"This forthcoming school will be a unique study and practical application of the theology behind icons and how the participants can develop their spiritual and artistic skills in making icons. An icon in itself is a prayer rendered in paint and as the iconographer makes an icon, he or she actually prays with a paintbrush. Each stroke, each breath in between and each inspiration from the soul is an experience worth relishing for a lifetime."

Pecos Abbey is an ideal environment to study iconography. Nestled in the Pecos River Valley of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains, Pecos River and our community.

Dom John at work
(click to enlarge)

School of Iconography and Liturgical Arts

May 23 - June 13, 2010

(Students may enroll for the full 3 week school or for any individual week or weeks.)

Week 1: May 23-30
This will be a class in drawing skills only. Students will study observation skills and will concentrate on the practice of drawing feet, hands, faces, clothing and drapery. Included in this course will be the study of sacred geometry and composition. The course is designed to accommodate beginners in drawing and the focused study will also benefit the more advanced student. No previous ability to draw is required. Tutor will be Jackie Nelson BA.

Week 2: May 30-June 6
This will be a painting workshop in which an icon will be drawn onto a panel and painted (written) under supervision. Pigment and panel preparation techniques will be studied. By the end of the week an icon should be completed. Tutor will be Peter Pearson.

Week 3: June 6-13
This week will be given to the study of the theology and history of the icon. Included is the use of icons in liturgy and devotion, as well as symbolism in icons. The inter-relationship of iconography, church architecture and worship will be explored, including studies of icon masterpieces.
Activities this week include excursions to Orthodox Churches with picnic lunch, attendance at Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, followed by the end of school dinner at a restaurant in Santa Fe. Tutor will be Fr. Anthony Salzman, MA Div

Fees Include: Room and board, tuition and materials

Price: $700 per week for single room
$600 per week for shared room

$200 deposit required on registration with the balance to be paid before commencement of the school.

Note: $200 discount for those attending all three weeks.

Students may enroll for the full 3 week school or for any individual week or weeks.

Stained Glass Workshop

August 15 - 22, 2010

The School of Iconography at the Pecos Benedictine Monastery is offering a Stained-Glass Class for beginning students. The class will involve the methods and materials for learning basic techniques in copper foiling. One week-long project wil be completed, with instruction and guidance from tutors who have done stained glass projects for the past twenty-five years.

Price: $700, including room and board, tuition and all materials.

Reservations are limited so please book early.

Download forms:

Iconography Photos


Praying before a Lecture	A demonstration of painting an Icon

Demonstration of putting on a halo	A visit to St. Elias the Prophet Greek Orthodox Church

Stained Glass Photos

Please contact the Icon School Director, or call the Guestmaster of the Monastery if you need further assistance.

Bro. John Davies, OSB Oliv.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey
P.O. Box 1080
Pecos, NM 87552-1080
Tel. 505-757-6600 Ext. 233
Fax. 505-757-2285