On Wednesday October 30, 2024, the opening of the solo exhibition of sculptor Alexandra Athanassiadis "Procession to the city" was held with great success at Athens College, in the presence of members of the wider College family and the art world. The exhibition was organized as part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the College.

With the Theater Courtyard as the main exhibition space, the 35 works, both sculptures and wall pieces, are also on display in the interiors of the Library, the Benaki Hall and the Theater, where hundreds of students pass through every day. The pedagogical value of the presence of artworks in an educational space is invaluable, since, in addition to the aesthetic pleasure they offer, they generate questions, stimulate the imagination and appeal to the emotions.

The guests were welcomed to the inauguration by Annika Papantoniou, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation, who noted that Alexandra Athanassiadis' contribution to the aesthetic and artistic education of our students is multifaceted. Specifically, she referred to her contribution and donation of her works to the College, as well as her long-lasting contact with its students, who are inspired by her art and create their own works.

Athens College President Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, noted that the cultivation of the arts is a key pillar of the education provided by the College and Alexandra Athanassiadis' exhibition leaves its own imprint as the School enters its second century of history. He stressed that on the occasion of the exhibition, a high quality catalogue was created, which will serve as a guide for the renewal of the School's publications in terms of aesthetics and content.

Alexandra Athanassiadis thanked all those who contributed to the organization of the exhibition, making special reference to the students of the School, who participated with great enthusiasm in the setting up and completion of some of the works. She invited all visitors to participate in the exhibition by playing in the "Abandoned Playground" or by writing their thoughts on the "Ostraca". 

The curator of the exhibition and Athens College graduate Theophilos Trampoulis '85, noted that this exhibition was set up with children in mind, with the thought that the works will live among the students who will see them daily in their space. That is why, he explained, he and Alexandra Athanassiadis wanted to bring out the lighter dimension and playfulness of her works.

Alexandra Athanassiadis was born in Athens, where she lives and works. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Oxford and Columbia University in New York and her works have been exhibited in many solo and group exhibitions in Athens, Thessaloniki, Paris, New York, as well as in important archaeological sites and in dialogue with them, such as Delphi and Ancient Messina. In 1995 he was awarded the Princess Grace Foundation Award.

The College, a perennial pioneer in breaking new ground in education, since the time of Karolos Koun and Minos Dounias, has embraced innovative pedagogical initiatives in the arts as well, with a significant impact on the intellectual development of its students. In recent years it has hosted major exhibitions on its premises, providing a unique opportunity for all members of the College family to come into daily contact with, reflect on and be inspired by the exhibits. This prospect will be greatly supported by the forthcoming creation of the "D. Daskalopoulos Arts Building", which will function as an arts center open to the community through its exhibition spaces and contribute to the further development of the School's arts program. 

For the exhibition "Procession to the City", Athens College is planning a series of workshops for its students, while tours open to the public will take place on Saturdays, 9/11/2024, 18/1/2025 and 8/2/2025, at 12:00 by the curator of the exhibition.

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