SINCE 1966

THE AEGEAN CENTER

on THE GREEK ISLAND OF PAROS

“...The Aegean Center is above clichés, it is almost as if it is timeless and oblivious to the world around it. You will live slowly, you will feel more, want less. It is a restoration of the soul that allows you the time and space to tap into whichever creative outlet is awaiting. It is a gift that you will carry for the rest of your life. I cannot thank them enough and can only hope that they know how much they do, for it is nothing short of magic.”

: Amanda, (alumna)

Since 1966 the Aegean Center offers small group innovative classically based art education on the Greek island of Paros.

It’s important that our location plays an essential and consequential part of our educational philosophy and the learning experience at the Aegean Center. The beauty of the landscape and authenticity of our host island and village, the ease of eating well, the convenience of strolling between school and housing and the close access to nature all contribute to the opening of minds and eyes. Students slow their pace, reach deep into their inner life and are rewarded with major milestones on their artistic journey. They gain a better understanding of their place in the arts, a renewed commitment to creativity and a clearer sense of what they want to achieve and a path on which they may arrive. Of greatest importance however is a vastly enhanced and inclusive world view, firsthand and real, not virtual and detached

Education and its social interface is undergoing a revolutionary change. Ubiquitous global internet connections, tethered handheld devices, social media, limitless accessible video instruction and virtual ’meta’ worlds have upended traditional educational and social interaction. What remains evident however, and more relevant and necessary than ever before, is the value of small group interaction and one-to-one instruction.

We are an independent academy, small by design, and have always kept these philosophies foremost in our teaching and program objectives. Leaving conformative art education and standardization behind, our tutorial method helps to validate a curious mind and invite creativity. Together we teach and learn differently to set students on paths of knowledge, enlightenment, wonder and discovery.

On our website and all our correspondence you will find a quote from ancient wisdom. It is attributed to Aristotle or Plato and has become our established maxim and precept: "To marvel is the beginning of Knowledge, and when we cease to marvel we are in danger of ceasing to know." Yes….