Creative breaks and holidays for art courses in tapestry-weaving

and natural dyes with organic cooking in Greece

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What is this all about

Combining relaxation with creativity in a few days' escape in the magical landscape of Arcadia, in the village of Dimitra - central Peloponese. Becoming initiated in the decorative art of tapestry weaving.Participating in the procedure of fibre dyeing with natural dyes. Enjoying walks in the valley of the river Ladona, and tasting traditional dishes prepared with wholesome products from organic farming.

   

Where does it take place

All the above takes place in the traditional guesthouse, "Theoni's house", a three storey, stone built mansion from the 1850's, in the imposing mountain region of Arcadia. The guesthouse was recently lovingly renovated in the traditional style. It is first class accommodation with a sitting and dining room on the ground floor, central heating, en suite bathrooms, TV  and spectacular views of Ladona gorge.

     


What are we going to do

The lessons will take the form of open workshops showing tapestry and weaving techniques as well as dyeing of yarn with natural materials. The course is flexible and can be fitted to individual interests. Both advanced and beginners can follow it. Initially, after a brief introduction to the materials that we ’ll be using (frame-loom, yarn etc), we advance to the techniques of weaving. Each participant will have the use of an individual frame-loom, creating simple tapestries which can be taken away at the end. We will also collect the plants used for dyeing from the banks of the Ladona river and proceed to the fascinating art of dyeing yarn in various colours.

 

 

Who is the teacher

Lessons are given by the tapestry artist Stathis Katsarelis who has been actively practicing the art since 1981. He is inspired by contemporary movements as well as by classical tradition in the art of tapestry and weaving. He has participated in group shows and presented his work in one man exhibitions.

     

More about the artist and his work


What are we going to eat - the art of cooking

The cooking is based on ingredients of excellent quality, so that delicious tastes can be savoured in the pleasant environment of the guesthouse. Whoever wishes can participate in the preparation of the dishes, the making of bread, the creation of a pie starting from the fyllo pastry, or of a desert. The basic ingredients are carefully selected traditional organic products grown with respect for the Greek land, its colours and tastes. The organizers obtain the products from young Greek producers who work with strong ethics and who need support. The bread is hand made with very little yeast or sour dough from wheat flour ground by a local water mill. The cheese comes from a small producer on Naxos, the jams from wild fruit growing in the mountains of Evritania etc.


What is the cost

The cost of the programm for the 3-day course (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) is 280 Euros while for the 6-day course it is 800 Euros. Included in the price is a bed in a double room, lessons, materials, and meals. Individual rooms will have extra cost. Whoever does not want to follow the lessons will be offered a 25% discount. This is suitable for partners.


When will the lessons take place, what else can you do

The courses are offered throughout the year, one or two weekends per month by arrangement. There are also the possibilities for activities like rafting, canoe-kayak, trekking, climbing, mountain bike, archery.

 


How can you come

You can reach the guesthouse either with your own vehicle or by bus from Tripolis. It may be possible to arrange lifts from other participants.

Travelling directions:

From Athens: Follow the national road Athens - Korinth - Tripolis and after the Artemision' Tunnel, exit towards Vitina –Levidi- Olympia following the national road N111. After the village Vlaherna, turn right, follow the direction for Kalavrita and Spilea Linmon, and, in continuation, for Ladonas Lake – Dafni – Vahlia – Dimitra (230 km, approximately 4 hours).
 Alternatively, you can take the road  from Tripols towards Vitina – Lagadia - Tropea – Dimitra, without taking a tour of the Lake Ladona (230 km, approximately 3,30 hours).
From Patras:
Follow the National Road N111, Patras-Tripoli and in continuation follow the direction for Paos-Kontovazena-Dimitra (80 km, approximately 2 hours).

Additional information about the guesthouse can be found on the website www.theoni.net

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