Greek Naive Painters Exhibition at Bissell Library

Students and staff from all levels of Anatolia College enjoyed the artistic vision of Greek Naive painters at an exhibition from the Panayotis & Effie Michelis Foundation collection hosted at ACT’s Bissell Library.

The various paintings encompassed a whimsical and colorful depiction of Greek life - from landscapes and still lives to portraits and mythological creatures. The Michelis Foundation was established in 1979 by Panagiotis Michelis, a well-known architect and academic, and his wife Effie, herself a Naive Painter. Visitors to the Library were impressed by the lively artwork, and ACT students often chose their study spots based on proximity to the paintings. The exhibition also served as a rich source of lesson content. For example, 270 fourth, fifth and sixth-grade classes from Anatolia Elementary School came to the Library on multiple occasions to learn about Naive painting, study the works and paint their versions!

At the exhibit’s closing, the Foundation donated a painting by Effie Michelis, which will be displayed permanently, a small reminder of art’s power to bring the viewer reflection and joy.

One thousand students cross our doors every day coming into the Library and have had a chance to enjoy moments of quiet and light through these works.

Three hundred fifty students from the US in our study abroad program in the Fall and 150 students in the Spring term were able to get to know Greece from the eyes of these fantastic painters and position themselves often to study in front of paintings.

Furthermore, a group of High School students visited the exhibition.

Our young kindergarten sat on the floor to paint, driven by Effie Michelis's works. Ninety students from the second year of Elementary school benefited from the educational program led by publisher Anna Maria Vlassi. These same students bought the book The Brightest Palette in Greek. In addition, they had the opportunity to discuss the life, personality, art, and contribution of Effie Michelis with the author Vaggelis Iliopoulos.

Also, 270 students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th year of Elementary school visited with their art teacher Maria Hatzikefala and created paintings inspired by these works. 

• Photo caption: From left: Trustees Jack J. Florentin, Markos N. Papageorgiou, Lambros G. Anagnostopoulos, Dr. Marina Tsoulou., Director, Michelis Foundation, Dr. Evi Tramantza, Director of Libraries & Archives, Anatolia College, Dr. Panos Vlachos, Anatolia College President