Paint and Sip: Alebrijes / Pinta tu Propio Alebrije
Come hang with us in Jalatlaco and paint a beautiful alebrije! We will continue with our tradition of serving coffee, cookies, and of course the quintessential mezcalito in Tlayudona while we learn about the history of alebrijes and create some art.

A little bit about alebrijes…
Oaxacan alebrijes are surreal dream-like wooden sculptures composed of elements of different animals and/or mythical creatures and painted with brilliant colors and patterns that require dedication, patience, and a keen attention to detail. As you’ve probably seen on the streets, in recent years the Oaxacan alebrije has evolved, and more organic, recognizable animal figures are carved and painted in a similar fashion.

Master Oaxacan painter Alejandro Velasco Sosa, member of a renowned family of alebrije painters, invites you to join him and Tlayudona to embark on the adventure of immersing yourself in colors and patterns as you learn to paint your own alebrije. Alex is a proud member of Tilcajete, a local village where Oaxacan alebrijes originate, and he will share his town´s history and relationship with this colorful craft. Alex will explain the historical meaning behind different color selections and the series of zapotec-originated designs used to decorate alebrijes. (Beginners, have no fear–the earliest alebrijes were painted with a series of lines and dots, and Alex is also ready to demonstrate a “how to” for the less artistically-inclined!)
This is an introductory course and no prior experience or skill level is required. It will be offered bilingually in Spanish with English translation. Check our Facebook page for albums of past alebrije-painting workshops or see our related blog-post here.
This course includes:

Your own 3-5 inch hand-carved alebrije (There will be various models to choose from.)
Your choice of 6-8 acrylic colors
Brushes, palettes, aprons, and other necessary art supplies lent by Tlayudona
A pictoral and spoken overview of the history of alebrijes in Oaxaca and group instruction regarding painting techniques
One-on-one help with your detailing technique
A locally-harvested and roasted Oaxacan coffee made by our french press with optional refill (and/or a bottled water)
A complimentary mezcal (or two, if you´re so-inclined)
A locally-made cookie to munch on while you discover your inner-artist


Children are welcome to participate in this course, but the rate remains the same since their participation requires the same material cost.

Cost per person: 700 MXN (Mexican pesos)*

Sign up 2 or more people and pay 650 MXN (Mexican pesos) per person.

*All prices include IVA. Stop by Tlayudona at #100 Hidalgo in Jalatlaco from 9:30-1:30 and book your spot for 2 or more people at a 10% discount. (You can locate us on the same street as the Jalatlaco templo –NOT to be confused with Hidalgo street in the Centro, which Google Maps does not seem to have sorted out….)

This class has a maximum number of 10 participants and tends to fill up, so reserve your spots with anticipation.

Register Now