A major exhibition of more than 300 works by various artists, with the theme “The Ancient Olive Groves of Crete Throughout Time,” is currently open at the International Exhibition Center in Gournes.

Organized by the Polytechnic College of Crete and the island’s Network of Cultural Associations, the free exhibition will be open until August 31 from 11:00 to 19:00 daily.

The artists from Crete, the rest of Greece and other countries were inspired by the ancient olive grove of Crete, encouraging them to create astonishing works of art including paintings, sculptures, mosaics, art photographs and video art, according to a spokesperson.

The exhibition’s message is for the protection of the historical (sometimes centuries old) olive trees in Crete which are threatened, especially in the last ten years, due to public and private construction.

“We have a long road ahead of us so that the next generation can inherit the natural and cultural wealth that Crete has to offer,” said Vangelis Maragkakis, of the Network of Cultural Associations.

Following its run in Gournes, plans are to take the exhibition on tour to the rest of Crete, the mainland, and eventually throughout the EU.