MEDITERRANEAN CENTRE for Art, Gardens, Plants and Design
Traditional Greek Crafts 25 June – 02 July 2024
KOFTO & EMBROIDERIES from the mainland and islands
Course Tutor: Theodora Arampatzes
Our tutor, based in Athens, will offer to participants (beginners and more experienced) the possibility to study and practice the arts of Kofto/Eyelet and Traditional Embroideries with styles and patterns from all over Greece to choose from. Throughout the course, participants will become familiar with Greek motifs & traditional needlework.
Theodore is a multi-disciplinary artist who teaches therapeutic embroidery as part of her neuro-training at the Athens NeuroTraining Center. She has exhibited her work at the Goulandris Foundation, the Kallipoli Piraeus and the Municipal Art Gallery of Athens as well as the Sivitanideios Public School of Arts and Crafts. For many years she has participated in courses in painting, iconography & embroideries at various churches under the auspices of the Archbishopric of Athens.
About the programme
In addition to practical work, Theodora will trace the history of these crafts. Often they were offered as Proika or dowry gifts, and even today the cupboards of Greek homes are often filled with beautiful items made with loving care for the bride (from the time of her birth) and the groom. The kofta are still widely used, but mostly in rural areas, for curtains, tablecloths and other necessities.
The expectations are that by the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills to recognise the basic principles of Greek motifs. The course will offer the opportunity to work on suitable projects based on the themes chosen and within the framework of a classic Home Economics class.
We will use white or ivory linen fabric & etamine, along with threads in colours that Theodora will specify once we decide on the designs. The designs in colour print will be provided.
(Etamine is a loosely woven fabric with a similar structure to voile or a mesh. It is an open fabric structure manufactured with plain weaving by using loosely twisted cotton or wool yarns.
There are other variations including fibres such as silk.)
TIMETABLE & REVIEW OF TOPICS
The historical roots of the art of embroidery and kofto in Greece will be examined at the beginning of each day with a focus on its evolution from antiquity to modern times. Additionally, their role in the dowry “proika” institution will be explored, highlighting how this art form contributed to the creation & ornamentation of pieces traditionally included in the dowry “proika”.
The presentation will also have examples of information about the traditional embroideries of Greece, showcasing the diversity of designs, materials & techniques used in various regions. The tutor will provide sources & bibliography for participants in the seminar. This will allow them to expand their knowledge & further explore the historical context of these Greek traditional crafts.
Overall, both seminars will offer a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the associated culture & heritage in Greece. Furthermore, a copy of a very old Greek dowry agreement “proikosimfono” will be provided for reference.
Courses in Pelion, Greece – Practical Information
- ▪ Courses will be held in a well-ventilated room and necessary social distancing will be observed at all times – the hotel follows all safety protocols
- ▪ Lessons are with a fully experienced teacher, passionate about his/her subject and students
- ▪ All courses are suitable for beginners and intermediate participants
- ▪ Groups benefit from a quiet; atelier space with excellent light for their practical work
- ▪ We can arrange delivery of the work home if required but most students take them safely in their luggageWHAT IS INCLUDED
- ▪ Course offers tuition and two half-day excursions according to the schedule. Studio access in the evenings if required
- ▪ Accommodation, breakfast, 4 light lunches at the hotel and 2 taverna lunches, 5 dinners including the welcome and farewell dinner on the last night
- ▪ Materials will be provided
- ▪ Coffee and Tea breaks included
- ▪ Time for rest on the beach, by the pool or in the village square.
- ▪ Our fully stocked library
- ▪ Flights are NOT included; however, the nearest airports are Volos and Skiathos. Access from Thessaloniki and Athens is an alternative option.Lagou Raxi Concierge Service can advise on the easiest/most economical transfers from your chosen airport and will help participants to share transport if convenient.
The Village of Lafkos – South Pelion
Lafkos is one of the 24 officially ‘listed’ villages in the region of Pelion, about 45 km from the city of Volos. Medieval paths (Kalderimia) stretch around this car-free village and further afield to neighbouring villages and the sea. In under 10 minutes you can walk from the hotel through the village lanes to the square with its imposing church and plane trees. The smell of freshly baked bread in a wood-fired oven draws you to the bakery shop. The village has three small ‘mini-markets’, a craftsman jeweller, a gift shop, three museums and five tavernas. Visit www.lagouraxi.com for more info about the area.
Lagou Raxi Country Hotel
Lagou Raxi Country Hotel (330m) celebrates 10 years in 2024. It was built according to the local traditional architecture. It has a breath-taking view of the Pagasitic Gulf and it’s also close to the Aegean Sea. There is an easy footpath from the hotel down to the seaside village of Milina and a short walk into the village. The hotel cuisine is traditional Greek, and all the dishes are home-made and delicious! The hotel has a good-sized swimming pool and an all-weather tennis court as well as the Library, Terrace, summer Pool Bar, Azure restaurant and the purpose-built ‘Atelier’ or workroom. Bedrooms have air-conditioning and there is heating throughout when necessary.
The 20 spacious and comfortable bedrooms are all named after local beaches – Free WiFi throughout
Other Courses include/see our website for 2024
- Botanical Painting – Wildflowers, Garden Favourites, Autumn Tints and much more
- Classic and Contemporary Mosaics Workshop in Marble and Pre-course tour
- Mediterranean Garden Design and Planting
- Nature Journaling
- Calligraphy
- Eco-printing
- Icon Writing/Painting
- Watercolours – Pelion Mansions, Shady Corners and Azure Seas
- Plein Air Acrylic painting CONTACT US For more information and to reserve a place on one of the courses visit our website www.lagouraxi.com+(30) 2423065144 mail@lagouraxi.com
MEDITERRANEAN CENTRE for Art, Gardens, Plants and Design LAGOU RAXI A.E. Lafkos 37006 – South Pelion, Magnesia, Greece ΜΗΤΕ 0726K013A0448301
