Course description
As humans, we are part of nature; we merge with creation. Connection to one's inner self, to creation, and to the Creator brings a sense of meaning to life as a whole. From seeing, cultivating, and recognizing beauty springs gratitude, and from gratitude, the desire to praise. Seeing holiness in everything creates reverence for all creation. At the same time, understanding and compassion arise for our life's journey, even towards ourselves. On the course, we use natural materials and colors, such as turmeric, berries, and other plants, from which the colors are partly extracted on site. We paint with fingers, branches, and self-made brushes. As a binder, we use, for example, soy milk. The painting locations are peaceful areas nestled in nature – including the lakeside, the pier, and the surroundings of the chapels.
Literature and uplifting texts serve as inspiration for artistic work. Simple songs and humming are also included, strengthening the connection between body and mind. Prayer, song, reading spiritual texts, and painting alternate, opening our senses to the omnipresent holiness. Participants also have access to a lakeside sauna and the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in Lake Juojärvi, perhaps even with their own painting. Alongside art making, we will gather herbal ingredients from nature, with which we can gently pamper our bodies in the relaxing steam of the sauna. The course is mainly conducted outdoors, weather permitting. In case of rain or cold weather, a classroom is available. The course does not require prior art experience – an open mind and willingness to participate are sufficient. Suitable for everyone who seeks a connection with nature, spiritual deepening, and creative expression. The course instructors are artist, art pedagogue, and spiritual growth coach Susanna Maria Kivistö, and the Librarian of Valamo Monastery's Orthodox Special Library, Virva Suvitie.
A material fee of 35 € is paid separately to the instructor, either in cash or via MobilePay.
Accommodation for the night before the course is included in the course price; any meals on 28.7. are paid to Trapesa at normal prices.
For this course, the Epassi mobile application can be used as a payment method.
Course program
Wednesday 29.7.
9.00 Welcome moment
The body as an instrument of the soul.
Tuning the being. Gentle movement and sound.
10.00 Introduction to painting materials and starting one's own painting process.
Silence and movement in painting.
12.00 Moleben, opportunity to participate in a prayer service in the main church / Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
14.00 Sensing nature as a source of the creative process.
Free painting outdoors as opportunities allow.
15.30 Akathist of Thanksgiving at the Chapel of Saint Nicholas
16.30 Tea moment (self-paid)
17.00 Literary inspirations for art
18.00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and evening prayers in the main church
19.30 Evening meal
Thursday 30.7.
6.00 Midnight and Morning Service. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in the main church
7.30-10 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa
9.00 The body as an instrument of the soul.
Tuning the being. Gentle movement and sound.
9.30 Color as a source of the creative process.
Color extraction.
The essence and character of color.
Free painting outdoors as opportunities allow.
12.00 Moleben, opportunity to participate in a prayer service in the main church / Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
14.00 Play as a source of the creative process.
Free painting outdoors as opportunities allow.
15.30 Introduction to Valamo's churches, art, and miracle-working icons
16.30 Tea moment (self-paid)
17.00 Literary inspirations for art
18.00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and evening prayers in the main church
19.30 Evening meal
Friday 31.7. Procession of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
6.00 Midnight and Morning Service. First Hour in the main church
7.30-10.00 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa
9.00 Guided walk to the cemetery and a peek into its chapel
Line, light, and shadow as a source of the creative process.
Charcoal drawing and painting in the cemetery and its surroundings.
12.00 Moleben, opportunity to participate in a prayer service in the main church / Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
13.30 Introduction to the Rudolf Koivu – Fairytale Illustrator art exhibition and a word art session - instructed by art educator, journalist Pia Ursula Paananen
15.00 Lakeside sauna, women's sauna turn
16.30 Lakeside sauna, men's sauna turn
18.00 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Morning Service, at the end of which the Cross is brought out and venerated. First Hour in the old church
19.30 Evening meal
Saturday 1.8. Dormition Fast: 1-14.8.
7.30-10 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa
9.00 Third Hour. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Procession to the boat shore, where a small blessing of waters takes place. After the procession, blessing of new harvest honey in the Old Church. Moleben is not served. /
Alternatively, free painting and exploration of nature's vibrant colors and scents on the monastery trails.
12.00 Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
13.00 Free painting by the consecrated water.
Gratitude as a source of the creative process.
16.30 Tea moment (self-paid)
17.00 Literary inspirations for art
18.00 Vigil (Great Vespers, Polyeleos Morning Service and First Hour) in the main church
19.30 Evening meal
Sunday 2.8.
7.30-10 Breakfast. Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
9.00 Third Hour. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Panagia in the main church
11.00 The joy of creation – review of completed works. Prayer of thanksgiving. Course closing lunch.
12.00 Room checkout by 12:00
