2011 Fall Icon Workshop

Friday, November 4 – Sunday, November 6, 2011

Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location:
Saint John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church
5402 Acorn Street
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 681-3580

Cost: $150 total for each participant
(painting supplies included in total cost)
Instructor: Father Elias Rafaj

 

Saint John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church is sponsoring an Icon-Writing (painting) Studio at any level of experience, for adults and accompanied children over 10, on Friday, November 4, 2011 through Sunday, November 6, 2011. The workshop will be led by Very Rev. Father Elias Rafaj, pastor of St. John Chrysostom Church and noted iconographer. Fr. Elias has been writing icons for over 20 years and teaching the Theology of Icons all over North and South America.

This workshop theme will be “The Face of the Theotokos.” Those attending the Workshop will write one icon on a 9x12 gessoed board. If desired, other boards are available for purchase. Using a pre-prepared prototype, participants will learn techniques for faces, garments, gilding and background. The theology of the icons will be woven into the class time.

The class will meet Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is the opportunity to attend Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The cost of $150 ($75 for accompanied children 10 - 18 – the accompanying adult MUST attend the workshop) will cover all supplies: one 9 x 12 gessoed board, paints, brushes, gold leaf and miscellaneous supplies. Refreshments and coffee/tea will be available.

Pre-registration is necessary.
Registration closes on October 28, 2011.
Space is limited.
A deposit of $75 ($50 for accompanied children) is required.
Please contact Fr. Elias at: houstonelias@gmail.com or
713-681-3580 if you have any questions.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Participants do not need any previous art experience or experience in iconography. Participants will be taught the techniques used in the ancient art of icon painting/writing, from transferring the drawing onto the icon board (at the beginning of the process) to applying the gold leaf (at the end of the process). Acrylic paints will be used in this Workshop for the making of the icons. The symbolism, meaning, and religious uses of icons in church (public religious services) and in the home (private devotions) will be explained during the course of the Workshop. Fr. Elias will also explain the various techniques used by iconographers through past centuries. At the end of the entire Workshop, each participant will have completed one icon, which will be blessed in an icon-blessing rite.

IMPORTANT:
(1) During the Workshop, your whole attention will need to be focused on the various stages of the production of your icon.
(2) Workshop artists need to participate without having to stop to care for others. Childcare is not provided by St. John's and other arrangements must be made ahead of time.

	Registration Form
	Registration Form