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REPORT ON THE FINE-ART AND POETRY WORKSHOP 2001
By Mr Kevin WHITNEY (GRB)
Official Artist of the British Olympic Association
The opening ceremony on the hill of Pnyx is always a grand start to the
session. There is no better place for this event anywhere else in Greece. The good
turnout was accompanied by stirring speeches by IOA President Filaretos and
IOC President Samaranch.
The Olympic order was presented to the Vice-Président of the IOA, George
Moissides, for a long and distinguished service in the Olympic movement.
The (Dimitiris Typaldos) Choir of Athens gave a beautiful rendering of some
delightful songs including "Athena". Later, everyone enjoyed a buffet dinner and
party at the outdoor "Island" club, which with so many International costumes
present, looked like a James Bond film set!
The next morning, we went to the IOA in Olympia; a "Paradise in the
Peloponnessos". After settling in, we performed the usually opening ceremonies.
The very next day, Saturday, I called a meeting of the co-ordinators of the FAW
(Fine Art Workshop). I tried to impress on the COs, the importance of making this
year's FAW better than other years, if for no other reason other than our pursuit
of excellence; something I personally want in the Academy and in life. I suggested
this years "theme" be that of Inspiration.
The slow start to the proceedings of FAW was rewarded by a big turnout
on the second day. Walter Brenner (GUA) introduced himself to my Assistant,
Panagiota Apostolopoulou (GRE), and to myself as a working professional
sculptor and showed us photos of his bronze castings; works commissioned
by amongst other clients, the Guatemalan Olympic Committee. It was quite
obvious to us both that here was a serious talent. He had successfully
secured a place on the Guatemalan delegation to attend the IOA, and especially
the Fine Art Workshop; reputation of which (and an excellent one too)
had reached Guatemala. Panagiota and I were flattered. The fact we have
the new studios (Neo-Ergasterio) has made a huge difference to the abilities
of the FAW.
In the evening, the 1998 Trans World Vision film of the "Academy" was shown
and as a large section of the film is about the FAW, people watching had a good
insight on what to expect.
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