“Take Me by the Hand” at the 1st School Laboratory Center of West Attica

The action “Take Me by the Hand” was carried out as part of Cultterra’s evolving project “Art in School,” implemented in collaboration with schools in the Thriasio Plain region. The project aims to strengthen students’ creative expression, enhance the aesthetic quality of school environments, and cultivate a spirit of collaboration. Through workshops and participatory art activities — with a focus on mural creation — students, together with artists and educators, co-create artworks that reflect their experiences, values, and concerns. The project reinforces the connection between the school community and local society, encourages freedom of expression, and promotes art as a tool for education, participation, and social awareness.

In May, Cultterra, following an invitation from Mr. Athanasios Mitzifiris, Principal of the 1st School Laboratory Center of West Attica, visited the school together with local artist Aspasia Peppa (Asparagus Plumosa). Aspasia, a comics specialist, designed — in collaboration with teacher Maria Pappa, who coordinated the project on site — a mural on the theme of school bullying, especially inspired by this particular school setting.

Aspasia, along with Fiorinta Cenaj, brought the sketch to life on the wall. During the days the action took place, students from the Laboratory Center actively participated in the creative process, developing a meaningful connection with the artwork and its message. Constantly involved were also students from the field of applied arts, along with supportive educators.

The mural was painted at the school’s entrance, offering the opportunity for many to observe it during class breaks and engage in conversations about its content. Particularly moving was the interest shown by many who asked about the meaning of the artwork, opening up discussions about personal experiences — such as the stress of daily life — especially during a time when students are preparing for life “out there.” As the mural itself suggests, it is important to express yourself, support, and listen to your “buddies.” As artist Aspasia Peppa noted, the exchange of views — even with initially skeptical individuals — proved crucial, as indifference gradually gave way to contemplation about what the large-scale image was expressing.

In addition to the students of applied arts, many others, regardless of field or age, made valuable contributions throughout the creative process. This made it clear that every gesture and skill is welcome — whether it was choosing colors, painting, adding brush details, holding the ladder, or discussing the artwork’s meaning.

A particularly positive outcome was observed on the final day of the action. New student and teacher initiatives were sparked, resulting in additional student-led art interventions on other school walls.

The gradual closeness developed with students and teachers over the five days of the mural’s creation was deeply moving, sending the message that when we approach those around us with respect and sensitivity, there is always a response. As the mural itself symbolizes: when we walk through life together with those beside us, every difficulty becomes nothing more than a smudge.

With gratitude to the educators:
Mr. Athanasios Mitzifiris, Principal of the 1st School Laboratory Center of West Attica,
Ms. Maria Pappa, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering,
Mr. Konstantinos Triantos, Head of the Department of Electronics & IT,
and all the staff members of the school for their unwavering support and assistance.

Special thanks to 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture for providing materials.

Mural design: Aspasia Peppa
Coordination: Danai Christoudi & Fjorida Cenaj (Cultterra), Aspasia Peppa, Maria Papakonstantinou (2023 Eleusis)
Editing: Fjorida Cenaj (Cultterra)
Photography: Aristotel Nikolli