With a springtime spirit and a variety of activities, the young Museum Friends welcomed Easter at the creative workshops of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.

Under the general theme “Mother Earth: The Gifts of Nature in a Springtime Celebration!” and focusing on female figures in the iconography of the Passion as well as the depiction of Spring in the works of great painters, the participating children experimented with different painting techniques and materials, creating their own original artworks — on canvas, with watercolors, and even digitally!

Inspired by great works of art and within the space of IMMA’s temporary exhibition “WOMEN, the Power of Creation”, they had the opportunity to take part in an interactive art workshop with Professor Stavroula Mavrogeni, Director of KEMIT at IMMA.

At the same time, through films and songs, they learned about Easter traditions of Macedonia, dyed eggs using the oil pastel technique, created original crafts and souvenirs from recyclable materials, and presented their activities in a theatrical performance for the parents and friends of the Museum.

During the farewell celebration, a poem written collaboratively by the children’s group — inspired by Kostas Varnalis’ poem “Resurrection” — was read:

Today Resurrection is happening
Run with your candles
Break your red eggs
Light your golden candles

Flowers are blooming everywhere
All of nature is celebrating
And in every child’s heart
April will blossom!

The Little Poets of IMMA

Scientific Supervision of Workshops: Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor at University of Macedonia (PAMAK) – Director of KEMIT at IMMA

Activity Coordination: Athina Pavlidou, Philologist-Museologist, Director of IMMA

Workshop Leader & Activity Design: Katerina Tzavara, Educator MSc – Author, Head of Educational Programs at IMMA

Materials and Exhibits Manager: Eleni Mavridou, Historian at IMMA

Guided Tours Coordinator: Vangelis Kansizoglou, Historian-Researcher at IMMA

Student Team:

• Christos Asprogiannis, Department of Philology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)

• Paschalis Zapartas, Department of History and Archaeology, AUTH

• Katerina-Marina Bethava, Department of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, University of Macedonia (PAMAK)

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and children for their strong and consistent participation in IMMA’s educational and recreational activities!

Special thanks also to our long-standing workshop sponsors, Koukakis Farm S.A. and Macedonian Halva, Haitoglou Bros S.A., who support the children’s breakfast with their generous product offerings.

See you in June at the Museum’s summer workshops — full of surprises!