FORT WAYNE –  Explore the rich history and elaborate religious symbolism associated with painted icons during a hands-on, intensive, 5-day painting workshop taught by icon painter Brian Matthew Whirledge.

The workshop takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 28; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29, (with 1 hour lunch break); 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30; and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 31, at St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church, 402 Badiac Rd., in Fort Wayne.

During this workshop, students will learn color mixing and painting techniques, be instructed in the history and theology icons, 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.

Students will paint the icon of “Jesus Christ Pantokrator” from start to finish. The original icon is among the most ancient depictions of Christ, 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 master iconographers in both the U.S. and Greece. He has painted icons for both church and personal use, and is the choir director at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Goshen. He is also the painting and ceramics teacher at Wawasee High School in Syracuse.

Tuition is $375 per student with a deposit received by March 10. After March 10, the tuition is $400. Each participant will receive brushes, a prepared panel and all other materials (paint, 23K gold leaf, etc.) necessary to complete the 9”x12” icon. Partial proceeds will go to St. John Chrysostom church.

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. For complete details or to register, contact Whirledge at 574-536-4347 or [email protected], or go to www.brianwhirledge.com.