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Meet Your Instructor
Darlene Olivia McElroy
"For me, creating art is like reading Turkish coffee grounds. A story is revealed as I look at the surface, texture, and color. Moving around the canvas, I can see the past, present and future of the creation."
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Darlene Olivia McElroy comes from an old New Mexico family of artists, musicians and inventors. She is a mad scientist of art techniques and is continually exploring new surfaces, materials and techniques.
Throughout her career McElroy has combined heart and soul in her journey of creating evocative mixed-media paintings. Trained as a painter and illustrator, she has an obsession for materials, passion for dreamlike imagery, and love of new technologies, which she uses to immerse herself in richly textured surfaces, mixtures of old and new, and brilliant and subdued tones. And always, there is a face or symbol of humanity that serves as a guide into mysterious layers which challenge reason and draw upon emotions.
After her schooling at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA, she has worked as an artist, illustrator, art teacher and author. Her work as an international illustrator won many awards and articles and took her to Paris for two years. On her return to the states, she taught college level fine art and computer software classes both In Southern California and Santa Fe, NM.
McElroy has written five art technique books, published by F&W Publications (now Penguin Random House). They have been translated into five languages and are used as teaching tools in many schools around the world. She also has produced many art technique DVDs, and her work has been featured in numerous books and magazines both here and abroad.
In addition, she has curated and judged numerous shows and was an active participant in Contemporary Hispanic Market in Santa Fe for many years. Currently she is working on a series, Cast of Characters, of multi-racial portraits.
Her work is represented at La Posada in Santa Fe, NM, Galeria San Francisco in San Miguel de Allende, MX, Galeria Pez Gordo in Los Cabos, MX, as well as two other New Mexico galleries and an online gallery. In addition, her paintings can be found in corporate, civic and educational institutions and private collections globally.
To learn more, visit her website at DarleneOliviaMcElroy.com
Retreat Details
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Dates: March 22 – 29, 2026 (6 days)
Medium: Mixed Media
Skill Level: All
8-12 Students
Collage, assemblage, and mixed media can be traced back hundreds of years, but those techniques made a dramatic return in the early 20th century during the Cubism period, as embodied by Braque, Picasso, and Ernst.
Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery using these techniques. You'll find out how to incorporate textures, color combinations, and images into your acrylic and mixed media painting. You'll discover how to unite disparate elements such as papers, paint skins, dimensional objects, and more to create new art that's greater than the sum of its parts.
The addition of text, objects, photographs, and cut paper enables us to tell stories on a much deeper level than a straightforward painting. It inspires us to be lighthearted, provocative, profound, and experimental—an environment where anything goes!
We will be exploring abstracting the figure by eliminating, covering up, and adding. We will do a project a day with numerous practical demos such as multiple image transfers, glues, casting, alternative techniques and, yes, some lively conversation as well. Afternoons will be a time to work on your projects and will include instructor-led demos and demos on demand. Among these demos will be casting with paint, gluing this to that, creating and adding dimensional objects.
By the end of this workshop, participants will have created their own delightful memory of this wonderful city. All levels of experience are encouraged to attend!
Day 1: The Mind’s Eye
Theme: Creating the Story in Art
Morning Session:
Introduction to storytelling in art and abstracting the figure. We will start with a warm up exercise before we create a Three Step Masterpiece (which we will be adding to this piece as the workshop progresses).
Afternoon Session:
Activity: A color sketching field trip with Rhoda Draws around El Centro. These sketches will be incorporated into your art. I recommend ending it with a Mango Daiquiri, chips & guacamole at Mamma Mia’s.
Day 2: Milagro Hands
Theme: Expressing Your Soul
Morning Session:
Introduction to collage & casting: We will be creating three Milagro hands – one to paint and collage and the others to embellish. We will also be covering gluing this to that, and why and when to use which glue.
Afternoon Session:
Activity: Visit the studio of Lena Bartula (Huipilista) – a contemporary huipil artist using recycled fabric and objects.
Day 3: Creating a Contemporary Mini Huipil
Theme: The intention
Morning Session:
We will be cutting out the shape of your huipil, painting, embellishing it and adding the hanger to it.
Afternoon Session:
Material Gathering Activity: Mining the objects for their metaphorical possibilities. A hands-on scavenging hunt to collect found objects from the surrounding town of San Miguel—small wood, metal, or anything small that could be added to your paintings
Mushroom Vintage – Calle Hidalgo near Plaza Principal
Curated vintage shop with curious small items, metal fragments, and antique parts.Mercado de Artesanías Lucas Balderas – Lucas Balderas #17
Rows of artisan stalls selling ceramics, woven goods, broken tiles, discarded crafts.Calle Hidalgo / Relox / La Luz corridor – explore antique shops for wood scraps, fragments, small fixtures.
