The Uniting Church Icon Schools 11 Maida Court, Lower Plenty, Victoria 3093

Welcome to The Uniting Church Icon Schools, located at Lower Plenty, Maida Court, 11 in Australia. Our institution is a point of interest and a place of artistic exploration and spiritual growth.

At The Uniting Church Icon Schools, we offer classes conducted at the Auburn Uniting Church on the first Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday of each month, starting in February. These classes provide an opportunity for individuals to learn the sacred art of icon painting and delve into the rich traditions of the Byzantine style.

Icons are revered as sacred images of Christ, the Saints, and scenes from the Scriptures. They are meticulously painted using egg tempera on timber panels covered with linen and gesso. Our institution honors these icons as aids to Christian devotion, fostering a deeper connection to faith through artistic expression.

Our community of artists at The Uniting Church Icon Schools embraces an ecumenical approach, exploring various traditions such as Ethiopian, Coptic, and Armenian. While the Byzantine style is our primary focus, participants are encouraged to venture into original compositions within the discipline of icon writing. In addition to practical skills, we also emphasize research into the spirituality, theology, and history of icons.

The Uniting Church Icon Schools consist of three separate schools, all taking place in the Auburn Uniting Church Hall. One school meets on the first Saturday of each month, another on the first Monday, and the last one on the first Wednesday. Our academic year is divided into two semesters, with new members joining either in February or July. To participate, a registration fee is required for each semester.

As an attendee of The Uniting Church Icon Schools, you will have the opportunity to witness the transformative power of art and spirituality. In the words of one of our participants, "I have seen God in human form, and my soul was saved... I make an image of the god whom I see." We believe that through the medium of art, we can connect with the divine and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our faith.

Our institution is coordinated by Rev Dr. Peter Blackwood, who can be reached at 0481 325 594 or via email at [email protected]. To gain further insight into the activities and creations of our community, we invite you to visit Peter Blackwood's Icon Diary page, where you can find videos showcasing icons and other artistic endeavors.

Join us at The Uniting Church Icon Schools, where art, spirituality, and community converge to inspire and uplift. Discover the beauty and depth of iconography as we journey together towards a greater understanding of our faith.