Icon course at Living Water College

A course on iconography is being offered this summer at Living Water College, a Christian liberal arts college in Derwent, Alta.

The program, which runs from July 18-30 will be taught by Frank C. Turner, the school’s director of fine arts, who studied for many years under Vladislav Andreyev, a contemporary master iconographer, and Fr. Gianluca Busi of Bologna, Italy.

“I just came as an interested individual in iconography and fell in love with it and have since spent 20 years practising and praying with icons. So this workshop is just a very basic introduction to what can become a lifetime study,” Turner said.

Turner will teach the traditional byzantine iconographic form that uses egg tempera on Gesso.

“The traditional byzantine iconographic form is more direct — it’s the best in terms of the use of images to assist in prayer,” Turner said.

Nicole Dunn, the college’s assistant director of development, said the area surrounding Derwent has a Ukrainian heritage, which only make it seem more fitting to offer this course.

“It’s called ‘writing an icon’ because you’re so spiritually involved in the process by which an icon is created. As we’re trying to integrate art, faith and reason, it makes sense to look at something that is directly spiritual and has a unique artistic technique.”

Students taking the course will have the chance to pray the liturgy of the hours daily and study the theological and historical roots of iconography. Eight hours will be spent each day on learning the technical aspects of iconography.

The cost is $1,100 and includes materials, tuition, room and board. Scholarships are available to those who demonstrate need.

To find out more about Living Water College and its programs, see www.livingwatercollege.com or call (780) 741-2488.