A special in-depth workshop opportunity to learn the techniques of the enjarradora (mud plasteress) with myself and the legendary, Carole Crews, author of Clay Culture: Plasters, Paints and Preservation. In this workshop, we will focus on the art of alíz (a traditional clay slip paint used on the interior of adobe walls), pigments, natural clay colors, casein washes and mud plastering.

• Instructors: Joanna Keane Lopez & Carole Crews

  About Carole: “As a child growing up in Ranchos de Taos in the 50’s, Carole Crews lived in an old adobe house and became familiar with earthen building at a young age. After earning an art degree from UT Austin in 1972, she returned to New Mexico and began building and experimenting with earthen materials used as art supplies to make murals and movable panels. Later, she and Lori Lawyer collaborated to develop new aliz formulas and started the business, “Gourmet Adobe”, through which Carole made her living for many years. After building an off-grid adobe dome, she taught these techniques to a generation of Natural Builders through workshops, colloquia and her book, Clay Culture: Plasters, Paints and Preservation.”

• Date: Saturday and Sunday, August 6 & 7, 2022

• Time: 12pm-5pm

• Focus: We will learn alíz (a clay slip paint) and earthen finish plaster formulas and techniques, work with pigments and natural clay colors, and learn how to maximize color intensity with casein washes.

• Where: An adobe homestead in the historic town of Conejos in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado (1 hour north of Taos/3 hours north of ABQ/30 minutes south of Alamosa). We will also have site visits to historic adobe buildings and new construction projects under the care of earth expert, Ronald Rael.

  Water and snacks will be provided.

  Limit of 12 participants.

  Participants must have transportation to the workshop site.