Open Calls 2025
CERAMICS SYMPOSIUM IN METEORA
Overview
The Meteora Ceramics Symposium, set against the stunning backdrop of Meteora, Greece, is a distinctive two-week art residency project seamlessly marrying contemporary artistic expression with the region's cultural legacy.
The symposium aims to facilitate a dynamic cultural exchange, fostering collaboration and creativity among participating artists. It strives to explore the convergence of modern ceramics with traditional Greek craftsmanship, preserving and celebrating Greece's rich ceramic heritage.
Moreover, the event seeks to engage the local community, encouraging interaction between artists and residents, and creating a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge is shared, and the creative process is enriched by diverse perspectives.
The Program includes
Workshop: Each artist will be provided with a bag of stoneware clay weighing 10 kilograms. Using this clay, they are tasked with creating two or four objects. Proportionally, one or two of these objects will undergo the Raku firing technique. The ceramics not subjected to Raku will be fired in an electric kiln.
Raku Firing: Raku firing will involve the use of horsehair, feathers, flammable materials, and honey on white or colored terra sigillata. The recipes for these techniques will be collaboratively developed in the workshop. The Raku firing will take place outdoors using a gas kiln.
Glass-Fused Objects: Options for the glass-fusing process include using olive ash, porcelain, and other tree ashes. The ceramics will undergo a bisque firing initially. The second firing, incorporating the glass mixtures created with ashes and porcelain, will take place at 1260 degrees Celsius. Ashes for the mixtures are collected each winter from heating sources.
Excursion: A one-day excursion awaits, featuring enchanting walks along scenic paths and a visit to a monastery accompanied by a professional guide.
Open Exhibition: Concluding the program, you will organize a collective exhibition, event, and celebration with music, inviting citizens, fellow artists, publishers, and collectors. Artworks created during the residency period will be showcased. One representative piece from each artist will be contributed to the Eutopia Art Residency Collection.
Eutopia Art Residency Team Member Role: As a member of the Eutopia Art Residency team, your responsibilities include presenting the artist and their work, contributing to the digital archive of Eutopia Art Residency as a collaborator. Additionally, you will assist and guide artists in exploring the local community, culture, and gastronomy, ensuring a holistic and enriching residency experience.
Location
Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides an awe-inspiring setting for the symposium. The monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, combined with the natural beauty of the landscape, create a truly immersive experience for artists.
Housing
Vavitsa Guesthouse (10 Artists):
The building is a two-story stone guesthouse in the village.
All rooms come with a private bathroom, TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
There is a communal breakfast area, and outside, there is a dining area and a lounge.
Free Wi-Fi is available.
The guesthouse is conveniently located near the workshop, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Workspace and Curators
The dedicated workspace spans 70 square meters, equipped with tables and ergonomic chairs, providing a professional ceramics studio.
The facility is fully furnished and supported by Maro and Zozo Theodorou, accomplished sculptors and ceramists, along with Efi Drouga, efi.drouga79@gmail.com, overseeing communication.
Artists have the opportunity to collaborate and communicate, fostering the exchange of ideas, technical expertise, and reflections on diverse topics in art and humanity.
Operating hours are from 09:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, excluding weekends.
All necessary materials, including clay, as well as ceramic tools and machinery, are readily available.
Maro Theodorou
Maro Theodorou was born in Kalambaka in 1982. Since 2003 she runs her own studio and art gallery where she exhibits her work as well as that of other artists.
She has participated many exhibitions in Greece and around the world. Some of her work has accepted honours, such as her scuplpture “Recycling bin”, which is found in the book “500 figures in clay, part B”, Lark Crafts, American Sterling Publishing Co, 2014. The 500 best sculptures worldwide.
Zozo Theodorou
Zozo Theodorou was born in Kalambaka in 1981. After graduating the Technological Highschool of Kalambaka, Engineering dpt., continued her studies in Jewelry Crafting.
In 2015 graduated from Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki, School of Visual and Applied Arts , Department of Sculpturing (laboratory G.Tsaras). She is also a Member of Chamber of Visual Arts. Zozo has participated in many exhibitions in Greece and around the world.
You can discover more of their personal work
Program Dates & Fees 2025
Below you can find information related to duration, fees and availability.
