Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 6:40pm | IP Logged

Six workshops introducing students to the practical and theoretical aspects of the iconographic tradition will be held this fall at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Great Falls, VA. The workshops will be held September 22 from 4-8 PM, September 23 from 8 AM – 4 PM, September 29 from 4-8 PM, September 30 from 8 AM - 4 PM, and October 14 from 8 AM – 4 PM. An extra class may be added depending on interest.

Explanations of iconic symbolism and the theological/philosophical bases of each step of the process are presented parallel to the technical instruction. By the end of each workshop, the student will have completed an icon painted in the Byzantine egg tempera tradition.

Previous experience or artistic ability is not required, as the principal goal of instruction is to train the practitioner in the discipline of a new form of prayer. Translating Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church Fathers into a visual vocabulary of color, light, images, and symbols, we will contemplate the realities behind the symbols and come closer to understanding the uncreated Icon of God according to whose Image man was created.

The course will be offered by Ioana Beleca, who studies under master Russian iconographer Vladislav Andrejev, founder of the Prosopon School of Iconology in New York. The Siena Sacred Art Show and Sale will also take place September 30 and October 1.

For more information, contect Ioana Beleca at mana_@_catholicexchange.com (remove underlined spaces), or go to www.ikonworkshop.com.