Luminous. Transcendent. Timeless.

July 1 -31, 2025
Monday-Friday |  9 am – 4pm
Mount Angel Abbey Library

Admission is free. All are welcome.

“AVE” invites you into a sacred dialogue with the Virgin Mary through the ancient tradition of iconography. This special exhibition features original egg tempera icons painted by the iconographers of the Classical Iconography Institute. Each piece reflects a deep spiritual practice, capturing Mary’s gentle presence with reverence and beauty.

Step into a space of quiet reflection and artistic devotion. Whether you are new to icons or a longtime admirer, “AVE” offers a chance to encounter this sacred art form in an intimate and contemplative setting.

Special Events:
Live Painting Demonstration
— July 12 at the St. Benedict Festival
— July 23–25 at the Abbey Bach Festival

Special Features:
— The Virgin Mary’s Stars & Monogram in Greek, embroidered in Goldwork & Traditional Russian Pearlwork on blue velvet (display case)
— Ancient Tools of the Iconographer (display case)
— Q&A About Icons

Iconographers – Sacred Artists Behind the Scenes

Iconographers never sign their icons as an “artist” would, because we are not the artist, rather the “brush.” Icons come through us in prayer and are intended to invite the viewer into a sacred dialogue.

This exhibition features the icons painted by students of the Classical Iconography Institute who have worked since January 2025 to prepare this event for you.  First, they identified an ancient prototype icon, next they drew it using skills acquired in our Byzantine Drawing Course, and finally, they brought their icons to life with color, blending ground minerals and natural earth ochres with egg yolk, red wine vinegar and water (egg emulsion) to mix their own pigments.

As part of our mission to preserve this ancient Byzantine cultural liturgical art, the Classical Iconography Institute follows in the steps of traditional iconography, just as originally accomplished in the 7th century.

We welcome everyone to come enter into a dialogue with the different faces of Mary, the entire month of July, 2025.

— 1 Abbey Drive | Saint Benedict, OR 97323
— Free Admission | Free Parking | Open to All