Exploring Creativity Through Textiles
With Rachna Garodia
An 11-day residential course
7-18 June 2027
Athens, Greece
What is it?
A residential course from 7–18 June 2027, hosted by Argo Arts and taught by Rachna Garodia, where you’ll explore creative approaches to art-making and expression through a variety of textile techniques.
Across eight days of hands-on lessons in a small group, Rachna will introduce you to a range of textile skills, including frame-loom weaving, weaving with paper, embroidery, cordage and ropemaking, and basket weaving, while also revealing expansive approaches to textile craft. One-to-one mentorship will help you bring these techniques into your own practice. You’ll also have dedicated studio space at Argo Studios to continue your own creative research, with Rachna on hand for support.
With an emphasis on encouraging excitement and curiosity, you’ll gather inspiration (and even materials) from the buzzing atmosphere of Athens, the natural environment of the Mediterranean, and the ancient cultural heritage of this amazing city, named after the ancient Greek goddess of weaving. Outings and excursions will introduce you to Greece’s textile traditions, both ancient and more recent, and to contemporary artists in Athens working with textiles today.
What will it be like?
Photo credit: Ellie Shipman
You will be part of a small group of students staying at the Argo accommodation and working at Argo Studios.
Each morning, you’ll be in class - either in the studios or out in the beautiful early-summer sunshine - where your teacher Rachna will teach you fundamental textile skills. These include basic weaving techniques, embroidery, and incorporating natural elements and found objects into your textile creations.
Using moodboards, material samples, and experimental approaches, you will learn how to translate the sights and textures of the Athens Mediterranean landscape, as well as ancient and modern cultural sites, into direct inspiration for your creative explorations.
In the afternoons, you can work on your own creations in your dedicated space in the studios, go to a museum for research, go sightseeing or simply sip a coffee in the cafe - the choice is yours.
In the evenings, students generally meet up for shared meals at one of the many close-by restaurants. This is a chance to share inspiration, artistic ideas, and (most importantly) make a connection with your fellow students.
Who is it for?
Anyone with an interest in textiles and playful creative exploration!
You don’t need to be an established artist, or to have worked with textiles before, to join the course. Whether you are a total beginner or an experience artist looking to reconnect with your practice, the course will be tailored for your needs.
There is no age limit, and we aim to have a mixed group of students in terms of ages, abilities, and interests.
During the course …
You will learn (or refresh) basic textile skills, including frame-loom weaving, weaving with paper, embroidery, cordage and ropemaking, and basket weaving.
Connect with your passion for creativity, delight in your playful sense of curiosity, and nurture your creative spark, expanding your artistic or craft practice with new colors, techniques, skills and textures!
Explore how your creative inspiration can be translated into unique, handmade textile pieces, with one-to-one mentorship from Rachna tailored to your interests and needs.
Continue your own creative research in dedicated studio space at Argo Studios, with Rachna on hand for support and questions.
Go out into nature to gather materials that can be starting points for new artworks, or even be woven directly into your textile pieces.
Visit sites and museums to experience Greece’s rich cultural and textile heritage, both ancient and modern, and meet contemporary Athens-based artists working with textiles today.
Engage with your fellow students and teacher through shared meals, trips and classroom time, from welcome drinks on our plant-filled balcony to a final showcase and celebratory group dinner.
Have plenty of time on your own (if you like) to work on your art, see the sights, or take a day trip to one of the nearby islands.
Rachna Garodia
Photo credit: Ellie Shipman
We first came across Rachna through her book, Contemporary Weaving in Mixed Media, which is a beautiful illustration of creative approaches to textile work, and has been a great source of inspiration for us.
Rachna is based in London, and is an experienced artist and teacher.
In her work, Rachna weaves and embroiders intimate surfaces that invite the viewer to experience the sacred connection we share with the natural world.
She trained at the prestigious National Institute of Design in India and The Royal School of Needlework in London. Her work predominantly involves hand embroidery and weaving. Her visual language continues to evolve, combining echoes of her life in India with the experience of living in London for the past 13 years.
Material exploration and collaging unexpected textures together in a warp have always been the starting point for Rachna's work. She juxtaposes cotton, linen, silk and wool with found materials like paper, bark, seedpods, twigs etc. All her works are unique and bespoke; each one takes shape slowly in her studio and is later crafted into screens, space dividers and framed textile art.
Rachna works from her studio in West London and takes regular commissions. Her pieces are held in private collections in India, London and America.
Accommodation
Photo credit: Ellie Shipman
During the course, you’ll stay in a lovely, spacious, shared apartment in the trendy and bustling neighborhood of Kypseli, a beautiful 20-minute walk away from the studios, through Pedion Tou Areos, one of the most scenic nature parks in Athens.
If you’d like to apply with a friend or partner we can arrange a shared bedroom for a reduced price. You’ll share a well-appointed kitchen and bathrooms.
You can read more about our accommodation here.
The Studios
Photo credit: Ellie Shipman
During the course, you’ll have a dedicated workspace in our large, light studio complex.
The studios are in Exarchia: our beautiful, grubby, intense, relaxed neighborhood. It’s famous for being a center of political activism and for its vibrant atmosphere of creativity and resistance. It is also dotted with cool bars and cozy cafes, where both locals and visitors chat with friends, sit all day with a coffee and notebook, or party all night.
You can read more about our studios here.
Athens
Athens is a wonderful paradox.
Of course, it is an ancient city steeped in history, known for its classical architecture and archaeological treasures. Amidst the remnants of its past, though, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene, hundreds of contemporary galleries, and cultural festivals. Local artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, blending traditional themes with modern expressions. This unique juxtaposition creates a dynamic atmosphere where history and creativity coexist harmoniously.
Course fees
Cost, per student, for the core course: €1475 - €2250
This includes:
Accommodation for 11 nights, in your choice of a deluxe, private or shared bedroom.
Eight days of hands-on instruction from Rachna, with three-five hours of classes each teaching day.
One-to-one mentorship and support from Rachna outside classroom hours.
Studio access at Argo Studios for 10 days, so you can continue your own creative research.
All textile materials used during the course, plus basic materials such as paper and drawing implements.
Guided outings and excursions exploring Greece’s textile traditions and meeting contemporary Athens-based artists.
Welcome drinks on our plant-filled balcony.
Advice and recommendations on how to make the most of your stay.
It doesn’t include:
Travel, food, museum and site visit entrance fees, or extra materials.
If you’d like to attend the course with a friend or partner, shared rooms are available at a lower rate. Get in touch with us to learn more.
Reserve your place
〰️
Reserve your place 〰️
Spaces are limited! Write to us to reserve your place today, or ask any questions you may have.