Skyros, Greece

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Friday 22 March 2013

The Skyros Island Support Fund: Winter fuel for 3 schools, the clinic and the nursing home


Skyros Holidays, the leading holistic holiday, has just set up the Skyros Island Support Fund with the specific aim to raise €20.000 for heating the Greek island's schools, clinic and nursing home during the winter of 2013/14. This became necessary due to lack of funds as Greek government subsidies for the purpose have all but dried up. Find out more below . . .
Skyros Holidays has, for decades, enjoyed a somewhat symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship with its host island. The local community has always benefited from the company's policy to 'buy local' in the form of goods, services and in the provision of employment. 

In addition, Skyros Holidays has often contributed directly towards various projects that have benefited the island. They include the purchase of computers for Skyros' local school, new medical equipment for its Health Centre, the refurbishment of its school theatre, the protection of its magnificent pine forest or the care for the island's cats and dogs.

However, as the current situation in Greece creates new problems for the locals, Skyros Holidays will be taking this approach one step further. The organisation intends to raise sufficient funds by the end of the summer to buy fuel for the island's three schools, its clinic and its nursing home for this winter, which in Skyros can be as chilly as in Scotland.

Charity, it is often said, begins at home, but for Skyros Holidays and the thousands who have joined a Skyros holiday over the years, Skyros island, Greece, is so much more than a pleasant holiday destination.

An innovative way to raise money

Skyros Holidays has an open invitation for others to get involved in helping them achieve their aim. People are invited to use the skills they honed on their Skyros holiday and hold a cabaret, raffle their artwork or run a dance class. It doesn't have to be grandiose or fantastical, simple is plenty and direct donations are always welcome. Any amount will help the local Skyrian community this winter. It may not be possible to change the general picture but we can definitely make a bit of a difference in the lives of hundreds of people this winter, mostly children.

People who would like to contribute, whether through raising funds through group activities or making direct contributions can contact the Skyros Island Support Fund at Skyros, 9 Eastcliff Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6AA. 



 

With thanks & best wishes,

The Skyros Team
Isle of Wight
e: office@skyros.com

Skyros is the leading provider of learning holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the UK. With a wide range of courses including yoga, windsurfing, sailing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much more, there are options for everyone. Ideal for solo travellers, with good food and great company, it’s a winning combination! www.skyros.com 

Friday 8 March 2013

New for 2013: Skyros Art & Painting Holidays


Does trying your hand at photography, painting, printmaking or textiles tickle your fancy? Then join the brand new programme for the Skyros Centre, Greece – the Art Studio – an ideal opportunity to explore your creativity under the guidance of some very fine artists. Please note: moustaches and berets are not compulsory, although welcome!

As many of you will know, Skyros Holidays have run art courses very often in the past but always as part of a much broader programme of activities. These courses, if judged by the passion and commitment demonstrated by all people involved, have been hugely successful. This year, however, the art courses will sail under their very own flag!
                                                                                                                               
You will embark on an inspirational journey through picturesque Skyros village, its beaches, its ancient sites, the colourful countryside and also your own inner landscapes. And all this in the company of friendly people ready to share experiences, views and ideas aided by our highly qualified and professional artists who will offer support both within the group and individually.

Skyros co-founder Yannis Andricopolous says "Skyros island is very seductive from the artist's point of view: picturesque and easy going."

The renowned Writer's Lab and Life Choices programmes are held alongside the Art Studio at the Skyros Centre. This means that the two week holidays offer the opportunity to book one course per week from any of the three programmes that run alongside each other. Life coaching first week, painting the next perhaps?


Find out what's on this summer 2013 below. Join any of these courses with no experience or plenty and know that you will return home with the skills and encouragement necessary to pursue your creative vision with renewed vigour . . .

The Skyros Team
office@skyros.com, www.skyros.com.



Landscape Abstraction with Linda Norris
8 - 15 June (AS1)
Explore landscape-based abstraction while taking inspiration from the island and use a variety of media like wax, sand and plaster to free your technique and get to grips with texture. The emphasis is on relaxed enjoyment.

The price, £595.00, includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Drawing and Painting with Kel Portman
15 - 28 June (AS2)
Whatever your level of skill, from 'non-artist' and absolute beginner to expert, you'll find that helpful advice and feedback will enable you to discover new techniques and processes in drawing and painting.

The price, £995.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Photography with Kel Portman
29 June - 6 July (AS3)
This is a course for those who have never been taught the art of photography. It won’t confuse you with technical jargon, rather you will be encouraged to look at ideas and approaches to help you take better photographs.

The price, £625.00, includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.


Painting & Collage with Angela Findlay
6 - 19 July (AS4)
Get to know colours and express yourself freely using a variety of materials and techniques. Explore life through colour and creativity. Learn to look at life and the world around you through the eyes of an artist.

The price, £1095.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Textile Art with Annie Sherburne
20 - 27 July (AS5)
Using and understanding sustainable principles of creating textiles, design and make your own rug, draw, chose colour palettes, do creative samples using different yarns and techniques to create your own unique palette of textures and patterns.

The price, £645.00, includes seven nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Sketching & Painting with Michael Gahagan
27 July - 9 August (AS6)
This friendly and fun course takes the fear out of painting and drawing, and encourages to to enjoy art, have fun and develop. 

The price, £1245.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Drawing & Painting with Sarah Livingstone
10 - 23 August (AS7)
This course will help you to explore drawing as a form of creative play, to awaken your inner artists and to increase your appreciation of your surroundings. In addition it will equip you with the skills necessary to practise and progress independently.

The price, £1245.00, includes 13 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

Art & The Island with Richard Layzell
24 - 31 August (AS8)
Design and make sculptural assemblages, develop an experiential visual journal, draw, photography and video, explore the miniature and the monumental. Visit local cultural highlights, enjoy one to one mentoring and a concluding exhibition.

Just £695.00 includes 7 nights half board twin share accommodation, art tuition and early morning yoga.

For more information visit http://www.skyros.com/art_studio.htm, call us at the Skyros office on +44 (0)1983 865566 or email us at office@skyros.com and our friendly staff will be happy to talk you through any questions. Ready to book? Use the online booking form or call Skyros on +44 (0)1983 865566.

Skyros is the leading provider of learning holidays in Greece, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the UK. With a wide range of courses including yoga, windsurfing, sailing, life coaching, creative writing, music, salsa and so much, there’s plenty of options. Ideal for solo travellers, with good food and great company, it’s a winning combination! www.skyros.com