What does art journaling actually mean here?
Every drawing, painting and mixed media piece you make on the trip goes into one sketchbook, so it all stays together in one place. The book fills in order, so it ends up as a record of the twelve days and as a collection of art at the same time. You'll work from the markets, the textiles, the courtyards, the coastline and whatever else catches you.
What level do I need to be at?
Artists of all levels. Whether you're starting your first art journal or you've been making art for years, the instruction includes one-on-one guidance, so Brie, Dafni and Eleanor teach you at the level you're at.
What will be in my sketchbook by the end?
That depends on you, and the sources are the same for everyone: the murals and markets of Oaxaca City, a block print you carved yourself, textile pattern, food, the pool, the palms and the Pacific. Plus whatever comes out of the art demos in Oaxaca and the art classes at the house on the coast.
Do I need to bring art supplies?
No. All supplies are included, and everything you make goes in one sketchbook. Bring anything you personally can't paint without, and leave the rest at home.
How do the two destinations split?
Four nights in Oaxaca City first, February 1 through the morning of February 5. Then seven nights in Puerto Escondido, February 5 to 12. Oaxaca is the city half: murals, markets, studios, food. Puerto Escondido is the beach half: art classes, pool, ocean, private chef.
How does the drive between them work?
The group leaves Oaxaca City together at 10:30am on Friday February 5 and drives 3 to 4 hours to Puerto Escondido. In-country transportation is included. The rest of that day is for settling in, with a light snack and a welcome dinner at the house at five.
What are the rooms and bathrooms like?
In Oaxaca City you're in villa-style apartments with air conditioning, walkable to the markets and cafés. In Puerto Escondido you're in spacious resort-style rooms on the beach, also with air conditioning. Most of the bathrooms on this retreat are shared, and there is no separate private-bathroom price. The exact configuration for your room is confirmed with you after you register, and you can email info@milanartinstitute.com before then if you want to know more.
What does a shared room mean, and who do I share with?
A shared room means you and one other artist from the retreat, with a shared bathroom, at $4,400. We confirm roommates after registration. If there's someone you'd like to share with, email info@milanartinstitute.com and we'll pair you.
Can I bring my partner?
Yes. Book a private room at $4,900 and add $3,200 for the partner or friend sharing the bed. Any of the seven private rooms can be a couple's room. They don't need to be an artist, and they don't take one of the fifteen artist spots.
Which meals are covered?
Three meals a day, for the whole twelve days. The day by day on this page shows the times the group sits down together, and there's free time built in so you can also go and eat your way through Oaxaca City, which is the foodie capital of Mexico.
What happens during free time?
Day four in Oaxaca is a free day to explore, shop and make art, and the evenings of days two and three are free as well. On the coast most afternoons are free art time, with a free afternoon on day ten and a free afternoon on day eleven after the critique. Some people draw, some swim, some go into town.
How much do surf lessons and horseback riding cost?
Both are optional and carry an extra cost that isn't set yet. We'll confirm the prices and how to book them before the trip.
Are whale sightings guaranteed on the boat tour?
No. The whale watching boat tour is on the morning of day eight, and whales and dolphins are wild animals, so nobody can promise you'll see one. Mornings on the shoreline are another chance.
How physically demanding is this?
It includes walking, exploring towns with uneven streets, going up and down hills, carrying your own luggage when needed, and a 3 to 4 hour drive from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido. All artists are welcome, and we'd rather you know all of that now so you can prepare.
Which airport do I fly into, and are transfers included?
In-country transportation is included, and airport transfers on the last day leave at 10:30am on Friday February 12. The airport to book into and the day one arrival window are still being confirmed, and they go out before registration opens.
Can I fly home out of Oaxaca instead?
Some people prefer to fly out of Oaxaca rather than Puerto Escondido, and we can arrange the drive back for you. It sits outside the retreat: from the moment the group's airport transfers leave on February 12, your hotel, your food and the rest of your trip are your own. Tell us before you book flights and we'll help you sort the drive.
Can I come on my own?
Yes, and plenty do. The shared room at $4,400 is built for it. You eat with the group, and the days are structured, so there's no stretch where you're left to work out what to do with yourself.
How does the waitlist work?
Leave your email on this page. When registration opens we email the waitlist the link first. There are 15 spots, at $4,900 for a private room and $4,400 for a shared room. Joining the waitlist doesn't commit you to anything and there's nothing to pay.
Do I need a passport, and what about entry requirements?
Yes, you need a valid passport. Mexico's entry requirements depend on your nationality and they change, so checking the current rules for your own passport is on you. Check with the Mexican consulate or your own government before you book flights.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it. The retreat fee is non-refundable, so if illness or something at home stops you traveling, a trip insurance policy is what protects the money you've put in. Compare policies yourself and pick one that covers the reasons you'd actually need to cancel.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
All sales for in-person events, including workshops, retreats, intensives, and other experiences, are final. We do not offer refunds or credit for cancellations or no-shows. Funds cannot be transferred to another event.
By registering for any in-person event, you are agreeing to this policy and helping us maintain a smooth and well-prepared event experience for all.
