THIS RESIDENCY IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT CERTIFICATE STUDENTS UNTIL JANUARY 15th. 

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NEW ~ Byzantine Woodcut Printmaking with Fotis Varthis

A Summer Art Workshop in Galini, South Eastern Crete

August 4 – 8, 2025

Good for Beginners or Experienced.

A NEW Summer workshop expanding our annual SUMMER SCHOOL led by Greek artist, master printmaker and engraver, Fotis Varthis and held in Galini, South Eastern Crete. It is a beautiful opportunity to refine drawing skills through the linear and rhythmic carved lines of the art of woodcut carving and printing, and time soaking up the beauty of this part of Crete.

Overview

In a light-filled creative studio workshop space overlooking the Libyan Sea, this week will provide a retreat-like experience in an inspiring natural landscape. Set against the stunning backdrop of the picturesque small seaside village of Galini, students will delve into the art of ancient woodcut, learning techniques to shape the imagery of St. George and the Dragon.

Fotis, a master of his craft, will guide students through the traditional woodblock carving process, sharing techniques, skills and creativity through the linear forms which define this timeless narrative within the Byzantine system.  Woodcut is a very good medium for understanding and practicing lighting in the Byzantine painting system, and is very useful for Icon painters to practice molding forms through this linear process.

Whether a beginner or an experienced artist seeking to deepen one’s practice in relief printmaking techniques, this workshop promises to be an inspiring and transformative experience with an opportunity to learn new skills, ignite creativity, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts in an artistic community that celebrates the beauty of storytelling through art.

Surrounded by the wild nature of Crete and a slower rhythm, each day of artistic discovery is usually followed by time at the nearby beach after a full creative day in the studio (and time to enjoy Cretan cuisine at the wonderful seaside restaurant just a short walk down the hill).

About the Instructor

Fotis Varthis

Master Wood Engraver and Instructor

Fotis Varthis, born in 1983 on Corfu island, currently lives and works in Athens. His artistic journey began at age 11, studying hagiography with renowned teachers. Although he later explored graphic design, a desire for personal expression led him to the Athens School of Fine Arts. Varthis’s artwork has been shown in prestigious galleries and is featured in private and corporate collections worldwide, including the Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens.  He actively collaborates with publishers across Europe and the USA, creating and contributing his works, and shares his expertise as a wood engraving instructor at Eikonourgia Studio in Athens.

About the Process

Woodcut is a relief printing technique. Using a piece of wood, the artist cuts into it using metal hand engraving tools. The areas that are cut away will not be inked and therefore will not print. The remaining raised areas will be inked and printed, similar to linocut and woodcut engraving.

Once the cuts have been made, the block is inked up using a roller and then printed onto paper. Printing a wood engraving can be done by hand without a printing press or using a book press or letterpress. 

Materials + Tools

The boards will be provided for the week and a full list of recommended tools will be provided after registration (these are economically priced).  Some paper will be provided for the prints, and students are also encouraged to bring additional paper of their choice to use for multiple prints — again, suggestions for paper will be made. 

Students will leave with a portfolio of their own work and will be encouraged to trade and share work with other students.

Cost:

Tuition Fee: 750 EUR

Note: This week precedes the annual Summer School in Northern Kolymbari, Crete and is the perfect add-on for students to enjoy more creative immersion before heading North – or it can be attended as a unique independent experience.   For any student taking BOTH the printmaking and SUMMER SCHOOL, a discount is provided upon request). 

The workshop is conducted in English-language with a mix of Greek and International Students attending.

Location:

The workshop space itself is in Galini — a small sea-side community in Lasithi on Crete. It is situated around 24  kilometers north-east from Lerapetra and right along the sea. The village is south of Thripti mountain, in a verdant area, full of pine and olive trees (see more photos below).  Not to be confused with Agia Galini which is north, closer to Rethymno, Crete.

Looking into the workshop space in Galini.

Lodging:

Students can find plenty of options through Airbnb.  Unless staying within walking distance of the workshop space, it will be necessary to have a car for the week. 

A unique hotel lodging experience within 15 minutes of the workshop space can be found at:

Asprospotamos Houses

A unique hotel that used to be a whole village, and is run entirely on solar power — with great respect for the environment they have a photovoltaic solar system installed which won the first European Award for Greece, earning a special place for their eco-friendly establishment. They use minimal lights — mostly candles and oil lamps for a unique traditional experience (they do have internet and wifi).

More lodging information and options will be provided after registration.

Getting There:

Students can travel by ferry or plane from Athens to Heraklion (the ferry leaves from Piraeus).  Once arriving in Crete, students can either rent a car or take the bus to Lerapetra and then take a bus or taxi to the workshop location. Galini is about 110 km from Heraklion, and will take a little under two hours to get there.

In the mountains above the Libyan Sea in South-Eastern Crete.