Centinela 4 Day Rio Grande Chimayo Weaving Class: August 20th-23rd 2026

Come join us here at Centinela Traditional Arts for a four day Chimayo/Rio Grande Weaving workshop!

In this workshop, you will be guided through one or two 20" wide x [length determined by student] blanket weight weavings in the Chimayo/Rio Grande weaving style using traditional Chimayo weaving techniques passed down through eight generations of the Trujillo family, as well as learn about the history of Rio Grande weaving and how the Chimayo style came to be. All of our looms are vintage Rio Grande walking looms that have been used here by various weavers for decades. Chimayo weaving is the style of Rio Grande weaving developed in the 1880's primarily by the people of Chimayo, New Mexico, but also surrounding towns in northern New Mexico. This class is open to students who have never touched a loom to expert weavers looking to learn a new style of tapestry or simply perfect their techniques. At the end of class, we take interested students around Centinela ranch to meet our donkeys, meet our sheep, explore the orchards, and everything else Centinela Ranch has to offer.

Each student will have a different lesson plan designed for them at the beginning of each class, catered to their goals and experience levels. Students will be guided through designing a piece using their chosen techniques and executing it. We want each student to learn the techniques they came to learn and leaving with a piece they are proud of.

This class will be taught by Emily Trujillo, granddaughter of Jake Trujillo and daughter of Irvin and Lisa Trujillo, an award winning eighth generation weaver who lectures nationally and has taught/teaches over six different Rio Grande/Chimayo weaving programs and classes to all ages, demographics, and experience levels. Emily has years of experience balancing a mix of all skill levels and creative minds in her classes so everyone belongs in these classes.

Centinela opened in 1982, as joint business project by Lisa and Irvin Trujillo shortly after getting married. Irvin's father, Jacobo (Jake) Trujillo, who taught Irvin the techniques of their family's tradition of Chimayo weaving, also helped his son and daughter-in-law build their new facility from the ground up. Our classroom is situated in the back rooms of the Centinela storefront; a room that once housed the production area for many of the weavers who worked for Centinela; and a space where Jacobo and Irvin would work side by side. The Trujillo family have spent years teaching all over the country, and are excited to bring classes to their private studio for the first time.

Classes will run from:

August 20th-23rd

10:30-5:30 PM Daily

What this class fee covers:

1. "A Chimayo Weavers Guidebook"

2. Materials and tool rentals (Up to 1 pounds of wool, approximately a 20"x40" piece)

3. Teaching fees

4. There is no limit to how big your piece can be! If you do use more than 1 pound of yarn we ask you pay the difference (because yarn is expensive :') )

There is no minimum number of students needed to run a class because we understand how hard it is to take time off and make it all the way out here to Chimayo.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refund up until two weeks before the class start date. During the two weeks before the start date a 50% refund is available OR a class credit for a future workshop that has space available. 

What you will need to bring to class:

1. Water, lunch, snacks (A microwave is available to heat up food and there is a fridge)

2. Shoes that are comfortable for standing long periods of time

Email riograndeweaveem@gmail.com if you have any questions.