The light in Greece has been praised for its influence as well as its unique and irresistible properties for ages.

Please join us for a most magical workshop on beautiful Poros Island Greece with two inspiring artists, Betty Haskin and Pamela Rogers. They will guide you on this amazing adventure, painting the reflections of stone, sea and earth.

The colors and air will stimulate as you paint in your desirable medium. One day you might paint from the historical harbor, another from a mountaintop or from the Peloponnese looking back at sweet Poros.

You will also have ample time to relax and explore while learning about the Greek culture. It will be a most inspirational and memorable experience, one to be treasured, and we hope to see you and your palette!

The beauty and charm of Poros Island will inspire and delight you as you and your fellow workshop artists gather to capture your impressions of this special place. Accomplished artists and co-teachers Pamela Rogers and Betty Haskin along with the support of Bill Neville will guide you through this enriching experience. Emerging and experienced artists alike will treasure this special time and place.

This workshop will take you on an insiders’ tour of Poros Island and surrounding area as you grow and gain confidence in your own artistic practice. Along with your teaching team, you will work most mornings on location to capture a variety of images and impressions of Greek island life. Drawing, painting, collage and/or writing are all possibilities for self expression during this workshop. You are encouraged to work in your own choice of portable media (watercolor, Caran d’Ache, acrylic, etc).

Group critiques are offered and encouraged throughout the workshop to share the work of all participants and encourage you to grow in your artistic practice. Private critiques will be available on request. A list of recommended art supplies will be available after registration.

On site creative sessions will last 3-4 hours (half days) so that participants can spend the balance of the day as they choose. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and explore Poros with its many eateries, shops and beaches.

Please note: 

As with most Greek islands, Poros and Hydra have a variety of walking challenges including many steps and steep inclines. If you have concerns about getting around Poros and to/from certain locations please contact your Meraki hostess.

Pamela Rogers and Betty Haskin kindled their friendship during a Greek painting workshop in the early 1980’s. They’ve been “comrades in arms” ever since, sharing a  love for the land and people of Greece and the “Greek light.” 

They are thrilled to be co-teaching this workshop along with Bill Neville and look forward to supporting and mentoring participants as they explore and refine their artistic practice.

A bit about Betty Haskin

Betty Haskin loves to travel and to make art. Greece is her “happy place” where the light, the sea, the sun and the people come together to inspire her work. While traveling she creates journals capturing colourful images, collages and written notes on daily experiences. Returning to her home studio these often inspire larger paintings and unique artist books.

Betty began her artist’s life as a painter, first in watercolour and oil before working almost exclusively in pastel for several years. During an inspiring workshop at Penland School of Crafts (North Carolina) she fell in love with making artist’s books. She enjoys moving among these creative disciplines to keep her art practice lively & challenging.

Betty along with her husband, artist Bill Neville spent a year in Poros/Galatas painting and exploring Greece. They have returned to Greece many times and their first stop is always Poros to absorb the light and friendship that radiates there.

Today Betty and Bill maintain private studios in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, (USA) where they host an annual Open Studio Tour in conjunction with their local Artist Guild. Betty and Bill continue to travel and engage in art making wherever they may be in the world.

See more of Betty and her work here:

www.bettyhaskinart.com

A bit about Pamela Rogers

Pamela Jane Rogers is an American-born artist and published author who has spent over 35 years living and painting on the Saronic island of Poros, Greece. Holding a BFA in painting from UNC Greensboro, Pamela works fluently in watercolors, oils, and acrylics to capture the ephemeral beauty and changing light of the Aegean. She is the author of her published 2015 memoir, Greekscapes: IIlustrated Journeys with an Artist.

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating on this 2027 workshop with dear friends Mary Horner of Meraki Expeditions and artists Betty Haskin and Bill Neville. This workshop will mark the 45th year since Mary, Betty and I first met in Greece! It's wonderful having Mary here with her company during the season, and Betty and Bill have continued to return and paint through the years, to my delight!

In this immersive workshop, I will strive to direct participants away from any rigid rules and encourage them to appreciate the joy of letting their personal style evolve inevitably in the light (pun intended!) of their new travel surroundings. My teaching style invites you to value painting as more than a technical exercise and rather as the most distinctive visual communicator of your unique point of view.

