Invitation to the 2nd Drystone-wall School of Andros Island
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2ND DRYSTONE-WALL SCHOOL
ANDROS, 12-19 MARCH 2022
The team of the LIFE TERRACESCAPE project is pleased to announce the launching of the 2nd Drystone-wall School that will be held on March 12-19, 2022, on the island of Andros, for a limited number of trainees. This event is set 5 months after the successful implementation of the 1st School that trained, at the end of the day, more than 20 participants (http://www.lifeterracescape.aegean.gr/).
It is important to note that the art of drystone walling, i.e., the knowledge of building stone structures without the use of mortar or any binding material, was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
The purpose of the School is to highlight the art of drystone through theoretical and practical knowledge transfer to young stone craftsmen. The ultimate goal is the preservation of the art of drystone that has shaped the landscape of the Aegean islands over time, hoping that the same art will continue shaping it. Training will be carried out by experienced craftsmen-trainers from Andros Island, Epirus and France.
The island of Andros, like all the islands of the Cyclades, is characterized by the terraced landscape and the presence of a variety of stone structures. The particularly mountainous terrain and the absence of arable land led the inhabitants to create terraces, known as "aemasiés" on Andros, with the special style of building drystone walls with "stimata" that is unique in Greece. Apart from "aemasiés", other drystone buildings were built in Andros, the most characteristic being the small threshing floors, the bee gates, and the bee houses.
The seminar, lasting eight (8) days, is addressed to residents of Andros and other Aegean islands, as well as mainland Greece, who are interested in learning and applying the art of drystone. The innovation in the 2nd Drystone-wall School concerns the creation of two different groups of trainees: beginners and advanced. Participants will delve into the practice of restoring drystone structures, paths and other important drystone elements of the landscape. In addition to the hands-on part, the program includes a theoretical part as well, with presentations and discussions that will take place at the Environmental Education Center of Korthi (https://goo.gl/maps/JRptZwnUDeGKTBeR7).
Participation for training is free and a certificate of attendance will be given.
Interested parties are invited to complete the application by 20/02 at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5KzkGaoyDH74b1dj5EsJnJoUoy4KJe8lavB9a1dVVPdm8ig/viewform. The final selection of the trainees will be announced on February 28.
For more information, please contact us by sending a message to: terracescape@aegean.gr.
