The season of Lent is a time for renewal of our spiritual lives. Consider making a pilgrimage to Trinity Cathedral and experience the beauty and power of this sacred art form. Twenty-three exquisite icons will be on view in Synod Hall between now and the first week of Easter.
The word icon is derived from the Greek eikon, meaning an image. Icons are popularly known as the art of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but they are really much more. Graphically, they illustrate the life of Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary, as well as saints and stories from the Bible and later Christian experiences. Physically and spiritually, icons fulfill a prayerful role in church services and in the lives of the faithful.
Many paintings and objects in Western art have a Christian or religious theme, but they are not icons. Orthodox icons were, and still are, created for prayer and liturgical use in the church and for personal prayers at home or in travel.
In recent years there has been a growing interest in icons in the Western Church, in their spiritual dimension, and in making them. The icons in this exhibition were made by contemporary iconographers Father John Walsted, an Episcopal priest living in Staten Island, Suzanne Schleck, of New Jersey, Ann Sohm of Staten Island, and Lydia McKibbin of New Jersey. Most of the icons in the show are for sale. 25% of all sales go to the Cathedral.
Sponsored by ECVA New Jersey, a Chapter of The Episcopal Church & Visual Arts. Ruth Tietjen Councell, Chair.
Learn more
Feature Article on artist Suzanne Schleck at Episcopal Life Online’s Art & Soul
Images courtesy ECVA New Jersey, Kanuga Conference Center, and John Walsted Icons.