Icon Painting Retreat 3/2027

The course is intended for students who master the basics of icon painting and are capable of independent work. Painting an icon is a silent prayer, but in practice, achieving silence during courses can often be challenging. Silence is an essential part of the icon painting process, as it alone creates space for a dialogue between the painter and the subject. During the retreat, the classroom will be quieted so that everyone works on their icon in silence, with the teacher guiding each student as needed and occasionally everyone together. Conversation between students in the classroom is completely refrained from. Everyone can choose whether they want to cultivate silence outside the classroom as well. Those who wish to extend the classroom's tranquility to meals can enjoy their meals in silence in Trapesaan's Emperor's Cabinet. The monastery's Divine Services and the course's own short Jesus Prayer services deepen the retreat experience and help transform external silence into internal peace. On this course, an icon of the beloved holy Father Seraphim of Sarov (+1833) will be painted, who wisely stated: “No one has ever regretted silence”. The icon board and prepared model will be provided at the beginning of the course. Other tools and materials needed for the course can be purchased from the academy. Course instruction begins on March 13th; accommodation for the previous night is included in the course price, any meals on March 12th are paid at Trapesaan at normal prices. Please note that those under 35 years old receive a 40 percent discount on icon painting course fees. The teacher is icon restorer and painter Antti Narmala. The language of instruction is Finnish.

Epassi mobile application can be used as a payment method for this course.