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Meet Your Instructor
Joan Fullerton
“Fullerton’s enticing teaching style has charmed and inspired painting students in college classes and in workshops across the nation. Her diversity of style and use of media attracts both collectors and curators, who have honored Fullerton with one person shows it the United States, Italy and Japan.”
— Dr. Nancy Stewart, founder of the Taos National Society of Watercolorists
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Joan Fullerton grew up on the vast, slow-paced plains of Eastern Wyoming. While raising 3 children, she studied watercolor with Edgar Whitney, Frank Webb, Charles Reid and many other nationally known watercolorists. In 1985 she returned to college and achieved BFA and MFA degrees in painting from the University of Wyoming. She was a college art instructor at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming from 1990 to 2003. In 2003 she made the leap of faith to relocate and paint full-time in Taos, NM. During her 8 years in Taos, Fullerton made her mark and established her reputation as a well-known and respected artist and teacher. A recent move to south Denver, she is now hosting workshops internationally.
Joan Fullerton’s work has been in galleries, juried shows and museums since the early 70’s and she has shown internationally in Italy and Japan. Her work is published in Open Studios Press 2010, and Visual Journeys, Art of the 21st Century. She is featured in Spring 2017 Acrylic Artist Magazine and is included in and New Edition of the Encyclopedia of Acrylic Painting Techniques by Hazel Harrison.
Joan Fullerton has instructed all levels of experience and ages of painters. Students in Fullerton’s classes thrive in the atmosphere of her informative and relaxed classes. It is her belief that people are open to learning and creativity when they are having fun. She is adept at demonstrating a multitude of techniques. Beginning students will find encouragement and confidence, while more advanced students will benefit from her insightful solutions to their creative challenges.
In 2018, Joan released her online art experience, Paint Yourself Free. This unique workshop shares the most valuable insights she has gleaned from her 45 years or painting and teaching. An unusual approach of instruction has opened hundreds of students to greater freedom and a more imaginative avenue of self-expression.
Retreat Details
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Duration of Retreat: January 24 - 31, 2027 (8 days, 7 nights)
Medium: Acrylic Painting and Collage
Skill Level: All
Throughout the week, you’ll enjoy:
Painting sessions and creative exploration with Joan
Innovative techniques designed to encourage experimentation and fresh ways of seeing
Time to experiment, play and develop your own work
Inspiration from the historic, colorful streets of San Miguel
Visits to local sites of natural beauty and cultural interest
Opportunities to connect with fellow artists in a supportive, creative community
Time to slow down, enjoy the city and celebrate the new year in a place known for its art, food, friends and alegria de vivir (joy of living)
An immersive experience in the warmth and creativity of Mexican culture
Come ready to experiment, play, take some creative risks—and see where your art takes you.
Class Size:
Min # of students: 8
Max # of students: 14
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Day 1 (Sunday)
Arrival at Casa de la Noche
Marguerita Party in the courtyard at 7 p.m.
Drinks and Botanas will be served.
Day 2 (Monday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to Noon - Meeting in Art Room for an intro, presentation, discussion, and demo.
Noon to 1 p.m. - Lunch provided at Casa de la Noche
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Half Day Studio
6:30 p.m. - Cooking Class dinner at Casa de la Noche
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Full Day Studio
Lunch is on your own
Dinner is on your own
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to Noon – Half Day Studio
Lunch on your own but the group will eat at the restaurant in Fabrica la Aurora
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Field Trip to Fabrica de Aurora
Dinner is on your own
Visit Fabrica la Aurora, an old textile factory that now houses numerous galleries and antique stores. There are also three great places to eat or have coffee and sweets.
Day 5 (Thursday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Full Day Studio
Lunch provided at Casa de la Noche
Dinner is on your own
Day 6 (Friday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
10:00 to Noon - Tour of Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery
Lunch is on your own
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Studio time in Art Room
Dinner is on your own
Day 7 (Saturday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to Noon - Display, Open Studio/Discussion
Noon to 1 p.m. - Lunch provided at Casa de la Noche
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Free Afternoon to Explore San Miguel on your own
6 p.m. - Farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Day 8 (Sunday)
This concludes your stay with us at Casa de la Noche.
Please check with concierge for check-out time.
Transportation to the airport will be arranged based on your flight information.
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The Retreat Price Includes:
Transportation to and from León, Mexico (BJX) or Querétaro, Mexico (QRO) airports. Both airports are approximately 1½ hours from San Miguel de Allende. Transportation will deliver you to Casa de la Noche.
7 nights at Casa de la Noche
6 days of workshop instruction
Margarita party on the first evening at Casa de la Noche
7 breakfasts
3 lunches
2 dinners, including one cooking-class meal and one farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Two excursions plus transportation
Does NOT Include:
Airfare
Travel insurance
Travel documentation or travel medical expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
Casa de la Noche
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Casa de la Noche provides easy access to the main square (el Jardin), museum, shops, and restaurants, allowing for exploration and immersion in the local culture. The boutique hotel, dating back to the 1930s, offers a unique and authentic Mexican experience. Originally a famous brothel, the hotel has undergone careful restoration over the years, and the décor reflects the beauty of the local culture.
Ideal for creative workshops, the hotel’s dedicated art workshop rooms provide a specialized space for our workshop activities. The spacious gardens and courtyards offer areas for relaxation, quiet contemplation, or social gatherings.
The dedicated and friendly staff will ensure participants feel comfortable and well-cared for, contributing to a welcoming and family-like atmosphere.
Rooms
Accommodations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
When booking your spot, please select your preferred room.
All rooms are individually decorated and all have private baths. Some have kitchenettes, separate sitting areas, TVs, fireplaces, gardens, patios or terraces, and all have access to light cooking facilities and common living areas. Our main common rooms have in-floor heating and all accommodations have electric or gas heaters, fans or air conditioning. All water is purified and WiFi is located throughout the property. Healthy start, home-cooked Mexican breakfasts are included with your lodging.
Room Availability
Single Occupancy Only: Chiquita, Pepita, Rosita, Jovita & Cielo Nido
Luxury Rooms — Single or Double Occupancy: Las Brisas, Luz de Luna, La Estrella & Nubes
Suite: La Vista
La Estrella Room
A beautiful, elegant room with antique furnishings, air conditioning, original art, La Estrella is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The King Size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request. This room is air conditioned.
Luz de Luna Room
A beautiful, elegant room with rich color, air conditioning, original art, Luz de Luna (moon beam) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The King Size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request. This room is air conditioned.
Las Brisas Room
A beautiful, elegant room with patio view, air conditioning, original art, Las Brisas (the breeze) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The King Size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.This room is air conditioned.
Jovita Room
This room offers lots of light, a queen bed with carved headboard, extra shelving and a small chair. It has a private bath with shower and an electric fireplace for cozy nights. A nearby covered outside sitting area has a wicker couch and chairs and ceremonial masks on the wall. Easy access to a Project Room and terrace.
Chiquita Room
Chiquita room is the first of four “working girl” rooms, each with its own personality. This is a cozy room near the main dining room. It has very high ceilings and a queen-size bed. There is a small gas fireplace, and chair and small table, as well as en-suite bath with shower. Nearby, there is a garden sitting area and fountain.
Pepita Room
The Pepita room is a cozy space with a queen-size bed, ½ stone wall, ½ antique tiled wall, and a hand painted desk and dresser combination and chair. It has a private bath with shower. Original Rubin Morales paintings are on the wall above an electric fireplace. Outside there is sitting alcove, also a nearby fountain.
Rosita Room
The Rosita Room features a queen size bed with carved headboard, dresser and a side chair. There is an outside patio area with seating for two. Access to the Group Project Room is up the nearby stairs. This little room was original to the house but is now updated with bath, shower and sitting alcove.
Cielo Nido
Cielo Nido is a cozy third-level room featuring a queen-size bed, en suite bath with walk-in shower, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, desk and chair. Step outside to a private patio with beautiful views of the Parroquia church. Furnished with a table, four chairs and shade umbrella, the patio is a peaceful spot for breakfast, relaxing or enjoying the evening fireworks.
La Vista Room
This air-conditioned third-story studio features an open floor plan with a kitchenette, dining area, sitting area, fireplace and TV. The king-size bed may be made as two twins, with a private bath and shower. French doors open to a flower-filled terrace with seating for two, while a steep stair leads to a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views.
Nubes Room
Las Nubes (The Clouds) is an elegant second-level room located above the White Lantern Salon, featuring original art and a patio view. The king-size bed may be made as two twins upon request. This comfortable, air-conditioned room offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of charm and character.
Important Considerations
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REGISTRATION, PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Art Makers Denver, Inc. is referred to as “AMD” throughout these Terms + Conditions.
REGISTRATION
Registration is First Come – First Served: Workshop space is limited to a maximum of 14 students. Placement will be determined by the order in which your registration deposit is received. A minimum of 8 participants is required for the workshop to take place.
Your registration is not confirmed until your $1,000 deposit has been received and these Terms + Conditions have been accepted.
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Room reservations are also First Come – First Served and are subject to availability.
