Classical Iconography Institute
Classical Iconography Institute is a fine arts educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ancient method of egg tempera iconography to preserve one of the oldest, traditional cultural sacred arts of the ancient Christian East and West.
Agios: A Communion of Saints
June 13-August 2, 2026
Step out of the modern rush and into a timeless tradition this summer. From June through August, the Institute transforms the Mount Angel Abbey Library entryway into a sacred gallery. Our extraordinary exhibition brings together original, hand-written icons created by modern-day artists preserving the centuries-old Byzantine style.
LOCATION: 1 Abbey Drive, Saint Benedict, OR 97373.
HOURS: Visit mountangelabbey.org/library for hours.
Parking and admission are free. The facility is ADA accessible.
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, there will be a live painting demonstration from one of the Institute’s iconographers during the Abbey’s Saint Benedict Festival.
The exhibition will conclude with a public closing reception on Sunday, August 2, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Cards Now Available
Send this beautiful, traditional symbol of faith depicting Christ descending to the place of the righteous dead to rescue all who have fallen asleep.
5″x7″ bright white art card with gold foil & white self-seal envelope. Featuring an original, hand-painted classical Byzantine icon
Limited Stock, Order Today
Register for Classes & Retreats
The St. Benedict Guesthouse is currently full. Commuter options are still available for some courses.
Week-Long Summer Intensives
2026 Spring Semester
Summer Class of 2025 with Abbot Jeremy
Join Us For
* 14 Week Programs
* Summer Iconography Intensive Retreats
* Sacred Art Tours
Learn How & Why
Classical Iconography Institute is dedicated to training iconographers, capable of writing liturgical icons to preserve one of the world’s most ancient cultural heritages. Students receive a comprehensive circumscription of the saint or subject matter to learn history, underlying message of the icon, and the subject’s depiction throughout the centuries to convey its message in today’s language.
Read the Latest News
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Iconography Exhibition at Mount Angel Abbey
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Iconography Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey
A total of 33 icons were written by those attending the Classical Iconography Institute's Summer Iconography Intensive Retreat [Read More]