As part of the three-day events entitled "Days of Ceramic Art and Clay", which are organized in the Central Square of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, by the Ayia Napa Municipality in collaboration with the Association of Potters - Ceramists and the "Aroma" Association of Friends of the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park from September 19-21, the Ceramics Exhibition was inaugurated yesterday, Friday (19/09) evening, at the "Georgos Seferis" Cultural Center.
The inauguration was held by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, who in his greeting, expressed his joy and satisfaction for the organization of the "Days of Ceramic Art and Clay", which, as he said, aspires to be established as a new cultural institution for the city, emphasizing at the same time that the Municipality places particular importance on the promotion of cultural heritage and the support of Cypriot artists.
Mr. Zannetou referred to the great contribution of the late Kikis Constantinou to the cultural events of Ayia Napa, with the creation of the International Festival, the International Sculpture Park and the Pachyphyta Park, underlining that a vision acquires value when it is implemented and leaves a permanent imprint on culture. “Without Culture we can have neither Education nor National Identity,” he said characteristically.
He also noted that Ayia Napa, although a purely tourist destination with tens of thousands of visitors, proves through events like today that it invests in culture and especially in quality events, strengthening its character as a cultural destination.
In closing, he thanked the Deputy Mayors, the members of the Municipal Council and all collaborators for the joint effort "to build a new Ayia Napa", assuring the artists that the Municipality will always be by their side and will support in every way the artistic creation and cultural heritage of our place.
In his greeting, Deputy Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Antonis Christou, expressed his satisfaction with the organization of the "Ceramic Art and Clay Days" in the city, emphasizing that this is an event that strengthens the cultural character of Ayia Napa and actively supports Cypriot creators.
He emphasized that Ayia Napa is not limited to tourism, but invests dynamically in tradition, art and culture, making the city a place where natural beauty and creative expression coexist.
In conclusion, he thanked the co-organizers, the artists and everyone who contributed to the realization of the event, expressing the certainty that it will become an institution with a perspective and will be warmly embraced by the public.
The President of the "Aroma of Ayia Napa - Friends of the Sculpture Park" Association, Mr. Pittas, welcoming the event, emphasized that these events come to enrich the rich cultural life of Ayia Napa, which has established itself as a leading cultural Municipality in Cyprus.
He referred to the establishment of the Association in 2017 by the late honorary president Kikis Konstantinou and its main goal, to support the work of the Municipality of Ayia Napa for the development and promotion of the Open Museum of Sculpture Park and the Park of Cacti and Succulents, through volunteering activities, cultural and social events.
Mr. Pittas warmly thanked the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Mayor, Mr. Christos Zannetou, for their support, as well as the Pancyprian Association of Potters and Ceramists for their cooperation. He emphasized that the Association’s participation in this event was a natural continuation of its mission, as it honors both the art of pottery and ceramics – the oldest human arts with a history of over 8.000 years – and the renowned Cypriot artists.
Finally, he expressed his certainty that the events will be embraced by the public, who will have the opportunity to get to know ceramics and pottery firsthand through experiential workshops and lectures, gaining valuable experiences.
Mr. Andreas Kattos, President of the Pancyprian Association of Potters and Ceramists, in his speech at the inauguration of the "Ceramic Art and Clay Days" in Ayia Napa, expressed his great joy and emotion for the organization, which he described as the starting point of a new cultural institution for Ayia Napa.
He referred to how the idea for the event began from a discussion with Mr. Christakis Pittas, and warmly thanked the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, for his immediate response and support, as well as the Deputy Mayor, the Municipal Council and all the services of the Municipality that contributed to its implementation.
Mr. Kattos emphasized the timeless role of ceramic art, which he described as the "mother of the arts", as it has accompanied man since the dawn of civilization and formed the foundation for sculpture, painting and architecture.
He made special mention of the memory of the late Kikis Konstantinos, founder of the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park, whom he described as a "spiritual father" and inspirer who highlighted the culture of Ayia Napa internationally.
In closing, he thanked the Association's collaborators, especially the members of the Board of Directors, and noted that with the strength of cooperation, preparations are already being made for the continuation of the institution, with the aim of inviting ceramists and potters from all the twin cities of Ayia Napa, in order to strengthen cultural exchanges and the international promotion of Ayia Napa and the whole of Cyprus.
After the inauguration, the officials and visitors were given a tour of the exhibition grounds by the President of the Pancyprian Association of Potters and Ceramists, Mr. Andreas Kattos, and then toured the pavilions and experiential workshops, where they had the opportunity to observe the Raku technique, the creation of large works on the wheel and to actively participate in various activities.
