Discover the remarkable arts scene and cultural history of Santa Fe on this five-day exploration. On a walking tour, see the famous Pueblo-style architecture of the Southwest. Take in even more historic areas and significant locations on a guided trolley tour of the city. Visit the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Meow Wolf to inspire students through interactive exhibits and installations. With hands-on creative arts classes, students learn to engage in new mediums, including practicing weaving and pottery. Experience sweet treats from around the world on a chocolate tasting tour. Just before traveling home, stop for a last look over the landscape for breathtaking views from the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. During this Sante Fe adventure, we encourage students to think critically about native cultures and artistic movements throughout history.
In this Santa Fe Cultural Arts program, get inspired by the beautiful backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the thriving cultural communities. Discover the famous Canyon Road, where sculptures line the yards of the adobe-style buildings and there are hundreds of art galleries. Spend a day at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, which showcases the history of the Native American communities through art collections, storytelling and educational programs.
Learn how beneficial art is in raising cultural and global awareness as well as its practical applications. Participate in traditional loom weaving to learn the culture and custom of this activity in the Southwest. A service learning activity with the Sante Fe art community gives students the opportunity to interact with local artists. While viewing Ethyl the Whale, an 82-foot sculpture formed from recycled plastic, consider the environmental mission of this art piece. Experience imaginative and immersive galleries at Meow Wolf, featuring multimedia elements, fantasy environments and narrative storytelling. After a tour of the Paseo Pottery studio, students participate in the entire process of making pottery, from turning the clay on a pottery wheel to glazing and firing, and end the lesson with two pieces to bring home.
Exploring Sante Fe is an educational experience for creative artists and all others seeking inspiration in their lives. Gain a deeper understanding of O’Keeffe’s legacy in modern art and how she was inspired by her Santa Fe surroundings with a tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and an interactive art lesson. Continue exploring the senses with a chocolate tour and tasting, which features single-origin chocolates from Vietnam, Bolivia, Ecuador, Madagascar, Peru, Hawaii and Venezuela. Just before turning towards home, take a slight detour along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway for an inspiring scenic overlook.
Depart from Denver in the morning and travel to Santa Fe. Arrive in time for students to enjoy lunch on their own. Get acquainted with the city on an orientation walking tour, followed by free time to view the sculptures, art galleries and boutiques along Canyon Road.
On a tour of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, view exhibits that focus on the complexity and diversity of the Native American cultures of the Southwest. Engage in a hands-on weaving activity, where students use looms and learn to weave several different designs to take home with them. Continue to the Museum of International Folk Art for a docent-led tour. Afterwards, participate in a service learning activity with the local art community.
The specific activity is determined closer to the travel date.
Stop at Santa Fe Community College to see Ethyl the Whale, a life-sized sculpture of a blue whale that’s made from hand-recycled plastic trash. Continue on to Paseo Pottery, where students go on a guided tour of the historic building and studio at this long-standing Santa Fe establishment. While there, make two pieces of pottery, learning how to use a pottery wheel and find the perfect color of glaze. End the day with a trolley tour of the city to see more of Santa Fe’s historical areas.
Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the morning for a guided tour of the collections of modern art, insights into O’Keeffe’s life and an interdisciplinary, hands-on art experience. Afterwards, tour the Santa Fe Art Institute and meet with an academic advisor. At Meow Wolf, experience immersive arts through interactive installations and imaginative galleries. On a chocolate tasting tour, students discover the unique qualities of single-origin chocolates from around the world.
Depart from Santa Fe in the morning to begin the journey home. Drive along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway and enjoy the view from Sandia Crest. En route, stop in Taos to see regional art and admire the historic adobe buildings.
Note: Activities are subject to change based on availability.
On this Sante Fe Cultural Arts adventure, students explore the historic past and creative arts that have shaped the city. Gain insight into various art forms with visits to museums and art institutions. As students engage in art and pottery classes, they get to practice expanding their creativity. Learn about Santa Fe’s Native American communities, history as a Spanish colony and background as a destination for artists. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.
At Experience we make sure everything is covered — from housing to technology and beyond — to provide the best experience for our students.
Public and private transportation provided throughout the program.
All scheduled activities and experiences are included in the cost.
Local hotel (quad occupancy) accommodations.
Two meals are provided daily: breakfast and dinner.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
Tour Directors create a fun and engaging learning experience for students.
