Explore the rich history and elaborate religious symbolism associated with painted icons during a hands-on, intensive 4-day workshop taught by iconographer Brian Matthew Whirledge.

The workshop takes place 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12; and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13, at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 65159 CR 33, Goshen.

During this workshop, students will learn basic color mixing and painting techniques, be instructed in the history and theology of the icon, receive personal instruction and demonstration for each stage of painting as well as paint their own icon to take home at the end of the workshop. This icon painting workshop is for everyone, from the beginner to those with artistic background. No artistic experience is necessary.

“Jesus Christ Pantokrator” is the icon participants will paint from start to finish, and is among the most ancient iconographic depictions of Christ. This icon was originally painted in 1546. “Pantokrator” is a Greek word meaning “All Mighty, Lord of Hosts” and “Ruler of All,” and depicts Christ as the judge as in Matthew 25:33.

Workshop instructor, Whirledge, has painted traditional Orthodox Christian icons since 2007, studying under several master iconographers in both the U.S. and Greece. He has painted both small and large-scale icons for church and personal use. He is an ordained reader and choir director at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and the painting and ceramics teacher at Wawasee High School in Syracuse.

Tuition is $350 per student, and serves as a fundraiser for St. Mary’s Orthodox Church. Each participant will receive brushes, a prepared panel and all other materials (paint, 24K gold leaf, etc.) necessary to complete a 9-inch by 12-inch icon. Snacks and lunch on Saturday are included.

Students are required a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve their space. Space is limited. If the workshop fills, a waiting list will be started.

Complete details are available at brianwhirledge.com and stmarysorthodox.org. To register, contact Whirledge at 574-536-4347 or [email protected].