St Croix Catholic Iconographers Guild

. . . Glorifying the triune God, bringing beauty to the church, and joyfully serving our neighbor through our devotion to sacred iconography.

This mission speaks of the guild's desire to not only continue to learn the techniques of writing icons and the theology and symbolism of iconography, but also the guild's desire to evangelize by sharing their skills and knowledge for the glory of God.

Testimonial from a student: "Wow! Our first workshop was nothing short of life changing. I have always wanted to paint and have never seen anything that inspired me enough to start. When my husband, a seasoned artist, asked if I was interested in taking the workshop with him…I was an immediate yes! I could not think of a better way to learn how to paint than to paint an icon of the central focus of my life, Jesus. However, this workshop went far beyond learning how to paint. I never knew how much love, prayer, symbolism, contemplation and patience went into making an icon. Each step of the process had so much meaning, brought me so much closer to God and his love for me. I am so grateful to have had this experience. I am looking forward to my next icon, as this has become one of my favorite forms of prayer!"

Angel Chandler

We hope you can join us for our Sixth Annual Icon Retreat.

We request that you have completed one iconography workshop although there is plenty of sharing and learning at the retreat. There is a limit of 16 people for comfortable lodging and work space in the Lodge.

Past Events

St. Joseph Icon

October 16 - 20, 2023

Open to all levels.

We hope you can join us for our Fifth Annual Icon Retreat.

We request that you have completed one iconography workshop although there is plenty of sharing and learning at the retreat. There is a limit of 16 people for comfortable lodging and work space in the Lodge.

St. Agnes School in St. Paul, MN will be hosting a PARAGON Iconography Workshop July 24-28, 2023.

The workshop will be held from 9am to 5pm

Monday through Friday with an hour break for lunch. Participants will learn the ancient Byzantine technique of mystical icon painting using 24 karat gold leaf and egg tempera paint. The week long experience provides an opportunity to grow artistically, theologically and spiritually. No previous artistic training is necessary. All participants will be given the necessary instruction to complete an icon during the week.

For more information please contac PARAGON workshop coordinator Mrs. Judy Symalla ‪at 651-351-0650 or

judy@stcroixiconography.org

To register for this unique opportunity, send a check for the deposit of $150 (or full amount of $550) made out to Markell Studios to Judy at 1316 Sunny Slope Ln, Stillwater, MN 55082. Please include your email address for future coorespondence and mention which workshop you are registering for.

For the Stillwater Iconography workshop. We will be painting the icon of Advocata Nostra. You can read more about the original icon here. This workshop fills fast. Please contact Judy to ask about available spaces.

Note: This workshop is being taught at Nick Markell's home parish. He offers this workshop as a gift at a reduced price to make it accessible to everyone. While taking no pay for himself, any profits go to charity.

Iconography Retreat

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Sept 12 - 15, 2022

Open to all who have taken at least one icon workshop.

St. Agnes School in St. Paul, MN will be hosting a PARAGON Iconography Workshop July 25-29, 2022.

The workshop will be held from 9am to 5pm

Monday through Friday with an hour break for lunch. Participants will learn the ancient Byzantine technique of mystical icon painting using 24 karat gold leaf and egg tempera paint. The week long experience provides an opportunity to grow artistically, theologically and spiritually. No previous artistic training is necessary. All participants will be given the necessary instruction to complete an icon during the week.

For more information please contact Mr. Michael Adkins at St. Agnes 651-925-8756, or PARAGON workshop coordinator Mrs. Judy Symalla ‪at 651-351-0650 or

symalla@centurylink.net

To register for this unique opportunity, send a check for the deposit of $150 (or full amount of $550) made out to SCCIG to Judy at 1316 Sunny Slope Ln, Stillwater, MN 55082. Please include your email address for future coorespondence and mention which workshop you are registering for.

All icon supplies are provided. We do ask you to bring a bag lunch, mug for coffee or tea and a cordless desk lamp.

All Saints Church in Lakeville, MN will be hosting a PARAGON Iconography Workshop July 5-9, 2022.

The workshop will be held from 9am to 5pm

Tuesday through Saturday with an hour break for lunch. Participants will learn the ancient Byzantine technique of mystical icon painting using 24 karat gold leaf and egg tempera paint. The week long experience provides an opportunity to grow artistically, theologically and spiritually. No previous artistic training is necessary. All participants will be given the necessary instruction to complete an icon during the week.

For more information please contact PARAGON workshop coordinator Mrs. Judy Symalla ‪at 651-351-0650 or symalla@centurylink.net

To register send a check for the deposit of $150 (or full amount of $550) made out to SCCIG to Judy at 1316 Sunny Slope Ln, Stillwater, MN 55082. Please include your email address for future coorespondence and, mention which workshop you are registering for.

All icon supplies are provided. We do ask you to bring a bag lunch, mug for coffee or tea and a cordless desk lamp.