Good evening and welcome to this wonderful exhibit opening of “Hellenic Beauty” at the Maliotis Cultural Center, where we gather to celebrate the rich heritage and enduring beauty of Greek culture through an extraordinary exhibition of Greek dolls in 20th century traditional folk dress. Tonight, we are privileged to have a truly special individual with us, someone whose passion for preserving and sharing the stories of our traditions has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape and whose support of Maliotis Cultural Center has been instrumental in our growth.

It is my honor to introduce to you Dr. Diana Demetrulias, a distinguished academic scholar, curator of this exhibit, and advocate for the arts and cultural preservation.

Dr. Demetrulias is an active scholar with 60 refereed publications. She received eleven funded grants including a prestigious National Endowment of the Humanities grant. Funded by the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, New York, she was awarded a grant for “Greeks in the Diaspora” that supported lectures by Richard Clogg, Oxford University scholar, for the purpose of expanding the American public’s knowledge of Hellenic civilization and Greece’s history, culture, and artistic accomplishments. She also received several grants from the California  Arts Council. These grants funded Greek cultural exhibits in regional museums, Greek folk dance clinics and performances, and ethnographic oral history research. Dr. Demetrulias’s artistic accomplishments collectively demonstrate the courage, strength, and enduring Orthodox faith of Greek immigrants and their descendants in America.

This “Hellenic Beauty” exhibition is born out of her love for Hellenic heritage, and Dr. Diana’s donation to Maliotis Cultural center of these forty-six dolls, collected and curated over many years, will bring these cultural treasures to life for generations to come.

Tonight, as we embark on a journey through time and tradition, Dr. Demetrulias will guide us in exploring the fascinating world of Greek folk dress, offering insights into its significance, craftsmanship, and the cultural stories it represents. Her expertise and commitment to showcasing these beautiful and meaningful garments are a testament to her dedication to preserving the essence of Greek identity.

Following the presentation by Dr. Diana, Dr. John Pappas, the Director of the Metropolis of Boston Greek Dance Program will showcase several Greek folk dances with dancers in traditional dress, followed by an opportunity to address questions to Dr. Demetrulias, before concluding the formal program. After the lecture, please join us in the atrium for two children’s crafting activities with Greek paper dolls in traditional dress, and join us for refreshments, while immersing yourself in Maliotis’ newest permanent exhibition “Hellenic Beauty” in the Maliotis room.

Now, Please join me in welcoming Dr. Diana Demetrulias to the stage as we open this remarkable exhibition and embark on a celebration of Greek culture like no other.

”