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. This year on the 50th anniversary we want to honour our alumni who are our greatest inspiration for this half a century. The alumni programs we have created give you a chance to come home to the Aegean Center and celebrate with us.

All of you, our alumni, keep us connected to the bigger world. During the preparations for our special events this year 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. 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.

Looking through old photographs of the past we were struck by the continuity of the Aegean Center experience over time. Yes, we have embraced technology with the new digital lab, fast internet and LED lights, but the essential core elements are the same: good food, sunlight and starry nights, hands-on work, the feeling of family shared by students and staff alike, the great joy of learning and a life well lived. Of course, conscientious and caring instruction and the pursuit of quality remain our hallmarks.

So enjoy your journey through the new website, many of you will find yourselves there. The photo archive gives you a glimpse into our history and the student art gallery will grow as we have time to post more images. It is important to spread the word to others as word of mouth is our strongest recruiting tool. And if you can donate know that every gift is important to us.

Me agapi,

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