Exhibition opens January 23 with a free public celebration of Greek heritage
ArtServe will open “Journey to Mount Athos” on January 23, a compelling cultural exhibition that brings the artistic and historic traditions of Greece to South Florida. The exhibition runs through March 6, 2026, and launches with a free, public opening reception on Friday, January 23 at 6 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the Mount Athos Foundation of America and supported by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), “Journey to Mount Athos” offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Greek heritage through large-scale visual art, photography and cultural artifacts. The exhibition is anchored by 34 retractable art banners from the Mount Athos Orthodox Church Center and includes the “Princeton Exhibition” of 46 photographs and four canvas prints, along with original works by local Greek artists.
The exhibition features a curated collection of cultural artifacts that reflect the depth and diversity of Hellenic tradition, including framed poetry, musical instruments and objects from South Florida’s Orthodox churches and schools. Among the highlights are two authentic traditional Greek costumes from different regions, generously provided by Anastasia Kastrenakes Merkel. Drawn from her personal collection, the garments offer a tangible link to Greece’s regional identity and craftsmanship. Merkel played a key role in the planning of the exhibition and worked closely with ArtServe to ensure their thoughtful presentation.
Together, the exhibition’s elements trace a cultural journey beginning in Fort Lauderdale’s sister city of Thessaloniki and culminating at Mount Athos, one of the most important centers in the Orthodox Christian world.
Opening Reception – A Night of Greek Celebration
The opening night on January 23 will transform ArtServe’s auditorium into a celebration of Greek life and artistry. Guests will enjoy:
- A cultural panel of speakers
- Byzantine chanting and Greek music
- Traditional costumed dancers
- A short film presentation
- Greek wine, beer and refreshments
Throughout the exhibition, ArtServe will highlight South Florida’s vibrant Greek community by promoting upcoming festivals and cultural events hosted by local churches and organizations. Guests will also have opportunities to connect with groups including AHEPA and the Hellenic Society of South Florida.
“This exhibition is a cultural bridge,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “It brings together art and history to give our community a deeper understanding of Greek heritage and the values that connect cultures across generations.”
ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission is free. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit www.artserve.org or email [email protected].
About ArtServe
Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, and connect with the community through exhibitions, education, and events.
