ARGENTINA TEXTILES TOUR
with Gloria Loughman
Salta La Linda & the Calchaquí Valleys
1 – 15 March 2027
Gloria Loughman quilt
A textile lovers dream!
Explore the Province of Salta in the North West region of Argentina travelling through the Andes Mountains and parts of the old Inca trails. Salta ‘La Linda’ (the beautiful) is known for its rich culture, history and colonial architecture, and will be our base to travel in the region. We will pass through the rugged coloured peaks of the Calchaquí Valleys, the giant Cacti of Los Cardones National Park, see traditional adobe houses and learn about the pre-Incan and colonial history.
Meet traditional and contemporary textiles artisans working with the excellent fibres of the Llama and wild Vicuña as well as Chaguar plant fibre used by the indigenous Wichi tribal groups.
We will learn about the indigenous symbols used in traditional weaving and participate in some mini workshops with local artisans including traditional dyeing and embroidery.
Stay in a variety of boutique hotels, including historic colonial residences and a 17th century hacienda, where we will enjoy traditional food and the high altitude wines the region is known for. Learn how to make Empanadas!
On our way we will discover the James Turrell museum within the historic Bodega Colomé winery, the only museum dedicated to this world renowned artist and his installations that work with light and space to create artworks that challenge our ideas of perception.
Drawing inspiration from our cultural immersion, the final days of the tour will include a more intensive 2 day workshop with our guest artist to consolidate our ideas and create a memento of our journey together.
GUEST ARTIST
about GLORIA LOUGHMAN
After completing studies in design and colour as part of a Diploma of Art, Gloria began making quilts based on the Australian landscape, many of which won major awards both in Australia, Europe, Japan and the United States.
A trained secondary teacher, Gloria has travelled extensively in Australia and overseas, sharing her knowledge and skills with students, encouraging them to design their own work. Her commitment to teaching was acknowledged when she received the ‘Rajah Award’ in 2009 for her ‘outstanding contribution to Australian Quilt making’. Gloria has had a number of solo exhibitions in Australia, England, Canada and the United States, and has written four books.
Recently, her landscapes have become more abstract as she has played with pattern and colour. Her building quilts and other facades have developed through her love of architecture and the opportunity to travel and explore, photographing many fascinating buildings. Underlying all her work is a passion for colour and the ongoing challenge to capture light in her work.
2 DAY WORKSHOP with Gloria
The two day workshop will be based on the stunning landscapes we visit along the way. After sketching and taking lots of photographs, we will use these resources to design our own unique landscapes. Fabric painting and collage will be just some of the techniques we use to construct our designs over the two days. Some hand stitching can be added or machine stitching can be completed at home.