A Letter to the Alumni

Dear Alumni,  

For the 40th anniversary of the school in 2006 the Aegean Center presented a wonderful musical event, The Festival of Thanks, which was our way of acknowledging the generous welcome that Paros has extended to us those four decades. In 2016, our 50th anniversary, we honoured our alumni who are our greatest inspiration for this half a century onward.

Our alumni have always kept us connected to the changing world. During the preparations for our 50th anniversary we heard from so many of you about the transformational experience you had while at the Center. We heard stories about changing majors or areas of study as a result of your time the Center. We heard stories of renewed commitment to art and career shifts. But mostly we heard about the joys and inspiration to live a simple, curious life amongst all the chaos of so many choices in a demanding world of internet-cyber-soon-to-be-Meta hyper-reality.

Looking through photographs of the past we were struck by the continuity of the Aegean Center experience over time. Of course we have embraced technology, we would be foolish no to for the ecological benefits alone. But we have not lost sight that the essential core elements of life here are the same: good food, sunlight, star-filled nights, hands-on work, the feeling of family shared by students and staff alike, embracing the Creative Process and the great joy of learning all this is an important part of a life well lived; that our conscientious and caring instruction in the pursuit of quality remain our hallmarks.

So enjoy your journey through the website, many of you will find yourselves there. The photo archive gives you a small glimpse into our history. Remember to spread the word to others as word of mouth is our most compelling recruiting tool. And if you can donate know that every gift is important to us.

Με πολλή αγάπη από την Πάρο,

John Pack,  Director

“No traveler ever sets out with so little idea of where he or she are going or how they are going to get there than an artist does. And no traveler gets to a more wonderful place. ”               

-Howard Jacobson: at the Guardian