ABOUT THE ARTIST: Efren Gonzalez resides with his family in Ajijic, Mexico (his birth place), in a home he built entirely from the sale of his paintings. For years he struggled with the dream of living and supporting his family from his art; a dream he realized everyday, brick by brick. His paintings are intensely alive, full of color, meaning and insights into Mexico.
"Art started with a pencil," Efren says, "almost as soon as I could hold it," and despite a few short detours, the journey to becoming a "working" artist began early.
Leaving the hardships of the days when he peddled his work himself, Efren is now sought after by galleries across North America.
A prodigious painter in all media: oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic. He is equally well known as a muralist having completed his first intricate mural in the 90's and since then many more in his beloved Ajijic. Efren will be teaching in the art patio of Casa de la Noche.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Join us for 6 nights in San Miguel’s historic former Bordello, Casa de la Noche, and experience an exceptional 4-day watercolor residency with Efren Gonzalez.
Included in this package:
Transportation to/from Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports
A welcome margarita and enchilada dinner
Your own private room and private attached bathroom at Casa de la Noche
A daily healthy-start breakfast
A home-made lunch (soup, sandwich, salad, fruit & dessert) during class days
4 all-day oil painting classes with all materials included
A tour of the city
A public art demo and exhibit featuring Efren Gonzalez on our final evening
All taxes and hospitality fees.
This is also an invitation to experience the magic of San Miguel de Allende, the most artistic city in Mexico, recently named by Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure as ”Best Small City in the World”. It is a beautiful place to enjoy collections of paintings and all varieties of art, to walk romantic stone walkways and cobblestoned streets, to explore the history and culture of old Mexico, and to savor fine international dining and local Mexican favorites.
FEES: The cost for this workshop is in three different tiers - based on your room of choice. Pricing ranges from $1850 to $2150 USD.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Day #1 - Sunday - arrival and margarita welcome party and enchilada dinner
Day #2 - Monday - tour around town and free time to roam San Miguel
Day #3 - Tuesday - art classes with Efren
Day #4 - Wednesday - art classes with Efren
Day #5 - Thursday - art classes with Efren
Day #6 - Friday - art classes with Efren and art demo/exhibit - open to the public for sales
Day #7 - Saturday , check out at noon, free day to explore magical San Miguel
YOUR WORKSHOP is held in the famous old San Miguel bordello, CASA DE LA NOCHE. This boutique-style Bed and Breakfast has recently been named “Best of the Best” by TripAdvisor.
Participants choose their own room, first come, first served. Please use our RESERVE NOW button and we will confirm your choice and finalize your deposit. Tiered workshop pricing is below.
We suggest each artist have their own space for this retreat, though you may invite a non-painting spouse or friend to share your room for a $200 USD additional fee. Workshop packages cost is dependent upon room choice. Our Casa has its own art studio, spacious gardens and grounds, guest kitchen, superb location, and original art throughout the property. To learn more about historic Casa de la Noche, please visit our website: www.casadelanoche.com
HOW TO GET HERE
San Miguel de Allende is in the heart of Mexico at 6200 ft elevation. The closest airports are Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) and shuttles or private transportation can be arranged to meet and drive you to Casa de la Noche, a 75-minute drive. You can also fly into Mexico City, a 3 1/2 or 4-hour bus or shuttle ride.
You will need a current passport and a tourist visa (available at the airport upon arrival). Consider travel insurance in case your plans change.
The ATMs in San Miguel accept VISA, MC and other bank debit and credit cards for access to Mexican pesos.
TO JOIN US
Choose the room of your choice and secure this with a $300 USD deposit. Be sure to let us know that you are joining Efren’s Oil Painting Workshop in January 2023. Also advise us if you are bringing a companion to share your room for an additional $200 USD fee. Unless you have a queen bed, you have a choice of king or 2 twin beds. Casa de la Noche will contact you to assist with shuttle service. A second payment of $500 USD is due September 1, 2022. Your final payment will be due December 1, 2022.
QUESTIONS? If you have any workshop questions, please contact Efren Gonzalez (efrengonzalez_art@hotmail.com). If you have any lodging questions please contact us at Casa de la Noche (info@casadelanoche.com; 831-373-8888). If you have concerns about your ability to negotiate steps, please let us know so we can help you choose your accommodation. Our hotel does not have an elevator.
Our Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit is fully refundable for up to one week after reservation. After that week, deposits and further payments are no longer refundable if your space is not filled by another student. Should you cancel and we are able to fill your room with another student, we will refund your deposit less a $100 administrative fee, or a full value gift certificate for your next stay within the year. If the workshop is cancelled by Efren Gonzalez, we will attempt to reschedule for a later date and you will receive priority opportunity to participate at this year’s rates. In the event you can not attend, you will receive a full refund.
In these uncertain times we highly recommend trip insurance.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR ROOM SELECTIONS
All eighteen 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.
Workshop pricing is 3 tiered, based on your room selection. Make your choice from Suites, Luxury or Working Girl options. One artist per room please. Friends, spouse, and partners are welcome with a $200 non-workshop stipend requested to cover non workshop extra expenses for their participation with group activities.
