Getting the Dirt on Adobe: Hands-on Workshop to be held in Historic Mesilla, New Mexico

Adobe and lime plaster will be the topics of Heritage Conservation Network's final offering in its 2003 series of hands-on building conservation workshops. The workshop, to be held October 5-11, 2003 in Mesilla, New Mexico, is part of HCN's continuing effort to provide technical assistance to preservation projects while offering an opportunity for students, conservators and other interested parties to learn specialized building conservation techniques.

Adobe and lime plaster will be the topics of Heritage Conservation Network's final offering in its 2003 series of hands-on building conservation workshops. The workshop, to be held October 5-11, 2003 in Mesilla, New Mexico, is part of HCN's continuing effort to provide technical assistance to preservation projects while offering an opportunity for students, conservators and other interested parties to learn specialized building conservation techniques.

Workshop participants will be helping restore a 19th century adobe home within Mesilla's historic core. "The workshop presents an excellent opportunity for people to learn the hows and whys of adobe and lime plaster conservation issues and gain valuable experience working with the material. As with all our workshops, we anticipate that participants will be able to take what theyâ€ve learned and apply it †either on a professional level or a personal one †to projects of their own", says Jamie Donahoe, HCN's Operations Director.

An on-site conservation expert guides and teaches participants through the week-long project, so participants need only an interest in preservation and a willingness to learn while they work. Pat Taylor, a long-time advocate of adobe conservation using traditional techniques and a native of Mesilla, will lead the workshop. Instruction will be in English and Spanish.

The cost of the workshop is US$ 875, which includes lodging, breakfast and lunch, insurance, and workshop materials. Discounts are available for area residents not needing accommodation. Pre-registration is required; registration materials and more workshop details are available from HCN's web site at www.heritageconservation.net or from their office at 1557 North Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80304, USA. Phone +1 303 444 0128, Fax +1 775 320 6837, E-mail workshops@heritageconservation.net.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. Through a network of experts, volunteers and community members, the organization aims to increase awareness of the significance of historic sites and stimulate each community's interest in and knowledge of appropriate conservation skills, thus helping to provide for the long-term preservation of significant structures and sites.