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Summer Institute – New Mexico

August 4 – August 13* (new!)

*Dates for New Mexico subject to minor change based on availability

Join Montserrat College of Art on a 10-day creative adventure in New Mexico! Led by Montserrat’s faculty, you’ll explore traditional and contemporary artmaking, paint and draw outdoors in stunning desert landscapes, and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant art scene with gallery visits and museum tours. Spark your creativity, expand your practice, and be inspired at every turn!

LOCATION: Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a world-class destination for the arts, blending its Indigenous and Hispanic roots with an innovative contemporary scene. Known for its distinctive adobe architecture and stunning desert landscapes, the city has long inspired artists, writers, and creatives. Santa Fe is full of galleries and museums, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Accommodations and breakfasts
  • Museum and cultural site entrance fees
  • Studio time and supplies
  • Travel to studios, events, and museums
  • Some meals out with faculty
  • Multiple art workshops
  • Outdoor excursions/light hikes
  • Plein air painting, sketches, photography, or making

COST:

  • Single Room: $3,600
  • Shared Double Room: $2,500
  • Deposit to secure your spot is $1,000. Deposit is refundable before June 1, 2025. 

Please note: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Fe, and are required to arrive in time for the beginning of the program, and stay for the duration of the institute. Montserrat College of Art is not responsible for reimbursing participants for their individual transportation costs in the event of trip cancellation.

Registration and deposit deadline: June 1, 2026
Full Payment: June 15, 2026
Refund Request Deadline: July 1, 2026

REGISTER FOR SANTA FE HERE

2026 New Mexico Trip Itinerary

August 4 – August 13, 2026

Discover the rich artistic traditions and contemporary creative energy of Santa Fe, New Mexico with Montserrat College of Art. Over 10 days, you’ll immerse yourself in studio sessions, plein air painting, inspiring museum visits, and the natural beauty that has captivated generations of artists. Guided by Montserrat faculty, this unique program blends structured workshops with opportunities to explore at your own pace.

 

Day 1 – Tuesday, August 4: Arrival & Welcome Evening

  • Independent arrival at hotel.
  • Evening walking “tour” of downtown Santa Fe, get your first taste of the historic plaza and vibrant art district.
  • Join us at our group welcome dinner downtown, setting the stage for your creative journey!

Day 2 – Wednesday, August 5: Downtown Studio Day

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • Dive into your first all-day studio session led by Montserrat faculty, focusing on explore mutli-media making inspired by Santa Fe’s colors and textures.
  • Spend the evening exploration of galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Day 3 – Thursday, August 6: Nature & Museum Inspiration (based on weather) 

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • Hike with us into the surrounding landscape, sketching outdoors to capture desert light and form.
  • After lunch, Montserrat faculty and museum staff will bring us through our exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of art  for further inspiration and deeper conversations about process, practice, and meaning making.

Day 4 – Friday, August 7: Studio Immersion

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • You’re invited to spend the full day in the studio, building on your plein air sketches and museum studies, and media exploration toward larger projects of our choice. Montserrat faculty will be there to facilitate creativity!

Day 5 – Saturday, August 8: Plein Air Painting & Cultural Evening

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • The morning will be dedicated to plein air painting in the striking New Mexico landscape.
  • Our afternoon adventure will be to Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, Santa Fe’s groundbreaking immersive art experience blending sculpture, installation, and storytelling.
  • Join us for a group dinner together at a local hotspot to share experiences and artwork.

Day 6 – Sunday, August : Independent Exploration

  • A full day open for personal exploration.
    • Suggestions: use the provided “New Mexico Cultural Pass” to be inspired by 5 local museums for free, explore Canyon Road’s galleries, or discover local markets and cuisine.

Day 7 – Monday, August 10: Museum Deep Dive

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, exploring the life and work of one of America’s most iconic modern artists.
  • Afternoon trip to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, where you’ll experience the deep traditions, history, and contemporary voices of Native art.
  • The evening is your own, you’re free to rest, sketch, create, or congregate!

Day 8 – Tuesday, August 11: Studio Development

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Downtown studio day, working closely with faculty on your ongoing projects. 

Day 9 – Wednesday, August 12: Final Reflections & Celebration (based on weather) 

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Head out for a light hike or plein air painting session, taking in Santa Fe’s unforgettable landscapes one last time.
  • Return in the afternoon for reflective time to gather your sketches, creations, and creative notes, preparing to share highlights with the group.
  • Evening final celebratory dinner together as  a chance to connect, reflect on your journey, and celebrate the work and friendships formed during your Santa Fe experience.

Day 10 – Thursday, August 13: Departure & Optional Exploration

  • Hotel breakfast and check-out.

An option to join our group downtown for any last-minute shopping, museum visits, or downtown strolling before heading home