Interested in doing something special during your holidays in Greece?
If you are in the area around the Sparta, Mystras, Mani, Monemvassia, Gythion or Kalamata here's your chance to learn an ancient art form, MOSAICS. Attend a one-day mosaic art workshop conducted with a fluent English speaking instructor and take your mosaic masterpiece home with you to enjoy.
Location: In a studio/courtyard in Xirokambi a small picturesque village at the foothills of Mount Taygetos, just 15 minutes south of Sparta Greece.
WORKSHOP 1 - STONE MOSAIC WORKSHOP (suitable for adults)
AIM: This 3-hour mosaic workshop will enable the participants to acquire a basic knowledge of mosaic making. They will create a mosaic of their own to take back home to enjoy or to give to someone special. This workshop is very popular amongst travellers vacationing near Sparta, Gythio, Mani, Monemvasia, Mystras or Kalamata. Grab the chance to experience this ancient art form...
THE DEMONSTRATION: The "direct method" will be used with no grout . There will be a variety of Greek and Roman geometric patterns to choose from or you can design your own pattern.
Everything discussed and demonstrated in the workshop will be written for each participant and either printed and given during the workshop or sent by email. Each participant will learn the basics of making a mosaic regarding bases, glues, different types of tessarae, grouts. Time permitted, I will demonstrate other mosaic techniques and tessarae, glass, tile, grouting a mosaic and a quick review into the history of mosaics.
DETAILS OF THE WORKSHOP
Duration: 3 hours, From 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
When: Upon request
Participants: Min 2 and Max 6
Great for: Groups
Experience: No previous mosaic experience necessary
Price: 50 euros per person (includes VAT 24%)
WORKSHOP 2 - MOSAIC WORKSHOP WITH GLASS (suitable for adults and children 12 years and up)
AIM: This 4 hour mosaic workshop will enable the participants to acquire a basic knowledge of mosaic making. They will create a mosaic of their own, which will be made within the allotted time and will take home to enjoy.
THE DEMONSTRATION: The "direct method" will be used to apply the tessaarae. Participants will learn to cut their tessarae with special nippers, glue on their base and then grout their art piece. There will be a variety of patterns to choose from or you can design your own pattern.
DETAILS OF THE WORKSHOP
Duration: 4 hours, From 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When: Upon request
Participants: Min 2 and Max 6
Great for: All ages
Experience: No previous mosaic experience necessary
Price: 80 euros per person (includes VAT 24%)
General Information about the workshops:
All tools and materials required to make the mosaic including refreshments are provided by the studio.
Language: Fluent Engish and Greek speaking instructor.
Parking: Free-just outside the workshop venue.
Extra info & Advice: Although workshop aprons will be provided, it is recommended that each participant wear old clothes and flat shoes. Please bring a bottle of drinking water. In case of rain, the workshop area is covered.
How to participate:
In order to participate, send an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., indicating which of the above workshops you are interested in, the exact date and how many participants will be attending.
About the Founder:
Her name is Dimitra Kolomvakou and she was born to Greek parents in Toronto, Canada, where she grew up. She studied at Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology in Toronto, but she loved Greece so much that she yearned to return, settle in the land of her ancestors and re-establish her roots. She has now been living with her family in the village of Xirokambi, Laconia, for fourteen years.
Her love of Greek culture prompted her to learn arts and crafts that have their roots in the Greek cultural background. Mosaic paving is the oldest of these and the one that is most deeply rooted in the culture. That is why in recent years she has poured all her energy into decorative pebble mosaic paving.
The art of pebble mosaic paving:
The art of pebble mosaic paving has come down to us from the ancient Greeks of over 4000 years ago. Floors in pebble mosaic add that special touch of luxury and are often seen on Greek islands as well as in mainland Greece. Even so, it is an art form that is still evolving. Pebble mosaic paving is at once both practical and decorative. It is ideal both indoors and out. Pebble mosaics adorn gardens, courtyards, paths, workplaces and exhibition areas, public squares, walkways, civic buildings, places of worship, museums, swimming pools, shops, spas and a host of other places too.
By her own words:"It is an art form that never fails to confirm how securely established the pleasure of creation and the instinctive love of beauty have always been in the hearts of previous generations; but also how firmly established they are in mine. There are mosaics made by unassuming craftsmen whose talents had found their niche and the conditions that allowed them to blossom. Their work inspired me to follow in their footsteps and try to revive this ancient art form. Pebble mosaic paving is a heritage that is an integral part of this land of ours and one which must never be allowed to die!"
More information: https://mosaicartgreece.com & http://www.votsalota.com/index_en.php