EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Ceramics, Botany & Environment

In an era where the arts seek their place in modern life and
Greek tradition and culture are at risk of fading over time, Estia
Pelion invites all educational institutions on a journey that is both conceptual
and profoundly realistic.

By seeking a healthy present through the knowledge of the past, we invite
children and young people on a journey through time, bringing into today
the arts, traditions, and environmental elements that have shaped the evolution
of Greek society.

Educational Program:
“Ceramics & Botany – Presentation”

“Discovering the Art of Ceramics”
A presentation on Ceramics, an ancient art that has stood the test of time.
With a long and rich history, this craft has been passed down through generations,
surviving to this day.
In the ceramics presentation by ceramist Christos Giannakopoulos, we will learn
about the origins of this art, its secrets, its evolution, and its modern applications.
We will be introduced to the magic of the potter’s wheel, witnessing how a lump of
clay and water transforms within minutes into an intricate object in the hands of
the ceramist.

“Botanical Garden in Pelion”
A guided tour of our botanical garden, combined with herb identification
and a discussion on the traditional and medicinal uses of plants
by clinical botanist Manolis Manos.

Educational Program:
“Ceramics – Hands-on Workshops”

Undoubtedly, the art of ceramics, this primitive creative activity, holds
great fascination for young creators.
It helps develop abilities and skills, enhances fine motor skills, and improves
focus as hands and eyes learn to work together. It offers relaxation and a sense of
accomplishment as each small project, each little wonder, is completed.

Hands-on Workshop: Group Project

During this hands-on workshop, children will work on a collective clay
creation. Each participant will contribute a part of this
construction (which could, for example, be a clay inscription of a
literary text or poem), always under the guidance of ceramist Christos
Giannakopoulos.
In the following days, the project will be completed through the
process of double firing in a specialized kiln and will be sent to the
creators for display in a communal space (e.g., a school building).

Hands-on Workshop: Creating an Individual Object

In this hands-on workshop, children will work on their own clay object.
Under the guidance of ceramist Christos Giannakopoulos, they will create
items that can ideally be linked to their educational subjects, such as
objects from the Neolithic period or themes from Greek folklore.
(The subject of the objects depends on the students’ age and is
determined in collaboration with the teaching staff.)
In the following days, the objects will be finalized through the process
of double firing in a specialized kiln and sent to their creators.

Hands-on Workshop for High School Students, University Students & Erasmus Programs

During this hands-on workshop, young participants will work on a
specialized topic related to their curriculum or local history, agreed
upon in advance between educators and our ceramist, Christos
Giannakopoulos.
The workshop includes a brief oral introduction to the subject by
ceramist Christos Giannakopoulos, followed by the creation of ceramic
pieces.
Example topics include: tablets in Linear B script, mosaics in the Byzantine sgraffito
technique, or inscribing a poem by Yannis Ritsos.

Environmental – Educational Workshops

“The Delights of Pelion”

An interactive educational program where children discover the natural delights of our mountain.
What are arbutus berries?
When do mushrooms grow?
Where are chestnuts hidden?
Are purslane leaves edible?
What does chestnut honey taste like?
These and many more questions will be answered as we explore the foods and herbs that thrive on Mount Pelion together with the children.

“A Rolling Apple”

What is a firiki apple?
How do apple trees reproduce?
What does an apple a day really do?
What does apple cider vinegar taste like?
And why are Zagora apples… PDO-certified?
These and many more questions will be answered in an interactive educational program filled with colors, images, sounds, flavors, scents, arts, and journeys!

“Experiential Botany Workshop & Botanical Walk”
with Medical Herbalist Manolis Manos

A journey to discover the rich mosaic of wild and cultivated herbs, shrubs, and trees that adorn the picturesque region of Pelion.

Our botanical walks offer an immersive experience, delving into the traditional, folkloric, and mythological significance of the flora that thrives in this unique environment.
Upon returning from the walk, participants will enjoy a guided tour of the Eστία botanical garden, followed by an herbal tasting session in the courtyard, where we will discuss the beneficial properties of various herbs.
The program concludes with a hands-on Herbal Workshop, where children will create a natural herbal product to take home.

WORKSHOP OPTIONS

Option 1: Creating Herb-Infused Oils
We will demonstrate the process of making herb-infused oils, explaining their benefits and uses in skincare and overall well-being.
Participants will learn about the most well-known and beneficial botanical oils.
We will explain the methods of preparing and straining the herbal oil mixture.
A pre-prepared herbal oil will be strained during the workshop.
Each participant will take home a small bottle of their own infused oil.

Option 2: Making Herbal & Essential Oil Beeswax Balms
In this workshop, we will demonstrate how to use carrier oils (botanical oils) and essential oils to create natural beeswax balms.

Participants will learn about the most useful botanical and essential oils.
We will discuss when to choose each type and provide safety guidelines for essential oils.
Step-by-step demonstration: melting beeswax, adding herbal oils, and blending essential oils.
Each participant will make their own beeswax balm and take it home.