Chios island, Greece
September 14 - 20, 2026
Escape, rest, and create in good company.
Paréa Ada was founded on the belief that environment - both physical and metaphorical - is the catalyst for creativity. This is encompassed in the two words that make up our name - Paréa, meaning companionship in Greek, and Ada, the Turkish word for island.
To us, an island is a metaphor for the ideal creative sanctuary. It represents a space that is contained, vibrant, and peaceful - a protected landscape where an artist is free to daydream, play, and produce.
While the creative journey is often solitary, art is never born in a vacuum. Communities of artists become ‘islands’ in themselves: supportive, protected and unique.
We invite you to join our artist retreat on the Greek island of Chios. It’s a chance to escape, rest, have fun, become inspired and create without expectation in good company.
Where you’ll stay
Eona in the village of Nenita, Chios will be our home for 7 days. Eona is a historic mansion built in 1926 and renovated with great love and care in 2025. Located just a 10 minute walk from the beach, this elegant mansion offers spacious accommodations across two floors with a large art studio on the ground floor, a communal kitchen and garden full of lemon trees.
What to expect
Daily painting workshops
Each day will begin with a guided painting workshop in the art studio led by abstract artist Helen McCusker.
Workshops in natural dyeing and batik
Including guided foraging for natural dyeing materials and a workshop in batik dyeing with textile artist & natural dye specialist Christiana Vardakou.
Daily yoga & meditation
You’ll have the option of joining our daily guided yoga and meditation sessions before art practise.
2 catered meals per day
Daily catering includes breakfast and dinner, as well as light snacks. Enjoy home cooked Greek dishes prepared in house!
Time & space
In addition to guided workshops, there’ll be plenty of free time for independent practise in the art studio or simply relaxing on the beach.
Explore Chios
Optional group visits to local sights, neighbouring towns and a chance to learn about the local culture.
Workshop Facilitators
Helen McCusker
Abstract painter
Helen McCusker is an artist and abstract painter based in Glasgow. Her bold and vibrant compositions concern themselves with the fragile interrelationships between living things, their environment and the concept of time. In her teaching, Helen focuses on the intersection of physical gesture and intuitive response, encouraging students to get comfortable with the unknown. Helen’s approach aims to demystify abstraction, viewing it not as a series of random marks, but as a deliberate sequence of choices, attention, and response.
Christiana Vardakou
Textile artist & natural dye specialist
Athens-based textile designer Christiana Vardakou founded Greece’s first natural dyeing atelier after studying at UAL and mastering traditional techniques across Southeast Asia. Launched in 2019, her brand specializes in ethical, handmade textiles for fashion and interiors. Rooted in Slow Design and Emotionally Durable Design, her work celebrates craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection through fully customizable, unique pieces.
Accommodation
6 nights stay at Eona. Check in 14/09, check out 20/09.
Shared bedroom: 2 single beds or 1 double bed
Per person: €1,600.00 Early bird (limited)
This includes:
Sharing with one other person
Shared bathroom
Join us
Briefly tell us about you, your artistic practice and why you’d like to join the retreat (max. 400 words). Spaces are limited - we’re aiming for a small group. Your application will help us understand your practice, expectations and how you might fit within a shared living environment for the duration of the retreat.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