Select from 4 SUITES $2150 USD
room rate includes shuttle service to and from the BJX or QRO airports, a welcome orientation dinner and margaritas on Monday night, daily breakfast, lunches on class days, workshop fees and all painting materials, a town excursion and all taxes.
All suites have kitchenettes, cable television, air conditioning and private en-suite baths.
LA TERRAZA Available now!
This one-bedroom air-conditioned suite has its own plant-filled terrace along with outdoor seating for two. The hand-painted tile kitchenette has many windows with a pretty view, counter seating, and a sitting area with a couch, and coffee table. Cable TV is in the living area. There is a private bath with shower. Two twin beds can be made into a king if preferred.
LA VISTA SUITE Available now!
This third story studio air-conditioned apartment has an open floor plan which includes a kitchenette, table and two chairs, an Equipali couch and chair, and cable TV. A closet separates the king bed (may also be 2 twins) from the main space. There is a private bath with shower. At the rear there are French doors to a second flower-filled terrace with a table and seating for two. For the view-lovers, there is a steep stair to the top-level terrace with 360 degree views.
MADAM’S SUITE Available now!
This one-bedroom air-conditioned apartment has the largest living space with a couch and 2 comfortable chairs facing a large fireplace. The living space also has dining table and seating for 4 as well as a writing desk and cable TV. A talavera-tiled kitchenette has all the basics. The bedroom has a walk-in closet and private tub with overhead shower. Twin beds easily convert to a king-size bed.
PALOMA LOFT Already reserved!
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. The Paloma can be rented 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.
Select from 10 LUXURY ROOMS $2000USD
room rate includes shuttle service to and from the BJX or QRO airports, a welcome orientation dinner and margaritas on Monday night, daily breakfast, lunches on class days, workshop fees and all painting materials, a town excursion and all taxes.
All luxury rooms are distinguished by their size or special amenities. Each is unique and special! There are 2 large shared salas and kitchens for group use..
BESOS GRANDE ROOMS
Besos Grande is an area of the house with 2 independent bedrooms with private baths, sharing a common living room and kitchen. When both bedrooms are rented together the common space is now private for the enjoyment of those rooms only.
When rooms are rented independently, the common areas are open for use by all guests of the house. There is a TV, air conditioning, and a fireplace in the living area.
FIRST KISS ROOM Reserved!
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.
KISS ME AGAIN ROOM Reserved!
The Kiss Me Again air-conditioned room overlooks the bordello’s original dancing pavilion and may 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.
PRIVATE ELEGANCE
The La Turca location is secluded from other rooms, yet central to the hotel on the ground floor. It offers extra privacy and a view of the fountain patio.
LA TURCA’S Already Reserved!
The owner’s former quarters, La Turca’s Suite has a Queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art from well-known Mexican and American painters adorning the walls. It also features an en-suite bathroom with a 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 always comfortable.
Besitos Garden Rooms
These charming Mexican style accommodations all have access to a common kitchen and sala area with fireplace, cable TV, and wireless internet making a perfect accommodation for friendly guest gatherings. All are situated around a secluded, pretty garden.
HUMMINGBIRD ROOM Reserved!
The Hummingbird (Colibri) air-conditioned room is a king or twin-bedded room that 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 Already Reserved!
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 Reserved!
The Dragonfly (Libelula) air-conditioned room 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.
CIELO SUITE ROOMS
These four new rooms are located above the White Lantern Salon. These upscale, contemporary rooms are adult-only and offer private and independent digital-lock entrance for those preferring self check-in.
Each room is decorated with unique local art, king size or 2 twin bed option, smart TV, sumptuous linens, ample closet space, glass enclosed rainfall shower and a small seating area.
LA ESTRELLA ROOM Available now!
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.
LUZ DE LUNA ROOM Available now!
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.
LAS NUBES ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with patio view, air conditioning, original art, Las Nubes ( the clouds) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The King Size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.
LAS BRISAS ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with patio view, air conditioning, original art, Las Birsas (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.
Select from 4 WORKING GIRL ROOMS $1850 USD
room rate includes shuttle service to and from the BJX or QRO airports, a welcome orientation dinner and margaritas on Monday night, daily breakfast, lunches on class days, workshop fees and all painting materials, a town excursion and all taxes.
There are four cozy rooms in the main guest house, each with its own personality, that were once actually used by the working girls of the Bordello. There is a small efficiency kitchen area nearby as well as a common patio area and living areas. These rooms are recommended for single occupancy.
JOVITA ROOM Already Reserved!
The Jovita air-conditioned room is cozy with lots of light and a pleasing view. It has 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 unusual ceremonial masks on the wall. This room has easy access to the Project Room and terrace.
CHIQUITA ROOM Available now!
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 Available now!
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 Available now!
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.
Scroll down to enjoy a few photos of San Miguel de Allende
Come join us for a great watercolor workshop with Efren Gonzalez
and a great visit to San Miguel de Allende!