I look forward to seeing your creations develop!"

A bit about Bill Neville

Bill Neville has travelled many times to the Greek Islands. The first time was in 1995, traveling with his wife Betty Haskin and their son John they landed on Poros Island just above Odyssey. For the last 31 years Poros has always been their first stop after landing in Athens.

In 2014 they committed their first year of retirement to a year in Greece, and of course they

made their home very near to Poros Island. From the hillside across the straits of Poros they set up camp in Galatas on a property just below a hundred year old olive grove. There they spent their time making paintings of the amazingly beautiful landscape offered in the Saronic Gulf. 

Bill has been creating furniture pieces and original artwork for over four decades. His artistic practice is diverse, as he works in many different disciplines; predominately wooden furniture and sculpture in three dimensions, and painting in two dimensions. He generally works in series exploring one idea from different angles in a number of works. His process is always kept as organic as possible.

Learn more about Bill and his work here:

www.billnevillecaseworksart.com

How do I get to Poros?
Most guests fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), either a day before the start of the holiday or on the arrival day itself. Your holiday starts in the port of Piraeus, Gate E9, where a ferry ticket will have been booked for you. After a one-hour ferry ride you'll arrive in Poros. After registration we'll be in contact with travel instructions and tips for an easy arrival.

When arriving by aeroplane on the first day of the holiday, please makes sure your plane arrives before 10:15 as you need to be in Piraeus port by 12:15.

Can dietary needs or allergies be accommodated?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate most dietary needs and allergies. We can easily accommodate gluten allergies, vegan, vegetarian, and other common dietary preferences. If you have more complex needs, please reach out before booking—we’re happy to talk it through and make sure you feel supported and safe throughout the retreat.

Can I come alone?
Of course. We'll make sure you’ll feel at home right away.

Is there free time?
Yes. Each day includes space to rest, read, swim, journal, or simply enjoy the location and coastline. You can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like—nothing is mandatory.

What if I have more questions?
Once you have signed up, we'll send detailed information covering your needs—packing lists, how to prepare, recommended hotels in Athens if you’d like to arrive early, travel tips, and answers to common questions. And of course, if anything else comes up, let us know, we’re here to help you.

Cancellation by Participant:

• Full refund of deposit if requested in writing within 30 days of purchase.

• 119–90 days before start date: Deposit is non-refundable; 75% refund of all additional payments made.

• 89–60 days before start date: Deposit is non-refundable; 50% refund of all additional payments made.

• 59 days or less before start date: No refund.

Credit Card, Platform & Administrative Fees

All payments processed by credit card are subject to non-refundable third-party processing fees, platform fees, and a €50 administrative processing fee. In the event of any cancellation and refund, credit card processing fees, WeTravel platform fees, and the €50 administrative processing fee will be deducted from the refunded amount, regardless of the cancellation window. These fees are charged at the time of booking and cannot be recovered by the Organizer.

Missed Payments:

If any scheduled instalment payment is missed, the Organizer reserves the right to cancel the booking. Any payments already made will be refunded according to the timeline above. Cancellation by Organizer If the Organizer cancels the retreat for reasons not related to force majeure, a full refund will be issued, including the deposit, within 30 days of notice.

Force Majeure:

The Organizer reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the Retreat due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, government restrictions, strikes, pandemics, or other circumstances making the Retreat impractical or unsafe. In such cases, refunds will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy above, and participants are strongly encouraged to carry travel insurance.

Day 1: Welcome to Paradise & Settling In

• Arrival in Poros: Step off the ferry and into a slower pace of life. Your home for the next twelve days is the charming Odyssey Boutique Hotel, where warm hospitality awaits.

• Settle In: Take the afternoon to unpack, unwind, and soak in the beautiful views from your room or the hotel terrace.

• Welcome Dinner: Gather together in the evening for a delicious welcome dinner. Over local flavors, we will introduce our featured artists, present the upcoming itinerary, and toast to the creative journey ahead.

Day 2: Charming Alleys & Panoramic Views

• Morning Guided Walk: Begin the day with a gentle, guided stroll through the winding, white-washed alleys of downtown Poros Town. Discover hidden corners, vibrant bougainvillea, and traditional architecture.

• Painting & Critique: Follow the path leading up above the village, ending at two picturesque chapels. Here, against a backdrop of panoramic sea views, set up your easels for your first painting session, followed by an encouraging group critique.

Day 3: Serenity at the Monastery

• Creative Work at the Monastery: Today, we travel by bus to the historic Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Surrounded by pine trees and tranquility, it is the perfect spot for focused creative work and capturing spiritual architecture.

• Beachside Lunch: Afterward, head down to Monastery Beach to enjoy a relaxing lunch by the water, listening to the gentle lapping of the Aegean sea.

Day 4: The Vibrant Waterfront & Café Culture

• Waterfront Travel: Hop on a local boat or water taxi from Askeli to the bustling main port of Poros.

• Painting In Situ: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Poros Town. Set up at a local taverna or café to paint lively waterfront scenes, traditional wooden boats, and water taxis gliding across the harbor.

• Lunch & Evening: Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many seaside cafés. In the evening, gather back at Odyssey for a cozy, optional group dinner.

Day 5: A Day Trip to Majestic Hydra

• Island of the Arts: Board the ferry for a guided visit to the legendary, car-free island of Hydra. Known for its preserved stone mansions and artistic heritage, it offers endless visual inspiration.

• Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in local history with potential visits to the historic Koundouriotis Museum and the intimate Tetsis Studio.

• Afternoon at Leisure: Take time to explore the cobblestone harbor and enjoy lunch on your own at a seaside taverna.

Day 6: Rest, Recharge & Refine

• Your Free Day: Take a deep breath and set your own pace today. Relax by the pool, shop for souvenirs, or wander the beaches.

• Optional Critique: For those looking to refine their work, one-on-one or small group critiques are available upon request to keep your creative momentum going.

Day 7: Olive Groves & Ancient Tradition

• Olive Farm Excursion: Travel by water taxi to a beautiful, traditional Olive Farm.

• Art & Learning: Spend the morning painting among the ancient trees. Afterward, gather for a fascinating lecture on the structure and soul of trees by Bill, followed by a shared meal prepared right at the farm.

• Critique & History: Conclude the afternoon with a group critique and a fascinating tour of the historic, old olive press adjacent to the farm property.

Day 8: Ancient History & Peloponnesian Charm

• The Ancient Theater of Epidauros: Journey by bus to the breathtaking, world-famous ancient theater of Epidauros. Let the remarkable acoustics and classical history fuel your creative sketches and journaling.

• Picturesque Nafplion: Continue onward to Nafplion, one of Greece’s most romantic towns. Enjoy a scenic lunch along the promenade and visit the local Folk Art Museum to admire regional crafts, costumes, and textiles.

Day 9: Coastal Escapes & Hidden Bays

• Water Taxi Adventure: Board a water taxi bound for the crystal-clear waters of Aliki Beach, or the serene shores of Teachers Island and Russian Bay.

• Creative En Plein Air: Spend a peaceful day capturing the shimmering turquoise waters and coastal landscapes. A delicious packed lunch will be provided so you can maximize your time by the shore.

Day 10: Freedom to Explore

• Choose Your Adventure: Another open day to tailor to your desires. Take arranged transportation to the secluded bay of Vagonia for a refreshing swim, or head to the famous "Paradise" taverna for a long, lazy Greek lunch.

• Personalized Feedback: Instructors will be available for individual or group critiques throughout the day for anyone wishing to review their portfolio.

Day 11: The Grand Finale Exhibition

• The Final Critique: Gather the entire group for a celebratory final critique to reflect on everyone's artistic growth over the retreat.

• Exhibition at Katheti Gallery: Spend the afternoon installing your artwork at the beautiful local Katheti Gallery. Celebrate your achievements with a lively one-day exhibition opening, welcoming friends, locals, and fellow art lovers.

Day 12: Farewell Poros & Onward to Athens

• Departure: Say goodbye to Poros and board the ferry back to the mainland.

• Optional Athens Add-On: Capitalize on your final day with an optional guided visit to the magnificent Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens, wrapping up your Greek creative odyssey surrounded by the foundations of Western art.