Icon Painting Workshop Mary Jane Miller  La Soledad Monastery Sun, Apr 26, 5–6pm to Fri, May 1, 5pm  Sagrado Corazón 14 Colonia San Antonio 3,500 pesos; drop off 500-peso deposit at address above

A window to the divine
By Mary Jane Miller


For centuries, icons have been painted in the quiet surroundings of monasteries. Now you, too, can have this unique and wonderful experience. La Soledad Monastery will host this five-day workshop.

In this retreat, students will be introduced to the practice and theory of the Christian art of icon writing in the Byzantine-Russian tradition. A multi-stepped process characterizes the iconographical method, leading from dark to light, rough to refined, chaos to order. Explanations of the iconic symbolism, and the theological and philosophical basis of each step of the process are parallel to the technical painting instruction.

No artistic experience is necessary for the beginning student. Rather, the main goal of study is to cultivate a clear and conscious image that becomes a window to the divine, an image worthy to inspire thoughts of God and ourselves in the world. Through the discipline of icon painting a student can eventually move toward an understanding of that which stands beyond the symbol and ultimately gain a clearer vision of that God in whom we place so much trust. Everyone will complete an icon of the pantokrator, Christ the teacher.

Retreat participants are requested to arrive April 26, 5–6pm for orientation and a light supper. The workshop begins Monday, April 27, with mass and the blessing of hands. The workshop officially closes Friday, May 1, at 5pm with the blessing of the finished icons. All meals will be taken with the monks in the main dining room, in silence. Accommodations include individual private rooms and shared bath.

Please confirm early because we have limited space. We look forward to welcoming you. Peace.


Experienced iconographer Mary Jane Miller will be the instructor and coordinator of the event. For more information, visit www.sanmiguelicons.com.