Working Girl rooms are available for single occupancy only.
Luxury rooms and the Suite may be reserved either for single occupancy or shared by two registered workshop participants.
When registering, you will select your preferred room and occupancy arrangement. Specific rooms are assigned in the order registrations are received and are subject to availability. Room preferences cannot be guaranteed until registration and payment are complete.
If you would like to bring a traveling companion who is not participating in the workshop, please see the Companion section below.
REGISTRATION FEES + PAYMENTS
Registration is available at either the Early Bird or Regular rate, depending on when you register.
Early Bird Registration — $3,800 per person
A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. The remaining $2,800 balance is due by October 31, 2026.
Regular Registration — $4,000 per person
A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. The remaining $3,000 balance is due by January 1, 2027.
The $1,000 deposit is the same for both Early Bird and Regular registration. The difference between the two registration rates is the amount of the remaining balance and the date that balance is due.
Room and occupancy pricing is as follows:
Working Girl Room — Single Occupancy: Early Bird $3,800 | Regular $4,000
Luxury Room — Single Occupancy: Early Bird $4,150 | Regular $4,350
Suite — Single Occupancy: Early Bird $4,400 | Regular $4,600
Luxury Room — Shared by Two Workshop Participants: Early Bird $3,500 per person | Regular $3,700 per person
Suite — Shared by Two Workshop Participants: Early Bird $3,600 per person | Regular $3,800 per person
Non-Workshop Traveling Companion: $650
Your place in the workshop is not guaranteed until the $1,000 deposit has been received.
All payments are made through the Art Makers website. Major credit cards are accepted.
TRAVELING COMPANIONS
A non-workshop traveling companion may accompany a registered participant for an additional $650.
The companion fee includes accommodations in the participant’s room and daily breakfast.
The companion fee does not include airport transportation, workshop instruction, excursions, lunches, dinners, or other workshop activities unless specifically stated otherwise.
A traveling companion may not participate in workshop instruction or workshop activities unless separately registered as a workshop participant.
CANCELLATION & REFUND
If you need to cancel your workshop registration, please contact AMD directly in writing.
Prior to December 31, 2026:
Cancellation requests received prior to December 31, 2026, are eligible for a refund of all amounts paid, less a $100 administrative fee.This cancellation policy applies equally to the $1,000 registration deposit and any additional balance payments already made. Early Bird and Regular registrations are subject to the same cancellation policy.
After December 31, 2026:
Cancellation requests received after December 31, 2026, are nonrefundable. No exceptions.TRANSFERRING, SELLING OR WAIT LIST TRANSFER
Transferring or Selling:
If you must cancel your enrollment and wish to transfer or sell your workshop registration to someone you know, you must notify AMD.You may transfer your registration to another person, but you are responsible for recovering any money already paid on your behalf to AMD. Registration for the transferee will not be valid until all required information and payments have been received and AMD has confirmed the transfer.
Wait List:
If a wait list develops for the workshop, AMD will contact interested parties in the order in which they placed their names on the list.If you are unable to attend and wish to transfer your registration to someone on the wait list, you may do so through AMD. You remain responsible for recovering any money already paid on your behalf to AMD. Registration for the new participant will not be valid until all required information and payments have been received and AMD has confirmed the transfer.
WORKSHOP CANCELLATION OR POSTPONEMENT BY AMD
Cancellation:
AMD reserves the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of 8 participants is not reached. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, or for any other reason, AMD also reserves the right to cancel the workshop.If AMD cancels the workshop, all amounts paid by registered participants will be refunded in full, including both deposits and any balance payments.
Postponement:
If it is necessary to postpone the workshop, all registrants will be contacted and will have the option of receiving a full refund or applying their payment to the new event date.WHAT'S INCLUDED / WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR COURSE FEE
Includes:
Transportation to and from León, Mexico (BJX) or Querétaro, Mexico (QRO) airports. Both airports are approximately 1½ hours from San Miguel de Allende. Transportation will deliver you to Casa de la Noche.
7 nights at Casa de la Noche
6 days of workshop instruction
Margarita party on the first evening at Casa de la Noche
7 breakfasts
3 lunches
2 dinners, including one cooking-class meal and one farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Two excursions plus transportation
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Travel insurance
Travel documentation or travel medical expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
POLICIES AND OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Communication
All communication from AMD will be via email. Please check your email regularly for changes and updates to workshop schedules, travel information, and other important details.
Emails of this nature may occasionally land in your spam or junk folder, so please check those folders regularly, especially as the event approaches.
From time to time, it may be necessary to mail information directly to you via USPS, so please maintain an updated physical and online address with AMD.
