Page 128 - EMPIRIA 2024

JOYFUL EXPLORATION I PAROS

craved expression beyond the trivial. Carefully curated
I studied business administration and amenities ensure
artists can
worked in this field for 11 years. My live and work
need to express myself led me to The independently
Aegean Center for the Fine Arts at the during their
residency.
age of 26, where Jane and John Pack But social
and Geffrey and Liz Carson, active opportunities are
always available
on the island since 1965, introduced at Cycladic Arts,
me to painting and art history. They whether it’s
helped me see that art sweetened chatting with
my soul, and I decided to do more. fellow guests or
celebrating with
So, I applied to the School of Fine the locals.
Arts at 36.
Now, I identify with children’s ability to
see other realities, find different forms
of expression, mingle with different
people, and communicate meaningfully.

The studios care for and inspire the center's artists, connecting them with
breathtaking Cycladic views, as well as visitors curious about their work and ideas.
Cycladic Arts, a haven for the creative community.

I admire creators who talk to each world. This year they’re from Australia, and embroidery. They’ll connect with
other and learn about Greek customs South Africa, Italy, Canada, and the the community while approaching
or when they knit and embroider with US. And we already have bookings for our beautiful Cycladic traditions and
aunts and grandmothers and they 2025 from people based in Germany, nature, as well as the climate crisis.
weave nets with the fishermen; when Austria, the US, and Canada. They will present their works on a
they build dry stone walls with the Specialities vary, from visual artists, special public event on July 13th.
masons, and visit local producers of writers, and academics to musicians, Immediately after that, we are hosting a
oil, cheese, wine, and souma. When curators, and social rights activists. In group exhibition with local and foreign
they listen to the elders and learn 2025, we also expect representatives artists, residents of the island whose
about the Cycladic way’s value and from fellow hosting programs with the work is inspired by Archilochus, the of Askavlos (a documentary about
uniqueness. We get to love it again prospect of cooperation. ancient Parian lyric poet from 7th askavlos , the ancient Greek bagpipe),
through the eyes of one who sees it Every year a Torrance Art Museum century BC. The theme will be taken Express Scopelitis (a documentary
for the first time. committee sponsors an artist from from one of his poems and the works about the Express Scopelitis boat
My experience also stems from the southern California to stay with us presented will be from paintings and which connects the small Cyclades
locals’ hunger for theater, music, in September. Likewise, the Rome- photography to sculptures, ceramic Islands for more than 40 years), Silent
and shows, bombarded with events based curatorial committee AAC and marble pieces, and site-specific Fish (a film about the struggling of
in the summer but not in the winter. Platform chooses one artist, curator, installations. We are currently in survival of fishermen, who are at risk
That’s why our program of exhibitions, or writer every year. discussion with more initiatives to of becoming “endangered species”
''Everyone comes together screenings, and lectures takes place Students from the University of host one more group exhibition this due to failed EU and national policies),
from March to November every year, California’s Art Practice & Berkeley fall with multi-media pieces by Greek Aphrodite of Melos, Dolphin Man,
to revel in creativity and Greek but also when we’re not hosting artists Center for New Media class are and international artists. During Little Land among other films.
Specific dates of all the above are
coming in July this year. Our gallery
the whole year until December we
(December – February).
hospitality. Seeing people’s Which artists will you collaborate and outdoor spaces will host their are going to project several films announced on our social media and
work on tradition, self-discovery,
and documentaries focused on the
the News section in the Cycladic
with this year, and who are your
reactions is sweet and moving. '' international partners or backers? and ecology as they use various local protection of our cultural heritage and Arts website. Of course, entrance is
natural recourses like: The Journey
We get creatives from all over the
always free for all of these events.•
materials and techniques, like knitting
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