UD Art Conservation Study Abroad Program to Peru

January 3 – February 4 WINTER 2011

University of Delaware
Center for International Studies

Program Overview

Join us for an exciting adventure in exploring the ancient and living artistic traditions of Peru. The UD Art Conservation Department in conjunction with the Center for International Studies will be offering a study abroad program in Peru in the Winter Session 2011. Our journey will start in Lima, where we will begin our immersion into Peruvian painting and textile traditions through visits to important archaeological sites, museums and conservation labs. From there, we head to Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic center of Arequipa, with its robust walls, archways, vaults, courtyards, and intricate Baroque facades made of white volcanic stone, will be our base for class time and practical work. Our final stop is Cuzco, the Inca capitol, where we will explore the living textile customs in weaving communities and the unique painting traditions of the Altiplano.

In addition to visits to important museums, conservation labs and Inca ruins, students will have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of weaving traditions, see dyeing and weaving demos at weaving cooperatives, and visit some of the finest examples of Peruvian wall paintings in remote mountain villages. There will be field trips to an alpaca and llama preserve, the largest indigenous market in South America, and facilities that process fibers and pigments. We will have a weekend excursion to the stunning Colca Canyon to learn about indigenous life, ancient forms of terrace agriculture and mestizo architecture. Our trip will culminate in a tour of the Sacred Valley and ruins at Machu Picchu.

This program is open to pre-program students interested in pursuing a career in art conservation. For the duration of three weeks in Arequipa, students will be housed in pairs with local families for a cultural exchange. It would help to have at least a minimal background in Spanish due to housing arrangements in non-English-speaking homes. While in Lima and Cuzco, we will stay in hotels. Most meals will be provided in Arequipa, but some meals may not be included in our trips beyond Arequipa.

Courses

The program includes two courses that offer an overview of the history & techniques of Peruvian painting and traditional textile production with an introduction to basic conservation methods. The courses will include lectures, museum and archaeological site visits, demos, tours of indigenous communities and ruins. They will offer hands-on experience in the production of textiles and wall painting reconstructions using traditional techniques. We will also gain practical skills in textile and painting conservation.

For information and to apply, please visit http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/programs/database.asp?PWDID=734

Attending the annual AIC conference in Milwaukee? Join us at the Emerging Conservation Professionals Network (ECPN) Meeting, where study abroad director Blanka Kielb will be waiting to meet you and answer your questions.

TUESDAY, MAY 11 • 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Hyatt Regency: Crystal Room