The Art of Byzantine Icons: A Painting Workshop
Oconomowoc, WI, USA
June 13-17, 2016
Registration for this workshop is Filled, for cancellations inquire
this event is completed, thank you for visiting
"My fascination with iconography began with my first visit to the Holy Mountain Athos. Learning that iconography, as an art form, differs from all other art forms, I was drawn to iconography and its related philosophy. My studies necessitated return visits to Mt. Athos in order to refine my technique and understanding in painting Byzantine icons and murals, specifically the Protatos murals. Studying in Athens also facilitated my artistic progress in this field. I am a member of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece, the International Association of Art and the Greek Iconographers Association"

The Icon:
The Faces of Mercy
The icon selected is a most popular image first known under the title of " Mother of God or Theotokos of the Passion" and originated in Crete, Greece.
An Ancient Icon / A Jubilee Year icon
A lost icon of this type (Theotokos of the Passion) was rediscovered in Rome 150 years ago. That copy, which had suffered damage and neglect over the years, was repaired and repainted (as best as was possible at the time) and then entrusted to the Redemptorist Fathers (where this course is taking place). This icon is commonly called "Mother of Perpetual Help (MPH)."
When MPH was restored in the 1990's, they found a second rendering of the same icon on the backside, however this side is not available for public view since the icon is set in a framed centerpiece.You will view several MPH copies at our hosting retreat center.
Theodore has prepared a very special commemorative edition of this icon for the Wisconsin course. It features a close-up of the holy faces of Jesus and Mary within a roundel (circle) and these beautiful faces of mercy are centered on a rectangular board. This course is open to both East and West students. This will be a fast paced workshop, covering much ground in 5 days.
The Faces of Mercy
The icon selected is a most popular image first known under the title of " Mother of God or Theotokos of the Passion" and originated in Crete, Greece.
An Ancient Icon / A Jubilee Year icon
A lost icon of this type (Theotokos of the Passion) was rediscovered in Rome 150 years ago. That copy, which had suffered damage and neglect over the years, was repaired and repainted (as best as was possible at the time) and then entrusted to the Redemptorist Fathers (where this course is taking place). This icon is commonly called "Mother of Perpetual Help (MPH)."
When MPH was restored in the 1990's, they found a second rendering of the same icon on the backside, however this side is not available for public view since the icon is set in a framed centerpiece.You will view several MPH copies at our hosting retreat center.
Theodore has prepared a very special commemorative edition of this icon for the Wisconsin course. It features a close-up of the holy faces of Jesus and Mary within a roundel (circle) and these beautiful faces of mercy are centered on a rectangular board. This course is open to both East and West students. This will be a fast paced workshop, covering much ground in 5 days.

Location
There is much to do and see in SE Wisconsin if you opt to include the weekend (before or after your course). The beautiful grounds and fresh facilities of the Redemptorist Retreat Center are located scenic "lake country", just outside of Oconomowoc and historic Delafield and less than an hour drive from Milwaukee, WI (photos below).
Some churches of note in the area and often open for daytime visits (but call ahead):
St Sava Cathedral, Serb-Byzantine style (all traditional gold mosaic) link
Annuciation Greek Orthodox (Frank Lloyd Wright) link
St Josaphat Basilica, massive Polish immigrant church link
St Jerome in Oconomowoc link
Milwaukee: the top 10 link
Optional plans under consideration: Time permitting.
We will take a abbreviated, lunch time "field trip" during the week to a local stained glass studio where one attending student is completing a large set of Armenian church windows.
The retreat center chapel is always open and there is daily Catholic Mass T-F 7:30 am at a private chapel on the center grounds. Akathist Hymn evening prayer link.
Registration
Please inquire as to course availability.
If you would like to register or have questions, please contact me,
the Wisconsin Workshop organizer through this website.
Click below to enlarge:
There is much to do and see in SE Wisconsin if you opt to include the weekend (before or after your course). The beautiful grounds and fresh facilities of the Redemptorist Retreat Center are located scenic "lake country", just outside of Oconomowoc and historic Delafield and less than an hour drive from Milwaukee, WI (photos below).
Some churches of note in the area and often open for daytime visits (but call ahead):
St Sava Cathedral, Serb-Byzantine style (all traditional gold mosaic) link
Annuciation Greek Orthodox (Frank Lloyd Wright) link
St Josaphat Basilica, massive Polish immigrant church link
St Jerome in Oconomowoc link
Milwaukee: the top 10 link
Optional plans under consideration: Time permitting.
We will take a abbreviated, lunch time "field trip" during the week to a local stained glass studio where one attending student is completing a large set of Armenian church windows.
The retreat center chapel is always open and there is daily Catholic Mass T-F 7:30 am at a private chapel on the center grounds. Akathist Hymn evening prayer link.
Registration
Please inquire as to course availability.
If you would like to register or have questions, please contact me,
the Wisconsin Workshop organizer through this website.
Click below to enlarge:
Theodore's photos from December 2015.
Click to enlarge:
Click to enlarge: