The following is information from the 2008 Greek Food Festival
Please check back in mid-2009 for updated information

Euripides "Rip" Kastaris gained international recognition by creating artwork that combines historical tradition with contemporary vision. From his epic mural entitled "Kyklos - Circle of Glory" on permanent display in the Athens Olympic Stadium, to images on an interactive DVD for the rock star Sting, Kastaris expresses his timeless vision utilizing a wide variety of media. His work can be viewed in museums, stadiums, cathedrals and private collections around the world.

Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, the youngest son of a Greek Orthodox priest, Kastaris moved to the U.S. as an infant and went on to graduate with honors as the valedictorian of the School of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. Success as a designer and illustrator for leading Fortune 500 companies gave the artist the experience and background that led to his true passion: creating original fine art to inspire people of faith and culture. Kastaris is the first Hellenic American commissioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee to create originals representing and supporting American athletes. He has been featured on the PBS documentary, "The Greek Americans" and in national publications, such as U.S. Art, The National Herald, and The Hellenic Journal. He appeared on national and European satellite television stations such as ERT, Meg, and Antenna. In 2003, he received the Artist of the Year award from the Elios Society of San Francisco and last year, he won the National Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press.

Kastaris has two daughters and a son. Georgia will be a senior, and Mary a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago. Peter will begin the 5th grade this fall. When Kastaris isn't traveling or painting at his easel, he can be found in the historic Holly Hills neighborhood of St. Louis cooking a mean Moussaka in the company of family and friends.