Rio Chama Weekend Workshops – 2009

Weekends May-August (depending on water levels) – Take advantage of Santa Fe's proximity to one of the most beautiful spots in New Mexico, the Rio Chama above Lake Abiquiu, in the heart of O'Keeffe country.

A combination of adventure, beauty, and art instruction awaits intrepid artists, who will be on the river Saturday, paddling and sketching, and in a more formal workshop session Sunday with paints and brushes. You must make a paid reservation by 5 pm on the Tuesday before the trip.

Saturday morning, the trip begins early (we leave on the bus at 8 am). We meet at 1103 Cerrillos Rd., near the intersection of Cordova Rd. and Cerrillos Rd., behind the Phillips 66 gas station and Rainbow Snow stand. Look for the blue and white Kokopelli Rafting sign. From there we transfer by private van to the Rio Chama, where we unload the boats and start our journey down the river. The art instructors (who vary throughout the season) are qualified, respected artists who have chosen Santa Fe as their residence.

While on the river, we stop to sketch what we will later paint in the Sunday morning workshop. Our instructor is there to guide you during the day. All art supplies and equipment are provided. This stretch of the Chama River is easily accessible and offers exciting class II and sometimes III rapids, enough to have fun without being an expert. We may see Canadian Geese and Ducks, and maybe other wildlife, depending on the season.

The rock formations all around are a feast for the eyes, with colors ranging from white to pink to red. High mesas dominate most of the ride and there we can see the forces of wind, rain and sun at work while quietly floating down the river. We will be on the water approximately 4-5 hours (bring sunscreen), including time for instruction. We return to Santa Fe in late afternoon or early evening, where you are free to rest and enjoy what the City Different has to offer in dining and entertainment.

Recommended Personal Packing List

Sunday morning we meet at Santa Café for breakfast (included) and the art workshop, working in oil. There, our instructor discusses the transition from sketch to painting. Again, we provide all the equipment and supplies needed. After a couple of hours, we put our brushes down and for those who desire, have brunch (not included in workshop price). Take your painting with you to finish later, or if already complete, to enjoy at home with friends and family.

TOTAL COST: $347 | Make Reservation»

Includes all transfers, rafting trip on the Chama, art instruction, all materials for workshop, lunch on day of rafting, breakfast on Sunday.

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