Passport
Check Passport Validity: Confirm your passport's expiration date. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure and return date.
Research Your Destination: Check the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisories for Mexico and review current entry requirements, local laws, and travel information before your trip.
Trip & Travel Medical Insurance
Due to the location and expense involved in traveling to this event, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance in case of unforeseen delays, illness, flight disruptions, or cancellation of the workshop.
Your domestic health insurance, including Medicare, may offer limited or no coverage overseas. Travel medical insurance may be especially important if you have pre-existing conditions, are traveling for an extended period, or plan to participate in activities outside the workshop.
It is the participant's responsibility to understand the coverage provided by their insurance policy and to determine whether additional travel or medical insurance is appropriate.
VISITING SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO
We want your trip to San Miguel de Allende to be an amazing experience and will do everything we can to ensure a delightful experience for all attendees. As with any travel experience, however, circumstances can arise that are outside of our control.
Outside of our commitments to you regarding the workshop itself, our obligations to you are limited. Please do everything you can to prepare yourself for a successful and enjoyable trip by taking note of the following:
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico at approximately 6,300 feet above sea level. The elevation can affect some visitors, particularly during physical activity. Please be aware of your exertion, hydration, and alcohol intake.
Temperatures are generally pleasant during the day, while evenings can be considerably cooler.
Mexican culture loves to celebrate, and intermittent fireworks may occur around the city. If you are sensitive to noise, each room at Casa de la Noche is equipped with ear plugs, or you may wish to bring another option that works for you.
San Miguel's historic cobblestone streets can be uneven and challenging to navigate. Good walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Casa de la Noche has a water filtration system in place, and the water at the hotel is safe to drink.
Casa de la Noche is a smoke-free and pet-free establishment.
While most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, smaller merchants and market vendors may require pesos. Tips for transportation services and hotel staff may be accepted in U.S. dollars, but pesos are preferred.
When entering Mexico, Customs does not allow fresh fruit or vegetables. Please familiarize yourself with current Mexican Customs rules and regulations before traveling.
RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER
Assumption of Risk
Workshop participant acknowledges and understands that attending an art workshop involves inherent risks, including but not limited to the use of potentially hazardous materials, tools, and equipment, as well as the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents.
Participant voluntarily agrees to assume all the risks, both known and unknown, of personal injury, illness, property damage, or death that may arise from their participation in the workshop.
Waiver and Release of Liability
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the workshop, the workshop participant, as listed below, on behalf of themselves and their heirs, assigns, and personal representatives, hereby releases, forever discharges, and holds harmless Art Makers Denver, Inc., and its owners, agents, and representatives (“Released Parties”) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, and causes of action, of whatever kind or nature, including those arising from the negligence of the Released Parties, which may arise from or in connection with the participant's involvement in the workshop.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Art Makers Denver, Inc. (AMD) will make every effort to notify your Emergency Contact in the event of a serious illness or accident during your AMD workshop.
By accepting these Terms + Conditions, I give AMD permission to seek emergency medical treatment, as required on my behalf, if notification of my Emergency Contact is impossible.
AMD does not guarantee a successful medical outcome, and I accept the inherent risks of seeking emergency medical care, including possible adverse events. I am financially responsible for any medical or legal bills that may be incurred because of emergency medical treatment.
AMD will make every reasonable effort to minimize risks but cannot guarantee against circumstances over which it has little or no control.
If I have an existing injury or medical condition about which medical personnel should be informed prior to attending an AMD workshop, I will notify AMD representatives in writing. I understand, however, that AMD representatives are not legally obligated to act on that information or provide any medical service whatsoever.
ART WORKSHOP PHOTO AND MEDIA RELEASE
I understand and agree to the following:
Photographs and/or videos may be used for AMD promotional and educational purposes, including advertising, social media, and the Art Makers website.
I will not receive compensation from AMD for the use of my image, voice, or artwork.
I waive the right to inspect or approve the final product in which my image, voice, or artwork may be used.
I release AMD from claims related to the use of such media, including claims related to libel or invasion of privacy.
AGREEMENT
By completing registration and accepting these Terms + Conditions, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the conditions set forth in these Terms + Conditions and the Risk and Liability Waiver.
You will not be considered registered until these Terms + Conditions have been accepted and your $1,000 deposit has been received.
Art Makers reserves the right to update logistical details of the workshop, including schedules, excursions, meals, and activities, when necessary. Any material changes to the registration terms or financial obligations will be communicated to participants.
Registered Business Address:
Art Makers Denver, Inc.
1302 S. Edison Way
Denver, CO 80222