About this Service

A perfect way brighten the shortest days of the year, bid farewell to 2024, and to experience the best that Guanajuato has to offer: join us for an inspiring week of fantastic people, delicious food, warm hospitality and creative play.

Friends and collaborators for more than 30 years, Hilary Downes -- writer, musician, media producer and psychotherapist; and Hugo Anaya -- master printmaker, Guanajuato native and beloved innkeeper -- invite you to this Spanish colonial gem in the central highlands of Mexico. Through guided daily practice, you will develop your voice and gain insight through written and visual expression.

All levels of writing and printmaking experience are welcome -- including no experience. A deep and curious heart is enough.

We still have a few spaces available - be in touch to reserve your spot by October 1, 2024.

About this Lister

After working, performing, teaching, learning, loving and evolving in New York City for more than 25 years, I now live in the Rockies -- and originally hail from Portland, Oregon.

I am a media producer and a psychotherapist - and have been participating in the creative arts since I was a kid. From diary entries and front lawn dance performances to screenplays, songs, creative treatments, and personal essays -- my experience in creative expression is varied, deep, and consistent.

Background and Expertise

I love teaching and leading different kinds of groups -- it nourishes both my desire to learn and my desire to connect with others in a meaningful way. I've directed and produced short films. I co-led a band that performed around NYC for almost a decade, and have made four albums. I manage groups of artists across multiple continents and languages in the remote production of commercials. I have led both therapeutic and non-clinical creative writing groups. I also taught yoga for many years.

I have Masters degrees in both Film and Social Work -- and recently completed a certificate in psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy.