JAN. 11 – 21, 2024
Writing the Light is presenting a 10-day residency to immerse in icon-making in Athens, Greece with master iconographer Dr. George Kordis onsite at his Eikonourgia School and with special events at the Mets Art Center. Daily instruction will be combined in teaching both the technique and methods of icon drawing and painting in the Byzantine System. Immersion in a daily studio practice will be optimized by being within the framework of a city rich with great historical examples of Byzantine history and living inspiration. Valuable trips to local Greek churches, monasteries, and museums to see ancient and modern icons (many which Kordis himself has painted) will be a part of this unique and balanced creative curriculum held in the artistic and ancient city of Athens.
Hosted at the Mets Art Center and Dr. Kordis’s Eikonourgia School of Iconography (his large icon-painting atelier and teaching space), the program will begin with a two-day focus honing the basics of icon drawing before diving into a week long intensive with egg tempera painting using the Byzantine limited tetrachrome palette of mineral pigments.
Several specialized sessions in icon board preparation, and demonstrations in gilding will be shared during the workshop by experienced visiting artists.
Each day will be comprised of an average of 6 hours of studio time along with select days paired with relaxed visits to visit museums, churches and monasteries. The schedule is also structured with ample time to explore Athens independently.
Nights will include optional attendance to several events, including a concert of Byzantine music. All museum and church trips as well as optional evening or welcome and closing events are open to students and any traveling spouses or friends accompanying them.
ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED in the tuition, with students needing to bring a selection of paintbrushes for use during the program.
The Residency is good for beginners or advanced, as instruction is individualized.
All instruction is held in English language.
NOTE: All food, lodging, and any additional basic fees for museums and transportation to and from museums and churches will be paid for independently by students.
Tuition fee: 1500 Euros (approximately $1600 US dollars)
AGENDA — All items marked with an * will be open to spouses and significant others accompanying students.
Thursday. 1.11
(travel/arrival day)
Note: our Welcome Reception to view the permanent icon collection at the Mets Art Centre has been moved to Sunday, January 14th
Friday. 1.12
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia ~Welcome Talk & Coffee
09:30 beginning DRAWING demos
12.00 On-site Lunch (provided)
13.00–16.00 Studio time — DRAWING FOCUS
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*small independent groups, optional)
Saturday. 1.13
9.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — DRAWING FOCUS
9.00 — 12.00 Lessons & Drawing
12.00 Lunch
13.00 — 16.00 Studio time
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*or small groups, optional)
Sunday. 1.14
*NEW ~ previously a Free Day
13.00 MEET AT METS ART CENTER
Tour George Kordis’s personal icon collection ~ then walk together to Eikonourgia
14.30 – 17.30 Drawing preparations for icon painting (3 hours)
Independent Dinner (*or small groups, optional)
Monday. 1.15
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — PAINTING FOCUS BEGINS
9.00 — 12.00 Lessons & Painting Demos
12.00 Lunch (provided)
13.00–16.00 Studio work — painting
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*or small groups, optional)
Tuesday. 1.16
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — PAINTING
09.00 — 12.30 Studio work — painting
12..00 Lunch
13.00–16.00 Studio work — painting
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*or small groups, optional)
Wednesday. 1.17
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — PAINTING FOCUS
09.00 — 12.30 Studio work — painting
12.00 Lunch (provided)
13.00–16.00 Studio time
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*small groups, optional)
Thursday. 1.18
08.15 Meet at Mets Art Center — EXCURSION DAY (bus departs from adjacent First Cemetery of Athens parking lot — supplemental bus fee)
08.30 Travel by private chartered bus to Panagia Faneromeni church, Vouliagmeni to see Kordis icons
09.00 Arrive and tour the church (optional sketching)
10.15 — 10.45 Depart for Daphni monastery
11.45 Arrive at monastery
12.00 Monastery Tour
13.30 Lunch
14.30 Departure back to Athens
15.00 Arrive Back in Athens at Mets Art Center
15.00+ Free Time
Independent Dinner (*or small groups, optional)
Friday. 1.19
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — PAINTING FOCUS
12.00 Lunch (provided)
13.00–16.00 Studio time
16.00+ Free time
Independent Dinner (*small groups, optional)
Saturday. 1.20
09.00 Meet at Eikonourgia, studio time — PAINTING FOCUS
12.00 Lunch
13.00 — 16.00 Final session and pack up
16.00+ Free time
19.00 — Closing Night Dinner at Mets Art Center
Sunday. 1.21
Departures Home — Travel day
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.
All payments will be billed through PayPal by Cinnabar, a part of Iconography Today. A non-refundable 400 Euros deposit will hold your spot. The remaining fee will then be made in two installments: 1) on October 1st; and 2) on December 1st when the full remainder will be billed. Alternative payment plans can be discussed by contacting Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com.
REGARDING REGISTRATION & REFUND POLICY
- The 400 Euros deposit is non-refundable, but transferable if notified prior to December 1st.
- Should you need to cancel attendance, you will receive a refund for any balance paid minus the deposit with the deposit turning into usable credit towards other programs of Iconography Today if we are notified prior to December 1st. If you cancel your attendance after December 1st, you will forfeit your deposit, and will only be refunded your remaining amount paid. We will work as generously as possible with students, handled on a case-by-case basis.
We hope to have you join us for this rare opportunity to learn iconography from master George Kordis in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Athens, Greece.
NOTE: IF YOU REGISTER 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!
