The Helmis Natural History Museum in Agia Marina has the pleasure to implement in October (9-30/10/24) under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, 2 educational activities on the occasion of the exhibition “Aromatic Journeys: Exploring the World of Herbs“.

In particular, two (2) educational programs/guided tours will be held at the museum with FREE participation, in order for students to create contemporary works of art in painting and engraving workshops: they will learn about herbs in ancient myths, recognize them in their natural or dried form and experiment creatively in order to use them professionally. The tools and materials come from the Museum.

1)A’ Action, daily, from 9-15/10/24): duration 50′, time 9:30-10:30

“Every plant hides within it a god and a unique gift – When a herb disappears, a part of the Greeks’ soul dies”:

The animator of the educational program, Zoe Nikitaki, brings to life one of the Amadriades, nymphs of the forests, souls of trees and plants. Through the experiential experience of bringing the soul of the plants to life and unraveling her story, the aim is to make the children
children to feel respect for the plant kingdom and to feel the sacred chain of life. The programme also includes references to the myth of Erisύχthonos, the narration of the myth of Daphne, accompanied by musical instruments. At the same time, the action “I connect with a plant in a magical way” is implemented, which applies the principles of psychodynamic chromotherapy.

B) B’ Action: daily 16-22/10/24: “Seminar of demonstration of Basic Engraving and Printing Techniques”, (Monotype – Stencil Techniques – Collagraphy)”. 2 hours of theoretical and artistic application, from 9:30 to 11:30.

Instructors: Stathis Androutsakis and Elena Gkarstea, Visual artists/ Engravers ASFA

This activity is mainly addressed to students over 9 years old who will be taught engraving based on Greek herbs. The programme includes the following:

Α. Introduction of demonstration of the manufacturing materials, tools and techniques of engraving herbal designs , B. Monotype technique, practical application and drawing/engraving theme of “traditional herbs”, C. Glue-grabbing techniques with preparation of printing matrix, melamine on soft (plastic linoleum) or paper substrate. The subject will be on the illustration of scrapbook/engraving of medicinal plants , D. Printing with Colors/inks, stamps of dried plant/botanical impressions and Stencil technique, E. Prints using the techniques of Glue/Gravure with references to coloration and utilization of the printing matrix.

The participating students of the Workshop, after the printing of their works, will each receive 1 copy of the print they have made. A digital exhibition of the students’ works will be made on the website of the Helmis Museum.

Note: for the free participation of students, it is necessary for the Department/School to pre-register at [email protected], tel. 2695 065040.