Suspending Classes for Now

2011-02-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

Regrettably I'm suspending further promotion of art classes at my bodega in Chapala. It's a good idea in a great location that been crushed by all the worldwide press over the drug wars in Mexico. I thought we were in a safe zone but the problems have even come to Guadalajara and Chapala. It's to much to ask someone to come to Mexico given all the uncertainty. Even though the art school is postponed i will continue to use the bodega as a personal studio. I have no qualms about living in Mexico. Everyday I see happy people, kids playing, mothers with babies, blue skies and a work-a-day village going about its affairs. So I'm quite content and will most likely be here in Chapala to give you a welcome and a studio tour if you decide to visit Mexico. Until then I want to thank you for your support and interest.
Hasta Luego,
Billy King
Chapala Jalisco MEXICO
February 23, 2011

Art School Mexico vs Chapala Art School

2010-07-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering about the title?They are the same thing really. I'm using Art School Mexico for the search engines but realistically we are the Chapala Art School. That's because the school is located in my warehouse art studio in Chapala which is located on the north shore of Mexico's largest lake, Lake Chapala. The town is municipal capitol for the area and as such has a white gloved traffic cop on duty everyday. The city hall is located in a refurbished hotel 1/2 block from the lake. Across the street is the main cathedral and then the public access boardwalk called the Malecon. The whole lakefront area, here in Chapala as well as in the neighboring towns of Ajijic and Jocotepec has been radically renovated of late; the boardwalk Malecon now rivals Puerto Vallarta's Malecon as both have sweeping views, public sculptures, sand beaches and strolling musicians.

The next town over is Ajijic which is the geographic center for the large retirement community that lives along the shores of Lake Chapala. Lots of medical facilities, a great English books library on the grounds of the Lake Chapala Society, a museum and a lively Weds street market make Ajijic home for thousands of ex-pats. Guadalajara is a 450 year old city with major everything. Including the incredible murals of Orozco. Guadadalajara is just 45 minutes from Chapala with a bus running every 20 minutes. The nearby town of Tonala is especially crowded on Thursdays and Sundays when everything moves out onto the streets. The airport is situated halfway between Chapala and GDL; when you arrive just grab a cab to the art school, we'll help you get settled. Rooms in Chapala start at about $20 a night for a clean 1 star hotel room and even a nice 2 or 3 star B&B will be under $50. In some cases rooms in private homes can be arranged for even less money. So a daily budget of food, lodging and beer shouldn't run more than $40-50 a day and with a little effort on your part it can be lots less. Mexico is affordable, sunny and warm.

Mexicans themselves are very hospitable and always willing to over look any gaps in language, social customs or behavior. Many speak some rudimentary English so while you may not be able to discuss philosophy don't worry; all your day-to-day tasks and requests will be handled graciously.

Alaska Airlines offers 2 free bags on flights to and from Guadalajara or Mexico City and a 3rd bag for a nominal charge. So that means you can load up on the art supplies in one bag, put your clothes and etc in the other bag and still have one bag left over to take out purchases and finished artworks. Do bring all the supplies you can afford. There are local art supplies but as with most things in Mexico it will take time to track them down and make the purchase. Definitely bring your own brushes. Water based oils are good, acrylics fine, its possible to paint on paper that is 2 ply or better, just bring what you can, we'll fill in with local product where necessary. in general there's very little that you can't buy in Mexico although a pair of broken-in walking shoes is a good thing to have. Drugstores are everywhere, the current out of the wall socket is like the USA, just don't expect a Starbuck's or a McDonalds, that we don't have. In Guadalajara, si.. pero Chapala no.