Spiritual director Sharon Henthorn-Iwane understands iconography as a sacred art that "makes the invisible visible." Through this intensive workshop, Sharon will guide you through the traditional process of painting an icon of your own in egg tempera with genuine gold gilding on a gessoed panel. In addition to hands-on art instruction, Sharon will also provide some teaching on the role of icons in the history of the Church, and resources for ongoing exploration.
How might the creative process enrich your Christian faith and imagination? Come and explore this visual language of the Church. No experience necessary.
The Holy Face icon pictured below, the first of the four foundational icons, will be painted in the workshop. If you have experience painting icons or have taken this course before, you have the option of painting the next in the four foundational icons series (Tenderness Mother of God) or the icon of your choice.
Workshop Details (Registration deadline: June 22, 2026)
Participants will gather over two weekends to learn and create in a calm, communal setting. There will be one introductory zoom session scheduled with the participants on Friday, July 3, or another agreed-upon time before the workshop. The workshop hours are:
Saturday, July 4, 2026 / 9am-4pm (with lunch break)
Sunday, July 5, 2025 / 4pm-7pm
During the week: 30-60 minutes of painting per day at home
Saturday, July 11, 2026/ 9am-4pm (with lunch break)
Sunday, July 12, 2026 / 1-4pm
Lunch will be provided on the Saturdays. All required art supplies will be provided for use during the workshop. A sample icon is shown below.
About the instructor
Sharon Henthorn-Iwane is a spiritual director and iconographer. She has over thirty years of experience leading others in prayer. Sharon spent ten years working in campus ministry as a prayer specialist. In 2018, Sharon completed a three-year course to become an Ignatian spiritual director through the Pierre Favre program and has been active since in private practice and with staff positions at New College and Church Without Walls Berkeley. Sharon began her iconography journey studying with master iconographer Charles Rohrbacher in 2004 and has apprenticed with him since. You can see some examples of her work here.
Tuition (Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026)
$450 (includes Saturday lunches, icon panel and art supplies for use during the workshop)
Due to material preparation needs, tuition is non-refundable within two weeks of the workshop. Prior to June 22, 2026, there is a $100 non-refundable registration fee.