Overview:
The Southwest Art Trek (SwAT) is a project-based expedition ideal for aspiring artists and creative people who love to be outdoors. Like our other institute treks, SwAT allows trekkers to dig into their curiosities with first-hand experience. SwAT’s itinerary is carefully crafted by experienced artists to allow for a full realm of exploration from local experts across the Southwest. During three weeks, trekkers will learn art through different cultural perspectives, from Dine (Navajo), Pueblo, Hopi, and Hispanic, to more contemporary artists like Georgia O’Keefe. Trekkers will learn traditional ways of making pottery and weaving, and also have workshops with their pen and paintbrushes.
SwAT will spend about two weeks “on the road,” visiting local artists in New Mexico and Arizona and about one week at our Basecamp. Each year the itinerary varies depending on artist availability and weather, though you can rest assured that there will be plenty of time to learn about different artists’ processes, view finished products, and create abundant art. Throughout the trek, there will be opportunities to create both art individually and as a group.
While at Basecamp, trekkers will have the opportunity to learn new skills as well as the opportunity to try new things like animal tracking, plant identification, mountain biking, Native arts, farming, cooking, music, and rock climbing. The exact specialties of our staff vary from year to year, but we always have an incredibly talented and knowledgeable team that is excited to introduce trekkers to new skills as well as offer deeper exploration for those already familiar with a topic.
Expected Itinerary Highlights:
- Weaving Demonstration and Practice with a Dine Elder
- Hike to an overlook and spend an afternoon watching the colors change
- Visit Hispanic Cultural Center and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- A Sunset hike and plein air opportunity
- Basecamp Loop (Cottonwoods)
- Visit Zuni Pueblo to meet musicians and artists
- Meet with a gregarious Hopi Glassblower
- Visit Georgia O’Keefe Museum and other local art based museums
- Visit Taos Earthships
- Explore Lavender Farm
- Explore recent wildfire challenges and regrowth
Skills Outcomes:
Leadership
Composing a Song
Art Portfolio in a Range of Media
Camp Craft (setting up tents, fire building, map reading, etc.)
Outdoor Living
Communication
Community Living
Leave No Trace Awareness
Daily Schedule at Basecamp:
Monday-Saturday
7:00 AM Wake Up
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Details
9:00 AM Morning Cottonwoods
12:00 PM Lunch
12:45 PM Details
1:00 PM Siesta (starts whenever details are finished, typically around 1)
2:00 PM Afternoon Cottonwoods
4:30 PM Showers
6:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Details
7:30 PM Games on the Field
8:00 PM Campfire
10:00 PM Camp Quiet
Sundays
8:00 AM Wake Up (groups at Outfit, TT loop, remote campsites may choose to wake earlier)
8:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Details
10:00 AM Morning Cottonwoods
12:30 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Details
1:30 PM Siesta (starts whenever are details are finished, typically around 1:30)
2:00 PM Afternoon Cottonwoods
4:30 PM Showers
6:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Details
7:30 PM Games on the Field
8:00 PM Campfire
10:00 PM Camp Quiet
