Discovering Serenity in Beauty: Finding What You Seek at the 2024 Iconography Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey

Images courtesy of Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary.

To view the album via Flickr, please click here.

Hosted at the serene Mount Angel Abbey, the Classical Iconography Institute’s 2024 retreat offered not just artistic instruction in the historic tradition of egg tempera iconography but a profound spiritual experience. Thirty six dedicated students gathered for a transformative journey into the ancient art of iconography.

From the moment retreatants arrived, the atmosphere of contemplation and peace enveloped them. Surrounded by the Abbey’s quietude, students were encouraged to join the Monks in praying the liturgy of the hours and attending Mass, grounding each day in a rhythm of worship and reflection that complemented their artistic pursuits.

Guided by professional iconographers, Christine Thum Schlesser, Fernanda DeClercq, Ania Kocurek-Williams, and Father Jon Buffington, participants delved into techniques dating back to the first century.

Throughout the day, breaks were punctuated by the Abbey bells calling everyone to prayer, marking moments of pause and reflection that further enriched the creative process. Lunches at the Abbey Guesthouse were not just meals but opportunities for students to share experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community among diverse individuals united by their passion for iconography.

Evenings were reserved for open studio hours, allowing students to continue their work or engage in educational programming designed to deepen their understanding of the sacred art they were creating. This balance of structured learning and personal exploration ensured that each participant could grow both artistically and spiritually throughout the retreat.

By the end of the program, participants had not only honed their artistic skills but had also experienced a profound journey of faith and creativity. The icons they created; the Holy Face of Christ, The Hagiosoritissa, and Saint Benedict of Nursia—stood as tangible representations of their spiritual and artistic growth during their time at the retreat.

One of our favorite moments in the retreat is meeting our new students and hearing what called them to iconography.

Many thanks to Rachael Kitchens, advanced iconographer & photographer for these photographs.  

Advance to the next photo by clicking the arrow.

These photos mark the beginning of our retreat in three different levels.

Please enjoy this photo montage of the retreat.  We hope you’ll consider joining us to write the Holy Images in July 2025 for a spiritually renewing week of sacred iconography.

Registration for the Classical Iconography Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey will open in Fall 2025.