2025 Summer Iconography Retreat – Beginning Level II

Monday July 14 – Saturday July 19, 2025

Join us for the next level class addition to our Summer Iconography Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey where you will prayerfully transform a blank gessoed icon board to an icon of Theotokos in Supplication (Hagiosoritissa).  This class is open to students who have completed Beginning Iconography Level I.  Beginning Iconography Level II is the next step in acquiring skills required for progression to Level III.  Students acquire the following skills by writing the bust figure icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary:  how to paint a unique background, how to execute a dynamic, ¾ turned figure and face, how to address a smaller turned face, and hands.

As with Beginning Level I, students will prepare the icon board, transfer the image, draw in the Byzantine style, gild, paint in egg tempera, while learning the theology of the icon, offered in a quiet, contemplative environment conducive to meditative prayer and centered around monastic prayer time.

Just as in Level I, you receive historic pigments made from natural earth and ground minerals sourced from Zecchi’s Colori Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, the location of a pigment purveyor since the 1300s.  Zecchi’s supplies the Uffizi with the very same pigments we provide you, to conserve the world’s masterpieces.

This class offers student the opportunity to write the first of three Deisis icons (Hagiosoritissa, Christ Pantocrator, St. John the Baptist) as the first step in creating a home altar.

You will learn this sacred liturgical artform in the peaceful hilltop monastery of Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedict, Oregon, far away from distraction and daily concerns.  This contemplative environment offers the quietude and peace necessary to support the liturgical art of iconography. Students may pray the liturgy of the hours with the monks and attend the Mass.

Instruction begins after the daily Mass and ends when the Abbey bells call us to noon prayer, followed by a delicious and healthful lunch at the Abbey Guesthouse.  We’ll begin class immediately following lunch and continue until Vespers, followed by the evening meal and educational programming.  Students are welcome and encouraged to return for open studio hours in the evening.  The studio will be open at 7am for students who wish to get an early start.

Please inquire if you wish to extend your stay.

Saint Benedict Guesthouse & Retreat Center

The guesthouse offers an Adoration Chapel, library, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating intentionally designed to showcase the beautiful views of the Abbey’s expansive natural environs. Take a “Stations of the Cross” walk and stop at each of the 14 wayside chapels carved in the Germanic tradition over one hundred years ago.

Click here to learn more by reading Mount Angel’s description of the guesthouse.

Common areas of the guesthouse are air-conditioned, but the guest rooms are not.

While our summer in July is typically temperate, if you require air conditioning, you may wish to choose Option C for Commuters which includes only instruction and meals.  Commuters are responsible for securing alternate housing locally.  

Choose From Residential or Commuter Package

PLEASE NOTE:  The Guesthouse chef can accommodate a variety of food sensitivities; gluten free options are always offered.  Please feel free to let us know your dietary restrictions in advance and we will do our very best to make your meals pleasurable.

Residential Package A – Single Occupancy

1. Iconography Course instruction & activities from Monday evening to Saturday’s Icon Blessing.
2. Guesthouse: offers a queen bed and private bath with shower in upscale, retreat style lodging, with access to adoration chapel and library. (Please note, there is no in-room air conditioning.)
3. Meal Plan (15 meals)

1. • Monday:  dinner
   • Tuesday – Friday:  Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   • Saturday:  Breakfast & lunch (dinner may be purchased separately for $25)

Residential Package B – Double Occupancy

1. Iconography Course instruction & activities from Monday evening to Saturday’s Icon Blessing.
2. Guesthouse: offers a queen bed and private bath with shower in upscale, retreat style lodging, with access to adoration chapel and library. (Please note, there is no in-room air conditioning.)
3. Meal Plan (15 meals)

1. • Monday:  dinner
   • Tuesday – Friday:  Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   • Saturday:  Breakfast & lunch (dinner may be purchased separately for $25)

Commuter Package C –  You Secure Housing

1. Iconography Course instruction & activities from Monday evening to Saturday’s Icon Blessing.
2. Meal Plan (15 meals)
   1. • Monday:  dinner
      • Tuesday – Friday:  Breakfast, lunch & dinner
      • Saturday:  Breakfast & lunch (dinner may be purchased separately for $25)

   ALTERNATE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR COMMUTERS

• The Oregon Garden Resort
• Silverton Inn and Suites
• Visit AirBnB and search for Mount Angel and/or Silverton