NEW ADDITION!
INTRODUCTION TO CHURCH WALL PAINTING
A 6-day immersion class with George Kordis and Maria Panou.
Nov. 18 – 23, 2024
NOTE: THIS RESIDENCY WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO BE HELD IN CONNECTICUT, BUT HAS MOVED TO THE NEW LOCATION TO BEST ACCOMMODATE STUDENTS.
This unique course is geared for students to be introduced or grow their skills in both traditional and contemporary techniques of church wall painting. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training on how to draw large scale and paint using various mixed-media secco painting techniques with comprehensive discussion, mentorship and feedback. Opportunity to become familiar with the specific recipes and products to use for the various techniques are a huge asset to this residency, as well as open discussion about best practices and creative ways to use the various mediums.
Specifically the course will cover various lessons to include:
- Large scale drawing using the Byzantine system on paper with charcoal.
- Fresco techniques. (Byzantine fresco technique, secco fresco)
- Egg Tempera on secco plaster
- Water glass mixed-media technique.
Students will be using four 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 prepared boards) for various exercises (provided).
DAILY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Please note the last day of Saturday, Nov. 23rd the workshop will end at noon.
Students can arrive between 8:30 and 9am.
9am to 12 noon ~ Students will both observe Dr. Kordis as he paints a large scale icon for an iconostasis as well as see demonstration on various techniques with in-depth material discussion.
Lunch 12 noon – 1pm (plenty of nearby food options or students bring their own)
1 to 4:30pm ~ Student practice while Dr. Kordis and Maria Panou will be available to provide feedback and technical oversight.
Besides receiving technical training with various techniques, lessons and material knowledge, participants will also be able to observe George Kordis as he works on a large-scale portable icon for an iconostasis throughout the residency.
This unique course is geared for anyone who would like to be introduced to the techniques of creative and traditional Byzantine church wall painting. Participants will have the experience of spending the week with master iconographer George Kordis and one of his experienced church wall-painting team-members, Maria Panou. Beginners to Advanced level iconographers are also welcome to join, and appropriate-level lessons and exercises will be shared.
Students will have the opportunity to both watch the direct creative process as well as receive training on how to draw and paint using a variety of mixed media painting techniques.
Specifically the course will cover:
- Painting as an organic part of the temple – discussion of the relationship of Iconographic themes and architectural forms with the temple as a holistic synthesis in a reference to Divine Liturgy
- Drawing on a large scale. Participants will draw with charcoal on large scale paper a small composition
- Painting clothing, faces and hands and details with various exercises with several techniques
- Other exercises as beneficial to each students needs and interest
- Valuable first-hand insight to the process of designing and executing wall-painting church projects
Participants must bring some of their own brushes for wall painting (list to be provided), pencils, erasers and a sketch pad.
MATERIALS: Students must bring their own brushes for wall painting (a basic short list to be provided), along with pencils, erasers and a sketch pad. Prepared boards and large paper will be provided as well as all pigments, mediums and numerous various mediums for the specific painting techniques.
Tuition Cost: $800
All students – beginners and experienced alike — will benefit from the valuable techniques learned in this unique opportunity to study with George Kordis and Maria Panou.
All lodging and meals are handled independently by each student.
DESTINATION
The workshop will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene, New Hampshire.
Church Workshop location: Hellenic Hall, 70 West Street, Keene, NH
WORKSHOP SPECIFICS:
All board surfaces, paper and pigments are included in the cost. Students will need to bring their own brushes (suggestions to be shared after registration).
6-DAY WORKSHOP TUITION COST:
Either Residency A or B Tuition Cost: $800
Once registering, a non-refundable deposit of $300 will be asked.
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To Register
Please fill out the basic form (through the red registration button at the top of this page) and we will email you with the next steps.
Hotel and Lodging Information
There are several hotels within both walking distance or several miles by car of the St. George Orthodox Church location in Keene.
Our main hotel recommendations are:
Courtyard Marriott
75 Railroad Street
603-354-7900
(3 blocks from the church)
Fairfield Inn & Suites
30 Main Street
603-357-7070
(2 blocks from the church)
The Burrell House Inn
112 Washington Street
413-239-9011
(several blocks from the church)
Holiday Inn Express
175 Key Road
603-352-7616
(5 minute drive)
We will have special discount rates available soon for students wishing to book their stay.
There are also Airbnb options within close proximity.
GETTING TO KEENE:
The easiest way to get to Keene is by car from other New England destinations.
Nearby Airport Information
Manchester Airport or Boston International Airport
Getting from Manchester or Boston will require either renting a car or coordination with securing a group driver option — participating students will be put in touch with others who may wish to discuss ride shares. Manchester is 1hr. 15 min. by car and Boston is 1hr. 50 min.
Train
The Amtrack “Vermonter Train” from Penn Station, New York City stops in Brattleboro, Vermont — only a convenient 30 minutes from Keene.
Other
Bus options can be explored. There is a bus depot in Keene being serviced from different areas. There is also a convenient bus leaving hourly from Boston International Airport to Concord, New Hampshire. Concord is only one hour from Keene.
Food
There are many good restaurants and cafes nearby within two blocks from the church. Keene is home to Keene State College and being a college town, has many options for all budgets.
REGARDING REGISTRATION & REFUND POLICY:
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Beginning with all residencies from September 1st onwards, please know that we will no longer be able to handle credits or transfer any residency bookings.
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If a Certificate student needs to cancel attendance to a residency, they can have a refund of their residency deposit (usually non-refundable) minus the equivalent of $100 as long as the cancellation is made within four weeks of the residency start date, otherwise the deposit is non-refundable.
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For tuition already paid for a student-canceled residency, ALL students may have the paid tuition portion refunded (beyond the non-refundable deposit) with the equivalent of the total amount paid minus the PayPal fee at the original country fee rate (i.e. 4,5% EU, 5.5~6% USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA + 3% administrative fee).
We hope to have you join us for this Fall opportunity to study Church Wall-Painting with George Kordis and Maria Panou in New England!
NOTE: IF YOU REGISTER OR JOIN THE WAITLIST AND DO NOT RECEIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER WITHIN 24 HOURS, Please email Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com and/or check your spam folder as sometimes our letters and invoices go directly to spam.
Thank you!
