PROGRAM INFO

This past July ARTIS conducted its trip to the very ancient country of Greece. Steeped in history, prehistory, natural beauty, and rich culture; everyone found something artistically inspirational on this trip.

Consisting of a group of painters, drawers, photographers, sculptors, and designers; we traveled for three weeks drawing and taking photos at archeological sites, museums, monasteries, villages, and other amazing locations.

Everyone learned about the multiplicity and diversity of art found throughout Greece. We studied not only about antiquity (the classical age, Minoans, Mycenaeans, Romans, etc); but about Byzantium, traditional pottery, folk art, contemporary war memorials, and even about Greek music and dance. In this way each of us could discover and leave with something that touched and intrigued us the most.

We limited our travels to three parts of the country. The first was the city of Athens and the land directly to the west of it where Delphi lies. Second was the large body of land south of Athens called the Peloponnese. And third was the island of Crete.

Our trip began through the Peloponnese. Here we saw Mycenaean and classical treasures. Some sites included: the ancient theater of Epidaurus which is famous for its acoustics and the fact that it has survived almost intact; Mycenae where the famous Lion Gate stands; Nemea where pan-hellenic athletic games were held; and Olympia where additional games were held. At each location we were certain to take time to draw and take photographs in the museums and among the ruins.

Moreover, we visited many additional locations that were not part of the ancient world. One was a a small mountain village named Stemnitsa. A town known for its silver smiths, The ARTIS group found time to relax and sketch the stone architecture and narrow streets. Off the main tourist route we all had time to discover village life and share a delicious dinner together.

Our guide led, directed, and educated us through the country. Each location was not one hundred percent preplanned and the group's sense of discovery and flexibility led us to stop off the beaten path. One of these stops was a World War Two memorial that fascinated everyone. The Kalavrta Memorial is a multi media site specific installation commemorating the location where 1500 men (almost all the men in the village) were massacred by the Germans. The memorial begins with a voice that tells the viewer the story of the tragedy through a speaker (in Greek). Slabs, reminiscent of the Vietnam memorial in DC or Richard Serra's massive sculptures, lined the entrance and the mountainside. Moreover, there is a small church with thousands of commemorative incense holders, a cross outside, and carved stone sculptures. We were all impressed.

Upon leaving the Peloponnese we visited the archeological site of Delphi where the temple to Apollo stands and where the oracles of the ancient world spoke of one's destiny. Lots of free time there allowed us to visit the museum a couple of times and take a side trip to the village of Galaxidi for a swim.

Furthermore, we visited many monasteries. The first, Saint Prodromos, was in the Peloponnese and is built into cliffs overlooking the Loussios Gorge. Here we were honored as visitors and served sweets by the monks. The second was the Byzantine monastery of Ossios Loukas. The third monastery was Agia Keriaki (Saint Sunday). This is a Monastery in the beautiful Cretan mountains where nuns actively paint mural size icons for churches. They are currently working on a project for a large Greek Orthodox Church in Germany. Here we were able to talk to them and see their works in progress. This experience was special because in a year or two the projects will be completed and the monastery may no longer function as a studio.

Our stay on the island of Crete began in the small city of Chania and everyone had the chance to discover Greek urban life. We had the opportunity to wander through the city, snorkel, hike the Samaria Gorge (the longest Gorge in Europe), sketch, take photographs, or sit and relax at the hotel swimming pool.

Some sites seen in Crete included: a trip to the Orthodox Academy where we were given a lesson on traditional icon painting; and the village of Margarites where a potter named Manolis makes pottery in the old ways without modern technology. He throws pots on an old kick wheel with local clay that he processes, and fires in an stone kiln fueled with wood. There are few potters left in twenty first century Greece that insist on doing their craft traditionally. Hence, Manolis is a dying breed.

Of course we visited the Minoan palace of Knossos and the museum. However, a strike of museum workers prevented us from entering the Minoan Phestos.

Our trip ended with a relaxing few days in a small beach village named Kalamaki. We arrived in time for a festival devoted to Saint Elias which included Cretan Music, dance, and food. In this quaint and picturesque location we had time to complete our artworks, reflect, and relax.

Our last day was spent in Athens and then we were home again in the USA.