1st Annual ACS Athens Artists & Authors Spotlight
Organized by the ACS Athens Office of Development and ACS Athens Global Alumni, the event transformed the theater lobby into a dynamic gallery from December 17-20, 2024. On Opening Night, attendees were welcomed by the warm glow of artful lighting and the soft strains of classical guitar and piano performed by student musicians. This elegant atmosphere set the tone for a vibrant celebration of creativity and connection.
The Spotlight itself was an invitation to introspection, as attendees explored an array of visual and literary works, each offering a deeply personal narrative. From evocative paintings and photographs to poignant literary pieces, the event blended mediums to create a tapestry of storytelling and emotion. Guests wandered the gallery, engaging directly with the artists and authors who shared the inspiration behind their creations, bringing their works to life.
A key highlight was the exhibit of the Academy Humanities course, a longstanding pillar of ACS Athens education that has inspired critical thinking and creativity for over 50 years. The course’s immersive and interdisciplinary co-teaching approach was celebrated as co-instructor Amalia Zavacopoulou reflected, “The Arts and Humanities, especially in a world dominated by AI and Technology, play an even more vital role because they provide the ethical, cultural, and emotional frameworks with which we can navigate this rapid technological change.”
The Spotlight also underscored ACS Athens's lasting influence on its alumni, who returned to share their creative journeys. President Dr. Peggy Pelonis captured this enduring connection, stating, “This event shows what creativity and hard work can accomplish. It inspires our students and builds a network that connects us beyond these walls.”
As the exhibition closed, it was clear that the 1st Annual Artists & Authors Spotlight was not just a celebration of individual achievements but a testament to the collective spirit of the ACS Athens community. This event has laid the foundation for a cherished tradition, one that honors creativity, connection, and the enduring bonds of a vibrant community.
Relive the inspiring moments of the event below:
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A word of gratitude:
A special thank you to all the Artists and Authors whose active participation and creative contributions brought this event to life and made it an unforgettable celebration of talent and connection.
Authors: Dr. Peggy Pelonis | Humanities Course Team: Hercules Lianos, Amalia Zavacopoulou, and Academy Students | Pandora Bethea (Class of 1972) | Efrosini (Cindy) Camatsos (Class of 1994) | Dr. Mariam Elgabry (Class of 2011) | Venie Gaki (ACS Athens Faculty) | Sara Hamdan (Class of 2002) | Peter Hunt (ACS Athens Alumni) | Thomas Koulopoulos (Class of 1973) | Mina Michaelides (Class of 1993) | Christine Robinson (Alumni Parent) | Maria Rousakis (Class of 1992) | Dr. Georgina Spyres (Class of 1994)
Artists: Halid Chrysinas (Class of 2015) | Farida El Gazzar (Class of 1993 & ACS Athens Employee) | Elvis Georgiadis (ACS Athens Alumni) | Dr. Jenny Grigoropoulou (ACS Athens Employee) | Eirini Ignatiadi (Class of 2014) | Maria Kokkinou (Class of 2015) | Despina Kleoni Manousaki (ACS Athens Faculty) | Vassilis Mikros (ACS Athens Faculty) | Christina Papas (Class of 1999) | Alexia Celia Peza (Class of 2014) | Ero Lex (Class of 2019) | Christina Rocha (ACS Athens Employee) | Georgia Solomos (Class of 2018) | Filippos Solomos (Class of 2025) | Evi Sotiropoulou (Class of 2011 & ACS Athens Faculty) | Leda Tsoukia (ACS Athens Employee) | Savina Vassiliadis (Alumni Parent) | Vivian Zotali (Class of 1994)
Artists & Authors: Jeff Bear (ACS Athens Retiree) | Nicole Demos (Class of 1988) | Parthenon Huxley (Class of 1974) | Foteini Ariadni Mitreli Masmanidi (ACS Employee) | Sofia Soseilos (ACS Athens Employee)
Finally, this event would not have been possible without the tireless work and support of:
- Exhibition Curator: Leda Tsoukia
- ACS Athens Office of Development: Chris Perakis, Lydia Skampavia
- ACS Athens Global Team: John Papadakis, Lydia Skampavia, Belina Korovessis, John Lambrides, Natalia Galanou
- Communications Department: Demi Aroni, Leda Tsoukia, Maria Matakia, Natalia Galanou
- Media Studio: John Papadakis, Thanassis Palos, Vana Alexopoulou
- IT Department: Marinos Makris, Jim Koulyras, Nikos Dousis, Pavlos Dieronitis
- Theater Facilities: Linos Meitanis
- Faculty Members: Sophia Soseilos, Peggy Apostolou
- Maintenance Crew
- Student Volunteers: Zakynthinakis Yiannis, Chryssos Michael, Athanasopoulos Sotiris, Solomos Filippos, Vryoni Margarita, Raptis Daphne, Athanasopoulos Andreas, Martinez Ricardo Antonio, Chatziioannou Sofia, Kouroupos Gerasimos, Ehteshamzad Shaya, Floriou Sofia, Barmpatsi Smaragda, Logan Katerina, Cui Ruihan-Karl, Popotas Zenon, Li Harry, Zhang Xuanrui, Zhao Haocheng, Paneras Evangelos, Valantasis Zoe, Bakamitsos Evgenia, Panera Danae