SKOPELOS ARTISTS

Tom & Isabel Dempsey – Island Center for the Arts

Tom and Isabel Dempsey, originally from Boston, have been part of Skopelos’ cultural life for more than two decades. In 1988, they founded the Island Center for the Arts, a non-profit institution that collaborates with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, bringing university-level art programs, workshops, and seminars to the island. Their vision has turned Skopelos into a meeting point for international students, teachers, and creators who find inspiration in the island’s natural beauty and traditions.

Both Tom and Isabel are practicing artists themselves. Isabel’s work often combines abstract forms with memory, landscape, and symbolism, and she has presented exhibitions in Skopelos, Athens, and the United States. Tom has been equally active in supporting artistic exchange and education, mentoring young artists through the Center’s programs.

Over the years, they have also brought art into the everyday cultural rhythm of the island by organizing small exhibitions in Mercurius and other artistic venues in Skopelos town. These intimate shows allow both visiting students and local artists to share their creations with the community and visitors alike, making art accessible and part of the island experience.

Through their teaching, exhibitions, and dedication, Tom and Isabel Dempsey continue to enrich the artistic landscape of Skopelos, connecting local tradition with international creativity.