Duration - 2 weeks (14days)
Arrival 28 April - Departure 12 May 2025 Sold Out
Arrival 01 Sept. 2025
Departure 15 Sept. 2025
Availability
10 places (private room + breakfast) Fees 1980*€
*The above prices include accommodation with breakfast, the use of the workshop, know-how seminars, materials (clay) and the necessary tools, the baking oven, the group exhibition and the one-day hiking excursion in nature and a visit to a monastery, by a professional guide.
How will you get there
Meteora is located between the two great cities of Greece, Athens and Thessaloniki. From the airport of each city you should go to the Central Bus Station and from there take a bus to Trikala, the biggest city near Meteora, then you will change bus to Kalambaka where we will be waiting for you.
Estimated time from each city : Athens 4,30 hours Thessaloniki 3,50 hours
For any further information our team will be in personalised communication with you in order to organise together your trip.
Sept. 2024
“The residency exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t only about ceramics, it was also about artistic exchange & culture, at the same time hanging the opportunity to experiment techniques with the guidance of Maro, Zozo and amazing translations and solving problems from Efi. Sharing the workspace with so many artists was beautiful. The stories, the culture…I am for sure a better person now, expanding my network of friends. Meteora is a very special place, I am so happy to get to visit this part of the world, that was another beauty of the residency. I am very grateful for the welcoming from Greek people especially Maro, Efi and Zozo.”
With love, Milena Gali, Brazil / Australia
Sept. 2024
“My time at studio Theodorou was transformational & pushed me to think about my art in new ways. Working alongside Maro I learned about Raku firings, ash glaze & high five clays. All techniques that I had never worked with & I will continue to incorporate into my work. The sharing of ideas between our cohort of artists was inspiring & I am leaving this residency with an expanded network of artists from around the world. Thank you for all the effort in organising a fantastic art residency with a truly amazing artist. Bravo!”
Brooklynn, Colorado USA
Sept. 2024
“It was an incredible experience for me to be here in Mark’s studio, learning so much from Maro & Zozo, talented artists from around the world. I am so grateful for this unique opportunity to spend time in Kastraki, live in this small beautiful village, see amazing rocks of Meteora. Thank you so much Maro, Efi & Zozo for the amazing hospitality, knowledge & friendship. Bravo! “
With warmest hugs from Ukraine & Canada,
Natasha Dashko
FAQs
Is there funding?
For the time being, Eutopia Art Residency cannot provide scholarships
Are there any requirements for Artists?
Since Eutopia Art Residency focuses on research, knowledge sharing and experience with other artists and the local area, there are no required results.
What is included in the participation cost in the residence?
Accommodation (with water, electricity, natural gas, kitchen utensils, set of towels and bed linen, free street parking, weekly cleaning, access to the studio, access to our equipment, editorial help). Activities are planned throughout the month, such as open studio events, workshops, trips in nature, public speaking or traveling, publishing your profile in our online archive; free Wi-Fi both in the house and in the studio.
What is NOT included in the participation cost in the residence?
Travel costs, medical insurance, food, production costs, consumables and any additional services
Can I have a visitor during my stay?
Yes. Visiting partners and associates are welcome in the same studio as an artist if you book a double private room.
Is there a meal plan?
Each accommodation undertakes to offer you daily breakfast. The rest of the meals of the day are not included in the price.
Restaurants and taverns with very good food and with a menu of Mediterranean Greek Cuisine (Vegan etc.) at a very low cost, there are many in the village and very close to the accommodation.
Do you provide editorial assistance?
Once accepted for residency, our editor will chat with each of the artists to better understand their interests and help plan their travel and accommodation. In addition, we will create a housing plan consisting of group activities, individual feedback sessions, workshops and trips. Please also discuss your studio space needs in detail, accommodation, equipment etc.
Throughout your stay, we will always be available to answer your questions, help you with your needs and plan your activities. If you need support finding a specific type of equipment or hardware, you can contact locals to join your project or suggest interesting websites related to your research.
How should I get to the residence building from the airport?
From the airport of each city, Athens or Thessaloniki, each city you should go to the Central Bus Station and from there take a bus to Trikala, the biggest city near Meteora, then you will change bus to Kalambaka where we will be waiting for you.
Cancellation Policy
The deposit is non-refundable.