A UNIQUE NEW RESIDENCY EXPERIENCE
Church of the Three Hierarchs, Budapest, Hungary
March 17 – 21, 2025
5 Days, Monday through Friday
“Church Wall-Painting: Inside the Creative Process with George Kordis”
Overview
Engage in a rare opportunity to observe the artistry of George Kordis and his team as they complete phase two in the Church wall-painting of the Narthex and a new chapel at the location of the Church of the Three Hierarchs in Budapest as part of the larger Orthodox Center project under construction.
A testament to artistic dedication and spiritual legacy, the recently completed new church by George Kordis (October 2024) becomes the stage for learning during this special week as participants are invited to immerse themselves in sketching and drawing in the sacred space while also witnessing the unfolding of a new phase in the ongoing and ambitious wall-painting design project. This unprecedented opportunity is for artists and learners to explore the depths of the church wall-painting tradition through witnessing the first-hand process of a master artist and iconographer.
Workshop Structure
Morning Sessions: Flexible Independent Focus
Each day, participants will gather together to observe George Kordis as he works on the extended project at the Church of the Three Hierarchs (Narthex and other areas) while also allowing time for participants to have a period of independent sketching and drawing various themes from inside the church. The intimate setting will allow participants a rare glimpse into Kordis’s creative process and work—an invitation to see technique meld with ongoing inspiration as each line drawn contributes to a larger narrative.
Afternoon Sessions: Group Focus and Conversation
In the afternoons, participants will continue their independent sketching and drawing and then gather for a group session with Kordis to discuss student sketches and drawings, as well as engage in conversation about Kordis’s own overall approach, structure and vision to each newest daily artistic phase. Under Kordis’s guidance, each participant will receive feedback and encouragement during group critique and discussion (lasting 1.5 to 2+ hours daily). This interactive group segment emphasizes sharing insights, techniques, and interpretations, cultivating a welcoming space for nurturing artistic growth and creative dialogue.
Unique Experience
This workshop transcends conventional learning—participants will not only learn about the techniques and spiritual significance of the iconography and its design within the church, but will engage deeply with the creative process in real-time through close observation. With the sacred narratives in the church as a starting point, artist participants will sketch independently and discover a depth of inspiration from the artistry of the sacred art enveloping them. Joined by a like-minded community, this experience becomes a unique pilgrimage of creativity and discovery contained within the beauty and richness of Budapest – an ideal cultural backdrop for further individual exploration. Limited to 14 students.
Experience Outcomes:
- Acquire an intimate inside perspective with the creative approach to creating Byzantine iconography in a church environment
- Develop skills in drawing and sketching influenced by the study of Kordis’s use of composition and rhythm with the Byzantine System within the new church of the Three Hierarchs – a starting point for making icons through both observation and developing each individual participant’s drawing practice.
- Engage in meaningful critiques with feedback and discussion that inspire personal and communal artistic development.
- Foster a deeper appreciation for the historical, artistic and spiritual dimensions of Byzantine Wall-Painting with a contemporary master.
Materials
All students must bring a drawing pad and/or sketchbook to use daily with a variety of simple drawing tools (pencils, erasers, and sharpener).
TUITION FEE: 600 Euros (with insurance requirement as shared below*)
Additional Details
INSURANCE
*Please note that insurance coverage is required during the residency as the project is still undergoing renovation construction, even though the areas where our group will be is not in an active work zone. Insurance details will be provided upon registration, and it is simple and inexpensive to obtain. Withfaye.com or Allianz are a few we have worked with successfully, depending on your home country.
FOR CERTIFICATE STUDENTS
Certificate students joining will have an assignment to be completed after the residency based on the drawings made in Budapest to allow the residency to be counted towards Certificate graduation requirements.
Lodging
There are many options to consider in Budapest from Airbnb lodgings to Hotels — the city is known for its hospitality, elegance and affordability.
We suggest booking close enough to the Church location for the week for walking distance. A few suggestions will be shared after registration.
Location:
Located in the heart of Budapest in the Palace District, the Church Project location is adjacent to the Hungarian National Museum. It is not yet officially marked on maps at the moment — but is located on Múzeum Street, 1088 Budapest, just to the right of the black marker below.
Getting There
The main Airport closest to Budapest, Hungary is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
There are many options for getting into downtown Budapest from the Airport — a taxi or Uber will take approximately 35 minutes, but there are also city bus options to consider.
