Paint Your Alebrije

Enjoy the vibrant world of alebrijes, Oaxaca’s iconic mythical creatures. At "Paint Your Alebrije," you’ll learn the rich history and cultural significance of these fantastical beings from the acclaimed Jimenez family. Over four captivating hours, you’ll receive all the necessary supplies and expert guidance to bring your own personalized alebrije to life. But the adventure doesn’t end there. Discover the family’s impressive gallery, where you can shop for unique Oaxacan artworks to take home. Prepare to be transported into a realm of creativity, tradition, and unforgettable experiences.

Key Points

• Participate in a 4-hour hands-on experience to learn about the history and craft of alebrijes in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
• Receive expert guidance from the Jimenez family on traditional painting techniques and step-by-step instructions to create your own alebrije.
• Enjoy a range of included amenities such as transportation, painting supplies, snacks, and water during the activity.
• Explore the local Jimenez family art gallery after the painting experience to purchase alebrijes at affordable prices.
• Engage in a creative and educational activity that offers a unique opportunity to connect with Oaxacan culture and traditions.

Overview of the Activity

What’s the Paint Your Alebrije activity?

It’s a 4-hour experience in Oaxaca City, Mexico, where participants learn about the history and craft of alebrijes – colorful, whimsical Mexican folk art sculptures.

Travelers get to choose and paint their own small wooden alebrije figure under the guidance of the Jimenez family, who are experts in this traditional art form.

The experience includes transportation, painting supplies, snacks, and water.

With 52 total reviews and a 5.0 rating, this activity is highly recommended by travelers as a creative and culturally enriching way to engage with Oaxacan culture.

The activity is suitable for all ages and encourages visitors to shop at the family’s gallery for affordable alebrije crafts.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Paint Your Alebrije experience includes all the necessary supplies and refreshments for participants. Guests receive paint and brushes, as well as a small wooden animal figure to personalize.

To fuel the creative process, the package includes:

• Tasty snacks like chips and crackers
• Refreshing bottled water
• Private transportation to and from the activity location
• Aprons provided during the painting session
• Access to the family’s art gallery for post-activity shopping.

This well-rounded offering ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and enriching cultural experience in Oaxaca.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Where does the Paint Your Alebrije experience begin? The pickup location is in front of Gozobi restaurant, located at C. de Manuel García Vigil 504 in Oaxaca’s Centro district. From there, you will be transported via private transportation to the activity location. At the end of the experience, the group returns to the original meeting point.

Meeting Point and Transportation
Pickup Location	Gozobi restaurant	Centro, Oaxaca
Address	C. de Manuel García Vigil 504
End Point	Returns to pickup location
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, service animals allowed, infants must sit on laps, not recommended for serious medical conditions

Learning About Alebrijes

Participants learn about the history and origins of alebrijes from Armando Jimenez and his family during the experience.

The craft’s rich culture and roots are explored, sparking imagination and appreciation.

Travelers are captivated by:

• The intricate design possibilities
• The vibrant colors and patterns
• The mythical creatures brought to life
• The therapeutic experience of painting
• The sense of connection to Oaxacan traditions

With this foundational knowledge, participants are primed to unleash their creativity and personalize their own unique alebrije figure.

The expert guidance and passion of the Jimenez family elevate the activity into a truly immersive cultural encounter.

Painting Guidance and Techniques

After learning the history and significance of alebrijes, participants dive into the hands-on painting experience. The family provides guidance and pro tips to help bring their wooden figures to life. Using lighter base colors, allowing layers to dry, and utilizing stick ends for details are recommended techniques. Participants choose their animal figures and receive step-by-step instruction from the Jimenez family on painting methods. The table below outlines the key steps in the painting process:

Step	Action
1	Apply base coat
2	Add primary colors
3	Create patterns
4	Use stick ends for details
5	Allow layers to dry

With these tips, travelers unleash their creativity and produce unique, vibrant alebrijes to take home as souvenirs.

Local Gallery Shopping

As the painting experience concludes, travelers have the opportunity to explore the family’s local gallery, where they can find a wide selection of alebrijes at affordable prices.

The gallery showcases the incredible craftsmanship and vibrant designs of these unique Mexican folk art sculptures.

Some key benefits of shopping here include:

• Access to a diverse range of alebrijes in various sizes, shapes, and styles
• Opportunity to support the local Jimenez family and their artisanal tradition
• Competitive prices compared to other Oaxacan markets or tourist traps
• Chance to hand-select a special piece as a memorable souvenir
• Personalized guidance from the family on the history and symbolism of alebrijes

Positive Customer Experiences

Travelers’ enthusiasm permeated the reviews, as many highlighted the Jimenez family’s knowledgeable and welcoming nature, the creative process of painting, and the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Guests praised the activity as fun, educational, and a unique opportunity to engage with local culture. Common themes included the relaxing atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment from painting their own alebrije.

While some desired more guidance during the painting process, the experience was overwhelmingly positive, cementing its status as a must-do activity in Oaxaca.

Recommendations for Travelers

Highly recommended as a must-do experience in Oaxaca, the Paint Your Alebrije activity is suitable for all ages, including families.

Travelers are encouraged to shop for alebrijes at the family gallery, where they can find better prices and craftsmanship.

This creative, fun, and culturally enriching activity offers:

• A unique opportunity to engage with local culture
• Knowledgeable and welcoming guidance from the Jimenez family
• Relaxing and enjoyable painting experience
• Affordable and accessible for all budgets
• A memorable souvenir to take home

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alebrije Figure to Paint?

According to the experience overview, participants are provided with a small animal figure to paint. There’s no mention of being able to bring one’s own alebrije figure. The activity is focused on the painting process itself.

Is There an Option to Purchase the Painted Figure?

Yes, participants can purchase the painted alebrije figure they create during the activity. The host provides the initial wooden figure for painting, and travelers can choose to take their unique creation home at the end of the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

The activity does not have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, including families. Children can participate alongside adults in the painting experience.

Can I Take My Completed Alebrije Home With Me?

Yes, travelers can take their completed alebrije figurine home with them after the activity. The experience includes providing a small wooden animal figure for participants to paint and keep as a souvenir.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule the Activity?

If travelers need to cancel or reschedule the activity, they should contact the host as soon as possible. Flexible rescheduling policies are available, and the host will work with guests to accommodate their needs within reason.

The Sum Up

The "Paint Your Alebrije" experience in Oaxaca City offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of these mythical creatures. Participants learn about their rich history, receive hands-on painting guidance, and leave with a personalized alebrije. Combined with local gallery shopping, this immersive 4-hour activity provides travelers with a deeper appreciation for Oaxacan traditions and the chance to create their own piece of traditional Mexican art.