The Art park is a non-profit gallery of fine arts, photography, sculpture, and music. The Art park was first open in May 2006, run by Damon Papakiriakou - an artist, sculptor, and musician, and his wife Emily, an English teacher. Damon was born in Athens and moved to Denmark at the age of 19 to continue studies at classical music. At the same time he had art lessons in the city of Aalborg where he lived, at kunst skole. He stayed in Denmark for 13 years during which he had 12 solo and 3 group exhibitions in both private and state galleries.
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Damon Papakiriakou, the owner of the Art Park in Rhodes, talks to us about his project. |
The Art Park is not only an exhibition place but also a working place: the artists who come to Rhodes can have their own space for free in the outdoor workshops where they can create their art. The Art Park’s electricity is supplied only by photovoltaic, since sun energy is environmentally friendly. The Art Park is situated in Arhipolis, an idyllic area near the forest.
Damon got the idea of creating the art park from his travels in north Europe where there are a lot of art parks in nature, so he thought that Rhodes is a perfect place for an art park since most of the time it's sunny days and the nature is beautiful (and we think he is absolutely right!).
The park started in 2006 with outdoor exhibition facilities, and in the summer of 2015 an indoor gallery of 130 s.q.m was created as well. Also, they host workshops for artists.
When we ask Damon about their future plans, he excitedly tells us about his contacts with art schools from Europe to come to the art park to work and exhibit. Of course, the art park will keep on with exhibiting art from artists all over the world.
Finally, we ask Damon to tell us which locations he would suggest like-minded people to visit in Rhodes. His answer was no surprise: Nearly every corner on the island offers something interesting to see.
«Rhodes is a very inspiring place for artists as we have the old town, Lindos, and a lot of beautiful nature spots. In the center of Rhodes there is a modern art museum “Nestoridion melathron” also a modern art gallery in old town “Sisitio” and a gallery in "Simi square". I would also recommend art lovers to visit an art hotel in Lindos, "Aqua Grand".»
The park is open everyday 11.00 to 15.00 (Saturdays closed)
The entrance to the park is free!
For more information, you can visit their Facebook page
