Experimental Collagraph Printing
A 7-day workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
With Master Printer and Teacher
January 24-30, 2027
Join Marta in San Miguel for a seven-day, hands-on workshop exploring the full range of experimental printmaking. Students will explore techniques in Drypoint, Tetrapak, Carborundrum, and Monoprinting. Each technique builds on the last, with color threading through every session via chine-collé, à la poupée inking, and multi-plate approaches. Working on a printing press with all materials provided, students will leave with real prints, a complete toolkit of skills, and the confidence to combine them in ways that are entirely their own. Open to all levels.
Please go here for the full itinerary.
“I attended a two day workshop with Marta at Curwen Studios. Marta brings all her enthusiasm for printmaking, her wealth of expertise as a tutor as well as generous support to individual participants making this a really enjoyable course. I have had great fun and learned loads. This workshop has really encouraged me to loosen up creatively as I continue to explore this technique.” ~ Shirley Stone
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 fourteen years and is helping Marta facilitate the retreat. More on San Miguel below.
Venue
We are sure you will be delighted with the accommodations and facilities. Casa de los Angelitos is a family owned villa with stunning views of San Miguel.With Old world style, beautiful views and a friendly staff, Casa Angelitos is a truly remarkable architectural masterpiece.
(Click on the link for a video tour)
About Marta Dyer Smith
Marta Dyer-Smith is a fine artist and printmaker specializing in collagraphy, etching, drypoint, lithography, monoprint, linoprint, and screenprinting. Having trained at Gainsborough House Printmaking Workshop and the Curwen Print Study Centre, she is the founder of PrintEast Print Fair in Bury St Edmunds and the Art Critique App, and teaches printmaking at the Curwen Print Study Centre, Mill Tye Gallery, Watershed Studio, and Ongar Art Society. A member of the Suffolk Craft Society, Colchester Art Society, and 12PM Printmakers, her work has been selected for exhibitions at the Royal Society of Printmakers, the Society of Women Artists at Mall Galleries, and Southbank Printmakers — where she won the John Purcell Paper Prize in 2025 — as well as shows across Suffolk, Essex, and London. She shares her practice with 14k Instagram followers and 12k YouTube subscribers. @martadyersmithart
Travel
Please make your reservations* to arrive at Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports, both around 1.5 hours from San Miguel. 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.
*Please wait to make your flight arrangements until we inform you the retreat is full.
Please click here for pricing and registration information.
About San Miguel de Allende
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 full of everyday beauty along with visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. January is a beautiful time of year especially if you want to escape extreme cold. You will need a mid-weight jacket for mornings and evenings, but you can still count on very warm afternoons. The town 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 web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
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 fourteen 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
Photo: Regula Franz
Cancellation Policy, Please Review
Unless the retreat is cancelled by us, 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.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
All participants will be asked to download and sign a waiver form to 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.
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in October, 2025! Please do not hesitate to contact us. For questions about the workshop, please contact Marta, marta.dyersmith@gmail.com. For questions about San Miguel, contact Linda, lalainoart@yahoo.com.