Trinity Iconography Institute
Ministry and Mission
To spread the knowledge, veneration and use of icons to the world. Iconography is considered a spiritual practice and journey, carrying with it all the benefits of prayer that any form of prayer offers. The Trinity Iconography Institute exists to teach the ancient and historically correct methods of writing an icon and has undertaken to stay within the traditions and rubrics of the Eastern or Orthodox Church, the guardian of icons and iconography for the past 1000 years.
Students are welcome from any Christian tradition and are expected to undertake their studies in a prayerful, meditative and authentic way. The additional benefit is the completed icon that a student takes from the class.
Trinity Iconography Institute Class Schedule: 2013
We are pleased to announce the following Class Schedule for Beginner’s Classes in Iconography. Father Jon Buffington, a Chaldean priest and our new instructor at Trinity Iconography Institute will teach all classes. Class size will be limited to a maximum of 8 students. Classes are conducted in relative silence, as a spiritual journey, always starting with group prayer. Classes are open to all Christians of any tradition, over the age of 18.
Note: If it is determined by the Director that insufficient numbers of students have registered for any class, then that class may be cancelled.
Spring Class-REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: Every Monday beginning on April 8, 2013 and running for 12 weeks. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. each evening.
Registration is now open for Trinity’s Iconography Institute’s spring class that begins on April 8. This class will be an introduction to basic iconography for beginners wishing to learn the fundamental principles and techniques of design and creation of an icon. Classes will be taught by Fr. Jon Buffington. Each “Basic Iconography” class session provides students with the techniques necessary to execute an icon using acrylic medium on a wood panel, from prototypes provided by the Instructor; students will complete a personal icon in this class. Note that this is the final class in which we will be using the medium of acrylic paints. Beginning in Summer 2013 we will only use the traditional medium of egg-tempera.
The class will be limited to 10 students and will consist of approximately 30 hours of instruction and demonstration, spread over 12 weeks. Fees for the class are $225.00 for tuition plus $25.00 for administrative costs. The Instructor will provide a prepared wood panel and prototype icon for each student. A supplies list will be provided to all students at the first class, the costs of which should not exceed $30 - $50 if you do not already have art brushes and acrylic paints.
Demand for registration has historically been high, so early registration is recommended; (note also that both summer classes are already filled!) Class registration will be made on a first come-first registered basis. Those unable to be registered for this class will be placed on a waiting list from which future classes will be filled first, before general registration is opened. To register or for more information, contact Chris Armstrong-Stevenson at 503-366-0829 or trinityiconographers@hotmail.com.
Summer Class: Beginning on Monday, August 5, 2013 and running for one week. SPECIAL NOTE: With this class we will begin using egg tempera medium for all future classes. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and recess daily at 4:00 p.m. A lunch period of 30 minutes is taken. Students may either bring their lunch or order from a no-host deli menu. Deli lunches will be delivered to the Cathedral and soft drink and refreshments will be provided. Register by July 29, 2013.
To accommodate the demand for attendance, two classes will now be held in August, 2013, one to begin on August 5, as originally scheduled and one beginning on August 19. Both classes run for one week and both will use egg tempera as the medium. When registering, please specify which of the two class dates you wish to attend.
Fall Class: Every Monday beginning on October 7, 2013 and running for 12 weeks. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. each evening. Register by September 22, 2013.
Fees: Fees for any of the above classes are $250, including a $25 Administrative fee. Supplies costs will vary and are in addition to the fees. Tuition and Administrative fees may be tax deductible.
Location: All classes are held in the Bishop Scott Room, in the lower part of Trinity Cathedral’s Commons (adjacent to the Cathedral). Trinity Cathedral is located at 147 NW 19th Avenue, Portland, Oregon (corner of NW 19th and Everett Street).
Parking: Trinity owns three parking lots adjacent to the Cathedral. One directly in front, across NW 19th; one immediately beside the Cathedral to the South, on NW 19th and one behind the Cathedral campus on NW Trinity Place. No parking passes are needed except on Summer Thursday daytimes and on all Timbers’ game nights. Handicapped parking spaces or assistance with Cathedral access are available upon request.
Registration: Click to download a registration form and schedule.
Cancellations: To obtain a full refund of all tuition and administrative fees, cancellations must be made no later than 14 days prior to the class starting date. Cancellations after that grace period may be subject to a reduction in the refund amount unless a replacement student is obtained.
More Information
Please contact Christopher Armstrong-Stevenson, Director of the Iconography Institute.