For the second consecutive year, the ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI C.N.P.P., in collaboration with the “Lefteris Xanthos” Workshop, is organizing the 2nd International Printmaking Masterclass in Astypalea from September 1 to 12, 2026, with the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Astypalea. The outcome of this unique artistic initiative is presented in a group printmaking exhibition featuring works of the  participating artists, hosted at the historic Windmills on the island’s Hora, from September 12 to 20, with free admission to the public.

Establishing an artistic institution that fosters dialogue, technical expertise, and regional cultural production, this year’s edition offers participants a great opportunity for deep exploration into the art of printmaking. Through daily workshop sessions at the Lefteris Xanthos Workshop under expert guidance, artists will experiment with intaglio techniques, including hard ground, aquatint, sugar-lift technique and soft ground etching, developing their personal artistic projects.

Combining technical training with artworks exhibition, the program draws inspiration from the historic Astypalea Art Workshop (KEA), founded and directed by printmaker, graphic designer, and writer Lefteris Xanthos between 1987 and 1993. That pioneering initiative brought together artists and printmaking enthusiasts, with a particular focus on copperplate etching, every summer, establishing a vibrant creative community on the island.

Carrying this vision forward following an invitation from his wife, Sigrid Xanthos, the Athens Printmaking Art Center honors the memory of its esteemed collaborator. The successful establishment of this annual international Masterclass and exhibition places Astypalea at the heart of contemporary printmaking while keeping the island’s local cultural heritage alive.

Participating Artists: Maria Kompatsiari, Pino Pandolfini, Dimitra Siaterli, Sarah Lily Yassine

Venue: Windmills, Hora of Astypalea
Opening: September 12, 18:30
Exhibition Duration: September 12–20, 2026
Opening Hours: 18:30 – 22:00
Information & Contact: [email protected]

The program is organized by the Athens Printmaking Center – Pandolfini & Siaterli C.N.P.P., in collaboration with the “Lefteris Xanthos” Workshop, supported and held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Astypalea.

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More about ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI

The ΑΤHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI was founded by the artists Pino Pandolfini and Dimitra Siaterli. It has been running in Athens since 1977 as an open workshop for art and printmaking. Its activities include many cultural activities, exhibitions and exchange exhibitions in Greece and abroad, printing artworks, art editions, cooperation with artists, cultural organizations, galleries, schools, regular seminars and lesson programs. The aim of the ΑΤHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI, from its founding until now, has been to make accessible the language of printmaking, the history, the potential and its particular expressive power in the art world. The lengthy historical pathway of the space includes important collaborations with artists and institutions from Greece and abroad, which have strengthened the cultural exchange and community of the domestic art scene. By supporting the participation in the creative process and the personal stylings of the artist, the organization encourages the inherent production of printmaking, as well as the interdisciplinary workings of art.

After an artistic mission of 44 years, the ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI, today estimates the production of approximately 1500 prints from 160 artists, who have collaborated with the workshop during its many years within the domestic and European art scene. The collection of the Athens Printmaking Art Center continues to be enriched with new works to this day. Since 2018, the ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI opened for the public as a non-profit the cultural center ETCH INK art space, in the center of Athens. ETCH INK art space operates as the headquarters of C.N.P.P., as an exhibition space for art and printmaking, as a space for seminars and printmaking workshops, as an artistic space for projects, conferences, lectures, screenings, research programs on printmaking and its relations with other art forms, with other cultural organizations and galleries.

Official pages:

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