Review of Spring Workshops for Children:
“Spring Embroideries, Threads and Fairy Tales!”

The educational activity “Spring Embroideries, Threads and Fairy Tales!”, which took place at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle in April 2026, was completed with great success and increased participation, offering children aged 5–11 an experiential opportunity for creation, learning, entertainment, and contact with Greek folk tradition.

The workshops were designed on the occasion of the contemporary works presented in IMMA’s temporary group exhibition “Golden and Woollen Braids with Golden Twisted Cords”, curated by Archaeologist–Art Historian Ms Iris Kritikou, and served as a colourful and festive conclusion to the exhibition’s run.

Our young museum friends had the opportunity to observe up close jewellery, necklaces, headpieces, doulama garments, waistcoats and aprons—creations by contemporary artists inspired by IMMA’s permanent collection. They were particularly impressed by the motifs, textures, colours and different uses of fabrics and decorative elements through time. Through observation and artistic exploration, they discovered how tradition can be creatively transformed in contemporary art.

During the workshops, the children became familiar with elements of folk art, as well as Easter and spring customs, through creative and original activities. Starting from imagination, play, theatrical storytelling and the visual arts, they travelled into the world of Greek tradition in Macedonia and came into contact with forms of artistic expression inspired by our cultural heritage.

Of particular interest to our young friends was their introduction to techniques of visual representation of the exhibition’s works. Through creative exercises and experimentation with fabrics and recyclable materials, they managed to create impressive decorative constructions, transforming traditional motifs into contemporary artistic creations.

In the second part of the activities, the children took a digital tour of paintings related to the Resurrection, Spring and Rebirth. Inspired by the works of well-known painters, they created their own mixed-media compositions, using tempera paints and collage to create spring “places”, strengthening their observation skills, aesthetic cultivation and creative expression.

At the same time, the digital applications and interactive games that are consistently incorporated into the Museum’s programme encourage children to take part in activities of research, discovery and active participation in a modern, enjoyable and pedagogically creative way.

We warmly thank the parents and children for their trust, love and great participation.

Their response was especially warm, marked by enthusiasm, cooperation and a strong willingness to participate in all activities. Through the programme, the main objective of the activity was achieved: the creative use of free time, artistic expression, and meaningful contact between children and our traditions and culture, within a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment.

Special thanks are also extended to the companies FARMA KOUKAKIS S.A. and MAKEDONIKOS HALVAS – HAITOGLOU BROS S.A. for their kind and valuable contribution of products to the children’s breakfast.

Warm thanks are also extended to Ms Iris Kritikou for her multifaceted and creative collaboration with IMMA, as well as to all the artists who shared with us and with the large audience of the exhibition their unique creations.

The Workshop Team

Scientific supervision of the workshops:
Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor at the University of Macedonia – Director of KEMIT at IMMA

Coordination of activities:
Athina Pavlidou, Philologist–Museologist, Director of IMMA

Workshop instructor – Activity design:
Katerina Tzavara, Educator MSc – Author, Head of Educational Programmes at IMMA

Public reception and museum material officer:
Eleni Mavridou, Historian at IMMA

Facilitation of historical and digital activities:
Vangelis Kansizoglou, Historian – Researcher, IMMA