In 2004 the Michael N. Stassinopoulos – VIOHALCO (MSVF) Public Benefit Foundation started patchwork lessons for adults, taught by Ms Myrto Vlassopoulou. She is the first to teach the patchwork technique since the 1970s, having acquired tremendous experience in the subject, after attending courses and seminars abroad.
The Patchwork art workshop is held every Monday at different times for advanced and beginner students. The courses are held in the building of the Foundations’ Cultural Center in Stadio, Tegea, in a room specially equipped for the subject. In this workshop, students mainly learn how to create objects, following the traditional as well as the modern trends of this art. The course and the necessary materials are offered free of charge.
Patchwork is a primarily American technique, which has spread across the world in recent years. It is the joining of pieces of fabric of different colours or textures, following a pattern, to create items such as comforters, throws, pillows, bags, tablecloths, etc.
Weaving, the joining of used pieces of fabric, and embroidery flourished across all ancient civilizations in Europe, Asia and Africa. Many decorative designs have travelled to and from Europe, on the silk roads and reached the New World. There, what is now known as Patchwork, evolved from a necessity to a form of artistic expression. It has won over women across the world, who over time have incorporated designs of their respective countries.
This technique with its various applications, helps develop creativity, imagination and artistic sensitivity. It is interesting that it can serve as an escape from life’s difficulties, because Patchwork literally adds colour to our life. It is a peaceful and refreshing activity that offers joy and tranquility in this harsh world we are living in.
An art movement was thus born, which, inspired by tradition, manages to renew itself constantly.
It was 2004 when Mrs Selma Kenter – the president of the Turkish Women’s Patchwork Club and her group – visited the Foundation’s Cultural Center to present their work and pass on their expertise through a highly successful event. This sparked the interest of the women in Tegea and the courses with Mrs Myrto Vlassopoulou started soon after.
The Patchwork class has already taken an educational trip to Istanbul. There, they had the opportunity to meet with Mrs Selma Kenter and her students, in their workshop.
The works of the Patchwork Art Workshop are exhibited every two years during an exhibition organised at the Cultural Center of the Michael N. Stassinopoulos – VIOHALCO (MSVF) Public Benefit Foundation in Stadio, Tegea. The exhibition gives the public the opportunity to admire the works of the students and also inspires more women to attend the workshop. It is a fact that at every exhibition, the wonderful works of the students garner the admiration of the public. The Foundation’s Patchwork Class has been an unfailing source of creativity and friendship among the women all these years…
The best Patchwork works have been featured on the Foundation’s calendars multiple times, and specifically in years 2010, 2014 and 2019.
