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AVE
The following description was submitted by the event organizer.
A convergence of tradition and contemporary artistry arrives this July as Mount Angel Abbey hosts AVE, an exhibition of original egg tempera icons by working iconographers trained in the Byzantine tradition. On view July 1–31, the show is curated and presented by the Classical Iconography Institute, an Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sacred visual language of the Christian East and West.
With its focus on Mary, the most painted woman in history, AVE invites viewers to experience the theological and aesthetic richness of iconography through a modern lens. Visitors will encounter icons that merge deep spiritual resonance with the intentional craft of a nearly 2000-year-old medium.
“I invite you to step through the ‘Doorway to the Divine’ with the visual language of iconography,” says Christine Thum Schlesser, Executive Director of the Classical Iconography Institute.
The exhibition explores how sacred images can serve as both theological texts and works of transcendent beauty. Each icon is rendered using hand-ground pigments, natural gesso, and gold leaf on wood panels—methods virtually unchanged since antiquity.
Featured Events:
Live icon painting sessions will take place during two major arts festivals at Mount Angel Abbey:
- July 12 – St. Benedict Festival
- July 23–25 – Abbey Bach Festival
Upcoming Dates & Times
- Monday, July 21
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 22
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 23
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Thursday, July 24
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Friday, July 25
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Monday, July 28
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 29
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 30
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Thursday, July 31
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m. More dates & times