Two Nameless Holes-in-the-Wall across from the Insituto
Day 4: Back to Painting
Theme: Adding the “pop” to your art
Morning Session:
Introduction to incorporating images/sketches into a background.: We will use your sketches or images transfers of San Miguel to visually document your time here. We will also add collage to your Three Step Masterpiece. Besides image transfers, we will work with gampi tissue.
Afternoon Session:
Activity: Studio time to work on your projects plus there will be demos on demand.
Day 5: Contemporary Velvet Painting
Theme: Creating the Future from the Past
Morning session:
Introduction: History of velvet painting, the velvet painting museum. What you create in this session can be added to your huipil, paintings - or it can be a stand alone piece.
Afternoon Session:
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 6: The Triumph of Art
Theme: Looking with a critical eye & finishing off your art
Morning session:
Do any finishing on your art, demos on demand (will be available) and layout your art for the afternoon’s presentation.
Afternoon Session:
Invite local artists, friends, and curious neighbors for an informal open studio.
Each student/artist will have a chance to present what they accomplished and talk about it and what they learned. -
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 - Studio time in Glass Room.
Lunch - Noon to approx. 1 p.m.
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (approx.) – Color Sketching Field Trip around El Centro
6:30 p.m. - Cooking Class dinner at Casa de la Noche
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. - Noon - Studio time in Glass Room
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Field Trip
Lunch is on your own
Dinner is on your own
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to Noon – Studio time in Glass Room
Lunch - Noon to approx. 1 p.m.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (approx.) - Gathering Trip
Dinner is on your own
Day 5 (Thursday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Studio time in Glass Room
Lunch is on your own
Dinner is on your own
Day 6 (Friday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. - Noon - Studio time in Art Room
Noon - 4 p.m. (approx.) - Fabrica la Aurora
* Lunch is on your own, but the group will eat at the restaurant in Fabrica la Aurora
Dinner is on your own
Day 7 (Saturday)
Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
9 a.m. - Noon - Studio time in Glass Room
Noon to 1 p.m. - Lunch
4 p.m. - Open Studio/Discussion
6 p.m. - Farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Day 7 (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/from Leon, Mexico (BJX) or Queretaro, Mexico (QRO) airports (both are approx. 1½ hour ride to San Miguel de Allende). You will be dropped off at the entrance of Casa de la Noche.
7 nights at Casa de la Noche
6 days of workshop instruction at Casa de la Noche
Margarita party on first evening at Casa de la Noche
All breakfasts (7 days), Lunch (3 days), Dinner (2 days – includes 1 cooking class meal and one farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Two tour excursions (TBD) plus transportation
DOES NOT include:
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Travel documentation or travel medical expenses
Other 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 fourteen 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.
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.
Paloma Loft
The air-conditioned Paloma Loft is on the second floor of the Besitos Garden complex and has a balcony overlooking the garden courtyard. In addition to a small bath with shower, it also has a mini-kitchen and access to an open terrace and enclosed atelier. Configurable with two twin beds or one king size bed. This room connects to the open-air meeting space which can be used for art, yoga, dance or other workshops.
First Kiss Room
The First Kiss room has a queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art and has an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower. It has a view of the distant hills and a glorious jacaranda tree from the bath and bedroom windows. Along with the Kiss Me Again Room, it shares the Besos Grande area of the house, sharing a common living room and kitchen. The shared living area has a TV, air conditioning, and a fireplace.
Kiss Me Again Room
Also part of the Besos Grande area of the house, the Kiss Me Again room is air-conditioned and it overlooks the bordello’s original dancing pavilion. It can be made up as twin beds or one king bed. It has a working gas fireplace and hand-painted tiles in the en-suite bath with shower. Original art, high beamed ceilings, and a delightful view contribute to a charming experience throughout your stay.
La Turca’s
La Turca’s Suite has a Queen-size bed, antique armoire and original art from well-known artists. It features an en-suite bathroom with tub, double sinks and separate shower. It has a beautiful stained-glass window in the bathroom that affords light and privacy. The bedroom has an ornamental fireplace, seating for two, and a small table. Wi-Fi, cable TV, purified water, small fridge, microwave, and in-floor heating keep this room comfortable.
