Learn the techniques behind an historic style of Mexican jewelry in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities. A seam of silver runs through Guanajuato’s bedrock, history, and culture. Rich mineral deposits led to the city’s founding in the 16th century and a massive silver vein discovered in 1750 funded many of the stunning Baroque buildings that have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
That opulence is also reflected in Guanajuato’s personal adornments. Our class will focus on a distinctively baroque style developed during Guanajuato’s colonial period. For joyería pajarito or “little bird jewelry,” “ …brooches and earrings are built up on several planes…the surfaces all naturalistically tooled and all held together with wire tendrils. On this flowery mass a small bird perches, its wings incrusted with turquoise and its eye a ruby-red stone…The floral design is then riveted to an architectural framework of scrolls and broken curves with tear shaped drops” (Mary L. Davis, Mexican Jewelry).
Our instructor Francisco García-Guevara is a master jeweler who learned the style from his own father. Students will work in silver to creative a pendant with several layers and elements, experiencing sandcasting, die-stamping, chasing, engraving, patination, and soldering.
We’ll attend class each weekday until 2pm, then break for lunch and sightseeing, including a group tour one afternoon after class. Our hotel for the week is a restored 18th-century house just minutes from the studio. From this central location it’s easy to enjoy Guanajuato’s renowned music, theater, restaurants, and winding cobblestone streets. Prerequisite: Some silver soldering experience.
Please note: Guanajuato is extremely hilly. This trip is not appropriate for travelers who have difficulty climbing stairs or walking distances over uneven terrain.
OPTIONAL: For an additional fee, students may add on a tool making workshop on Sunday, February 2; details will be sent upon registration for Study Abroad: Pajarito Jewelry.
CLASS FEE: $1750
INCLUDED IN CLASS FEE
7 nights hotel in a private room
5 days of instruction (25 hours) and workshop materials
1 field trip
2 group dinners
AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
If the trip has not reached minimum enrollment by December 7, it will be canceled. Should Pratt cancel the trip due to under-enrollment, registration fees will be refunded in full. We will notify students when the class reaches minimum enrollment and suggest making no non-refundable travel plans until that time, or until notified that the class has filled.
PAYMENT DATES
$875 deposit due upon registration
$875 final payment due by November 22, 2019
REFUND POLICY
25% of the trip fee is non-refundable for withdrawal until December 19, 2019
50% is non-refundable for withdrawal between December 20, 2019 – January 22, 2020
100% is non-refundable for withdrawal after January 22, 2020
