On September 20, 2025, the Cinematographic Club of Monemvasia hosted a significant event honoring the esteemed sculptor Michalis Kassis, renowned as the creator of the bust of the celebrated poet Yiannis Ritsos. This ceremony took place at the Old Primary School of Nomia at 7:00 PM, bringing together art enthusiasts and the local community.
Michalis Kassis, a multifaceted artist from Mani, is regarded as a prominent figure in modern Greek art. His creations adorn various public squares and historical sites across Greece, with the bust of Yiannis Ritsos in Monemvasia being one of his notable works.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn about Kassis’s life and artistry, led by educator Elisabeth Papadopoulou. An award-winning documentary titled “LALOUDA (ROCK)” by Yiannis Kassis was screened, following insightful speeches from philologist Dina Lekka and Michalis Kassis himself. At 94 years old, Kassis captivated the audience with reflections drawn from a rich, thoughtful, and creative life.
Elisabeth Papadopoulou, a teacher affiliated with the Eastern Thessaloniki School Board, expressed her joy and honor in hosting such an influential figure:
“Good evening to friends of the Cinematographic Club of Monemvasia. It is our great pleasure to welcome the illustrious sculptor, writer, poet, and painter Michalis Kassis, who has also engaged deeply in ceramics, plasterwork, bronze casting, folk architecture, and folklore. Above all, we are welcoming the beautiful human being Michalis Kassis.”
She further acknowledged the presence of notable guests, including philologist Dina Lekka, documentary director Yiannis Kassis, who is Kassis’s nephew, and members of the “Michalis Kassis” Museum Friends Association from N. Faliro, Athens.
In her speech, Papadopoulou prompted attendees to consider why it is vital for the youth and existing members of the club to engage with such significant events. She quoted a poignant couplet from Yiannis Ritsos’s poetry collection “Smoked Cauldron,” which reflects life’s cyclical nature:
“And death is nothing more than a leaf that has fallen to nourish a leaf that rises.”
This metaphor emphasizes that the end of one life nourishes new beginnings.
Both Ritsos and Kassis have made profound contributions to cultural legacy, encouraging gratitude for their artistic gifts and the continual inspiration they provide for new generations.
The event was a celebration of creativity, legacy, and the enduring human spirit, reminding attendees of the impact that art has on society.
