‘‘From Yesterday to Tomorrow – Clay and Rocking Paints’’ A Journey Through Art, History, and Sustainability

As part of the 3rd Atelier of the INTERACTION project, the workshop “From Yesterday to Tomorrow – Clay and Rocking Paints” invited participants on a unique artistic journey that bridges ancient craftsmanship, ecological innovation, and community creativity.

This cross-cultural initiative brought together artists and educators and young minds, around shared heritage and sustainable practice.

🏺 Connecting with the Past Through Clay

Led by ceramicist and metal worker Suzana Petri, the workshop began with a hands-on introduction to clay, one of humanity’s oldest artistic and utilitarian materials. 11 participants:

• Learned about the properties and possibilities of clay
• Explored its historical role in the Almyras hill, home to important archaeological discoveries
• Attempted to reconstruct figurines based on real finds from local excavations

This part of the workshop not only nurtured creative skills, but also deepened appreciation for local cultural heritage and the timeless language of handmade art.

🎨 Once the clay creations took shape, they were brought to life with a splash of color, not just any paint, but the "Rocking Paints" developed by the talented students of Agia Varvara Primary School.

These innovative paints are:

• Made entirely from rocks, giving them earthy, vibrant hues
• 100% ecological, free from microplastics and harmful chemicals
• A shining example of youth-driven environmental creativity

Participants had the opportunity to learn how these paints are made, explore their textures and colors, and use them to decorate their clay works.

Some of these artworks will be permanently installed in the courtyard of the Early-Industrial Workshop of Agia Varvara, becoming a lasting symbol of this unique INTERACTION collaboration.

✨ Why This Workshop Mattered?

• It brought yesterday and tomorrow into conversation through the use of traditional materials and modern ecological practices.
• It highlighted the power of collaborative creativity in building cultural and environmental awareness.
• Every participant became both a student of history and a sculptor of the future.