Sophia Icon Studio provides the opportunity to learn the practice of iconography, both online and in person. Throughout every retreat experience, instructor Kara Gillette provides detailed instruction and guidance, as well as individual support. All icons are painted using acrylic paint and 23kt gold. Most retreats will be appropriate for beginners, though there may be some exceptions.
Because at its heart iconography is a spiritual discipline, emphasis is placed on spirituality and embracing our work as a form of prayer. While questions are always welcome, Kara encourages students to prepare for a time of silence and contemplation. In this way painting an icon can be experienced more as a spiritual retreat than a class, though students should also expect to learn a lot too.
Retreats are offered as a time to break from our busy modern lives and connect deeply with the Source of our being - the One in whose image we were created. Whether in-person or online, the time spent in silence and contemplation can serve to "reset" the soul and open our eyes to what is truly important.
Live Online
Iconography
Retreats
Online retreats are held over Zoom, and are offered year-round. While in-person retreats are a wonderful way to learn and practice iconography in community, the online format has some surprising advantages:
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Demonstrations are clearer and students will see more of the progress
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Tips and tricks can be shared that are difficult in person
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Students are given support and instruction on how to fix mistakes
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Recordings of each session provide students the ability to make up missed days or review the day's work
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A unique community is formed spanning coast to coast and sometimes beyond!
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Students will be provided basic materials including a traditionally prepared gessoed wood panel, gold leaf and an instruction packet, which will be shipped to each student prior to the retreat. Paints and brushes must be purchased separately. A supply list and preparation guidelines can be found on the Essential Supplies page.
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For more information on registration, payment and supplies, see the Student Resources page.
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In-person
Iconography
Retreats
In person retreats are generally held on church grounds or at a retreat center. These typically run for 5 days and can be a wonderful way to introduce a community to icons and the spirituality of iconography.
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Please inquire if you are interested in hosting or organizing an in-person retreat or workshop at your church or community, and check our schedule often for future offerings!
Note: We are currently taking reservations for 2026!
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Self-Paced Recorded
Iconography
Retreats
These recorded online retreats invite you to enter a focused and prayerful iconography experience, originally offered live, and now available to revisit at your own pace. Through full access to the complete video recordings, you are free to move slowly and attentively through each stage of the process, returning to the teachings as often as needed.
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Alongside the recordings, you will be able to download all instructional materials from the retreat, including reference images, templates, and written guidance. You will also receive access to a private Google Classroom, where progression photos and visual examples accompany each step of the icon-writing journey.
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Please note that icon panels, gold leaf, and other physical materials are not included and must be purchased separately. These recorded retreats are well suited for students who are comfortable working independently, without live instruction.
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