Hummingbird Room
Along with the Mariposa and Dragon Fly rooms, The Hummingbird room is part of the Besitos Garden area, sharing a common kitchen and sala area with fireplace, TV, and wireless internet. Situated around a secluded, pretty garden, The Hummingbird is an air-conditioned room with a king or two twins and faces out into the garden. It has a private bath with tiled shower. Santa Fe styling and original art give this ground floor room a nice flair.
Mariposa Room
Along with the Hummingbird and Dragon Fly rooms, The Mariposa room is part of the Besitos Garden area, sharing a common kitchen and sala area with fireplace, TV, and wireless internet. The Mariposa room, with its large arched windows facing the Garden, is perfect for an artist or nature lover. It may be made up as a king or two twin beds and a private bath with shower. It is located on the ground floor across from the Besitos Garden Kitchen and Sala.
Dragon Fly Room
The Dragon Fly room is the third and final member of the lovely Besitos Garden area. It’s also an air-conditioned room that faces out into the courtyard and has 2 twin beds or one king and private en-suite bathroom with Mexican-tiled bathtub and overhead shower. It is adjacent to the Besitos Garden Kitchen and Sala.
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.
Important Considerations
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Golden or Liquitex soft gel matte – small container
Small set of acrylic paints
5 brushes of various sizes (I will have some, but they may not be what you prefer)
Glues
Glue (GH1200 57 Grams (2 oz) 100/1500 CPS (Thin/Thick)
Super Glue All Purpose with Anti Clog Cap
Ca Glue - Adhesive SuperGlue.
Cyanoacrylate Glue for Hard Plastics, DIY Craft, Metal 1 Oz Each)
300# watercolor paper (cut in ½ to fit in your suitcase)
Multimedia Artboards (1pack of black, 1 of white - https://multimediaartboard.com/And cheaper on Blick: https://www.dickblick.com/products/multimedia-artboards/
Sharpies
Small objects (for the casting, collage projects)
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REGISTRATION, PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS (Art Makers Denver, Inc. is referred to as “AMD”)
REGISTRATION
Registration is First Come – First Served: Since workshop space is limited to 12 students, placement will be determined solely on the order in which your registration deposit is received.
ROOM RESERVATIONS
During registration, you will choose a room to your liking. Room reservations are on a First Come – First Served basis. Room sharing with other attendees is not an option, but if you are traveling with a significant other (not attending the workshop), there will be an additional cost of $500.
PAYMENTS
Course Fee: $4200
Deposit: A deposit of $800 is due at time of registration along with the acceptance of AMD’s Terms and Conditions. All deposits will be paid through the AMD website at time of registration. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex or Discover). Your spot in this workshop is not guaranteed without a paid deposit of $800.
Balance Due: The remaining balance of the course fee of $3400 (if still outstanding) will be invoiced and due by December 31, 2025. The invoice will include a link so the balance can be paid on-line. Please contact us if you need to make other payment arrangements.
CANCELLATION & REFUND
If you need to cancel your workshop, please contact us directly at info@artmakersdenver.com or call 303-263-6963.
Prior to Cut-Off Date: Prior to December 31, 2025, any cancellation request must be made in writing and is effective upon receipt of cancellation request. Your $800 deposit is refundable less a $100 Administration Fee prior to the cut-off date of December 31, 2025.
After Cut-Off Date: If cancellation request is received after the cut-off date of 12/31/25 any registration deposit or other fees paid CANNOT BE REFUNDED – NO EXCEPTIONS!
TRANSFERRING, SELLING, WAIT LIST TRANSFER
Transferring or Selling: If you must cancel your enrollment and wish to transfer (or sell) your workshop(s) to someone you know, you MUST notify AMD. You may transfer your registration to them but will be responsible for recovering any money already paid on your behalf to AMD. Registration for the transferee will not be valid until all money transfers are complete and a Statement of Satisfaction by both parties has been received.
Wait List: If a wait list develops for the workshop, AMD will contact the interested parties in the order they placed their name on the list. You may transfer your registration to them but will be responsible for recovering any money already paid on your behalf to AMD. Registration for that person will not be valid until all money transfers are complete and a Statement of Satisfaction by both parties has been received.
WORKSHOP CANCELLATION OR POSTPONEMENT BY AMD
Cancellation: AMD reserves the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of participants fails to reach its threshold. In case of unforeseen circumstances, or for any other reason whatsoever, AMD reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event. Should cancellation by AMD occur, all registrants will be contacted, and payments will be returned in full.
