best way to see the town!), so we suggest to bring good shoes.
We are at 6000 feet and if you have not been in high altitudes, you may feel a bit tired the first day or two. Luckily, there are numerous cafes, parks and plazas for rest and refreshments all over town. There are also ample and inexpensive cabs (and Uber) available should you need a break from the walking. The cab drivers, incidentally are some of the best locals to practice your Spanish with!
The web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
About San Miguel
About Linda Laino
Linda is a visual artist and writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende for thirteen years where she formally taught English Language Arts and continues to paint, write and share her love and knowledge of this charming and colorful town with other artists and teachers. She has been a waitress, a textile conservator, teacher and flower farmer, all in service to a lifetime of art making. Her painting and writing can be accessed here: www.lindalaino.com
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in October, 2026! Please do not hesitate to contact us. For questions about the workshop, please contact Donna at donna@donnawatsonart.com For questions about San Miguel, contact Linda at lalainoart@yahoo.com.