Bellas Artes (El Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez), Hernandez Macias #75; 152-0189. A major cultural center founded in the early 1900s, Bellas Artes offers a variety of classes and workshops, including: ceramics, silver work, photography, glass blowing, weaving, sculpture, water color and puppetry. Bellas Artes, located in a former 18th Century convent, is a government run institution.
 

Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio #22; 152-0190; www.instituto-allende.edu.mx. The Instituto, established in the 1940s, has a sterling reputation and occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in town—the one time summer estate of a Count in San Miguel. The Instituto offers a wide range of courses in the fine arts and crafts for all levels of students, from drawing to jewelry making to sculpture. Students can earn credit and degrees or take workshops on a short term non-credit basis. All workshop art courses are taught in English. 

Silver Jewelry Workshops, Calle San Pedro #27; 152-1737; www.internetsanmiguel.com/silver. During his 49-year tenure at the Instituto Allende, master jeweller, Enrique Lopez Larrea, has introduced 100,000 students to the world of silver crafting. Courses are arranged into 36 hour sessions over 4 weeks, and shorter time periods may also be arranged.

La Escuela, Ancha de San Antonio #27; 152-0637. Classes in drawing and painting for beginning and advanced students meet in two large, well-lit studios opening to a lovely garden with picturesque fountain. Beginners work on simple forms; advanced students learn specific techniques like glazing and are offered critiques. 

Artistic Creativity Workshops, Privada de Guadiana #10; 152-5974; www.sanmiguelartists.com. Instructor Ingalora Dwyer helps nurture students’ creative spirit with unique courses to stimulate their abilities in painting, collage and sculpture.  Private classes and workshops for children are available. Ingalora can create workshops and classes to accommodate individual needs.

Santa Fe Photo Workshops, 505-983-1400 (U.S. number); www.santafeworkshops.com. Over five weeks in October and November the world renowned Santa Fe Photo Workshops offers 15 different photo courses in San Miguel. Instructors are internationally recognized and this is the perfect opportunity to capture the rarefied light that has attracted people to San Miguel for decades.