Postponement: If it is necessary to postpone the workshop, all registrants will be contacted and will have the option of 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/from Leon, Mexico (BJX) or Queretaro, Mexico (QRO) airports (both are approx. 1½ hour ride to San Miguel de Allende). You will be dropped off at the entrance of Casa de la Noche.
7 nights at Casa de la Noche
6 days of workshop instruction at Casa de la Noche
Marguerita party on first evening at Casa de la Noche
All breakfasts (7 days), Lunch (3 days), Dinner (2 days – includes 1 cooking class meal and one farewell dinner at Casa de la Noche
Two tour excursions (TBD) 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 emails regularly for any changes and/or updates to the workshop schedules. Sometimes, emails of this nature could possibly land in your spam or junk file, so please check that frequently, especially as we approach the event! From time to time, it may be necessary to mail information directly to you via USPS, so it is imperative to maintain an updated physical and on-line address with us.
Passport:
Check Passport Validity: Confirm your passport's expiration date. Many countries require a passport 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 your destination's entry requirements, local laws, and safety conditions.
Trip & Travel Medical Insurance: Due to the location and expense to travel to this event, we HIGHLY recommend you obtain travel insurance in case of any unforeseen reasons for delays or cancellation of your flights or the workshop.Your domestic health insurance, including Medicare, may offer limited or no coverage overseas. Travel medical insurance is especially important if you have pre-existing conditions, are traveling for more than six months, or are doing adventure activities. Here is one option: https://abctrips.com/travelinsurance
VISITING SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO
We want your trip to San Miguel to be amazing and will do everything we can to ensure a delightful experience for all attendees, but as we all know – things happen! Outside of our commitment to you in terms of workshop expectations, our obligations to you are limited. Please do everything you can to prepare yourself for a successful workshop by taking note of the following:
It is your responsibility to make sure you are in adequate physical shape and in good health to solely take care of yourself during this trip. Located in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is around 6300’ above sea level, which provides for very pleasant weather year-round – but thinner air! Please be aware of your exertion, hydration and alcohol intake levels! The average highs are in the 70s, while evenings can be much cooler in the 40s.
The Mexican culture loves to celebrate so there are intermittent fireworks that go off around the city. If you are sensitive to these noises, each room is equipped with a set of ear plugs, or you may want to consider bringing a different option that works for you.
Often referred to as the City of Fallen Ladies, the quaint cobblestone streets prove to be difficult to navigate unless you have good walking shoes.
Casa de la Noche does have a water filtration in place, so it is safe to drink the water at the hotel.
Casa de la Noche is a smoke-free and pet-free establishment.
While most establishments (hotels and restaurants) can accept major credit cards, the smaller merchant and market vendors will require pesos. Tips for transportation services (BajioGo. Ride and Taxis) and hotel staff might accept US dollars, but pesos are preferred.
When entering Mexico, Customs will not allow fresh fruit or vegetables. Please be sure to familiarize yourself on Customs rules and regulations when entering Mexico as to not incur any delays in the rest of your travel schedule.
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 (such as paint, solvents, cutting tools, and kilns), 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 person representatives, hereby release 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 Release 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 listed below in the event of a serious illness or accident during your AMD workshop. By signing this waiver, I give AMD permission to seek emergency medical treatment, as required on my behalf, if such notification is impossible.
AMD will not guarantee a successful medical outcome, and I accept the inherent risks of seeking emergency medical care, such as possible adverse events. I am financially responsible for any medical or legal bills that may be incurred because of that emergency medical treatment. AMD will make every effort to minimize the risks inherent but will not guarantee against circumstances over which it has little or no control.
If I have an existing injury(ies) or medical condition(s) about which medical personnel should be informed of prior to attending an AMD workshop, I will notify AMD representatives in writing; however, I understand that agents of AMD are not legally obligated to act on that information in any way or provide any medical service whatsoever to me.
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 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 used by AMD.
I release AMD from claims related to the use of the media, including libel or invasion of privacy.
Agreement
Your signature of this document acknowledged that you have read and agreed to the conditions set forth in this Waiver and AMD’s Terms and Conditions, as part of your registration. You will not be considered “Registered” until this document is executed and your deposit has been received.
Registered Business Address:
Art Makers Denver, Inc.
1302 S. Edison Way
Denver, CO 80222 -
For attendees interested in extending their experience in San Miguel, Casa de la Noche offers options, subject to availability:
https://www.casadelanoche.com/extend-your-trip
Interested? Please connect with the hotel directly:
