THE WINNERS

Alexandra Dikeakos, is an accomplished artist, and a ceramics and printmaking instructor, who has already two important awards under her belt. She has presented her varied works (watercolors, prints, etchings, collages, and multimedia) in group, two-somes, and solo exhibitions all over Canada and the United States. Her stylized "Hermes" in watercolor blends the ancient spirit with the modern techniques in the generous use of flowing lines where classical Greece is discreetly present on the headband of this enigmatic young god in the form of the traditional meander. Her presence in this first competition justifies our expectations and opens up a new and exciting avenue for us all. The Congress intents to pursue it, and with Alexandra’s help, we will try to bring more talented Canadians of Greek heritage in contact with the greater Hellenic community in Canada.

Athena Baxevanakis as a professional computer graphics designer has produced almost a dozen of entertainment software games for big industry names such as IBM, SEGA, NINTENDO and KONAMI. Currently Athena freelances, but is also working for MAC Cosmetics as a make-up artist. And on another artistic field, she is trying to expand her home-based pottery gift business, a task that keeps her very busy. She did decide to participate to the BC Congress competition rather late but her extraordinary concentration brought results. On her pencil drawing, letters of the alphabet remind us of the refinement of this all-important mind tool, a neat Greek invention, while the "Thinking Head" of an archaic kouros, mingles Greek Fine Arts and Greek thought which both have survived time. Both will soon again be part of the BC landscape, thanks to the establishment of the Chair in Hellenic Studies at SFU.

Mairoula Dimopoulos used serigraphy in the print she submitted to our competition. This is one of the techniques she is actually studying at the Okanagan University College in Kelowna. In her 3rd year, she studies the art of ceramics and sculpture as well. After she gets her degree in Fine Arts, she will explore the graphic design field while researching into ceramic sculpture. The Greek family traditions are ingrained in Mairoula's psyche by the teachings of her parents and grandparents. Her work brings these roots to the fore with unmistakable clarity. "Our Spirit in Dance" is an exuberant piece of work, reflecting the centuries-old traditions of the Greek people. The music, dance, and food, play such an important role to the lives of all Greeks anywhere, and Mairoula has manage to capture this spirit. We can certainly expect more from her in the future.

A first year Arts student in SFU, Demetra Loukopoulos has a passionate interest in the Fine Arts. She is majoring in English but she also gets a minor in Fine Arts. "Film making as well is a direction worth searching" declares Demetra. She considers a victory the establishment of the Chair in Hellenic Studies at SFU; the great attempt of the Greek community in BC to maintain the Greek heritage and the awareness of "our unique history." "Hellenic Landscapes" is a colored drawing unifying historical and cultural landscapes, every-day reminders of the wonders in the Hellenic land: The discus thrower demonstrates the Olympic, therefore the ideal, athlete. The ancient ruin symbolizes the superb development in the Arts. And the aged man, at his time of leisure, encapsulates a respected and all-familiar face of the social aspects of modern Greek society.