The guests will first learn the principles of the art of byzantine hagiography, including forms, techniques, use of colours and materials. They will then get to produce their own religious icon, by applying the theoretical principles in practice, under their Hostess’ guidance
WHAT you will LEARN:
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The principles of byzantine hagiography
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The use of forms, colours and special materials in icon creation
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Hands-on experience in creating a religious hagiography icon
Maria – Thessaloniki, byzantine hagiography: principles and practice
Itinerary: how we'll spend the day and what we'll do together
Based on Maria’s professional experience, the guests will first learn the principles of the art of byzantine hagiography, which is the century-long art of painting byzantine-style religious icons within the Christian Orthodox faith. They will learn the fundamental forms and techniques, as well as the use and application of colours and other material, and how all this relates to the Orthodox faith
Having understood the theoretical fundamentals of byzantine hagiography, visitors will spend time in creating their own icon, based on the expert guidance of their Hostess. They will go through all the different stages of creating the icon, from the basic sketch, to applying the colour, to finishing off the artwork by applying the special extra materials on top of the painting. They will then take with them the icon that they will have created
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Place of ORIGIN: Thessaloniki
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LIVES in: Kalamaria, Thessaloniki
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SPEAKS: English
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LOVES: travelling, reading, free thinking, practicing hagiography
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Has TRAVELLED to: Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, many places in Greece (especially the islands)
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Personal TRAITS: love for the art of hagiography, creative, committed, very good at conveying her expertise to others
Booking details
Maria Hatzopoulou is your Hostess
Maria is an accomplished and talented professional practitioner of byzantine hagiography, which is a religious paintings-icons art with a long tradition that spans over many centuries. She loves that art, and has taken part in many different exhibitions, with her own creations. She is a member of many professional hagiography associations and in totally committed to practicing the art and conveying her expertise to others
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Place: Kalamaria, Thessaloniki
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Meeting Point: Metamorphosi Sotiros church, at Kalamaria pedestrian walk
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Duration: 5 hours
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Timetable: 10.00-15.00
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Price: 79 euros per person (all materials are included)
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Availability: 15 June – 15 September
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Group size: 8 persons max
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What’s SPECIAL about this experience: since Maria is a real cognoscenti, the guests will not only learn the principles of hagiography, but will also discover many little-known secrets while practicing the art itself
Thessaloniki - Where the Experience will take place
What wikipedia says
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the administrative region of Central Macedonia. The Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area population in 2011 reached a total of 1,104,460 inhabitants.
The city of Thessaloniki was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is a popular tourist destination in Greece: in 2014 Financial Times FDI magazine declared Thessaloniki as the best mid-sized European city of the future for human capital and lifestyle.
Today, the city center of Thessaloniki includes the features designed as part of the plan and forms the point in the city where most of the public buildings, historical sites, entertainment venues and stores are located. The center is characterized by its many historical buildings, arcades, laneways and distinct architectural styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which can be seen on many of its buildings.
Also called the historic centre, it is divided into several districts, like Ladadika (where many entertainment venues and tavernas are located), Kapani (were the city's central city market is located), Diagonios, Navarinou, Rotonta, Agia Sofia and Ippodromio, which are all located around Thessaloniki's most central point, Aristotelous Square.
Thessaloniki is regarded as the cultural capital of the country. It is renowned for its major shopping streets and lively laneways. The city has long been known in Greece for its vibrant city culture, including having the most cafes and bars per capita of any city in Europe; and as having some of the best nightlife and entertainment in the country. Because of the city's rich and diverse history, Thessaloniki houses many museums dealing with many different eras in history. Two of the city's most famous museums include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Thessaloniki is also home of a number of festivals and events. The Thessaloniki International Trade Fair is the most important event to be hosted in the city annually.
Thessaloniki is home to a number of prominent archaeological sites. Apart from its recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Thessaloniki features a large two-terraced Roman forum featuring two-storey stoas dug up by accident in the 1960s. The forum complex also boasts two Roman baths, one of which has been excavated while the other is buried underneath the city. The forum also features a small theater, which was also used for gladiatorial games.