"Jesus Christ", acrylic on gesso board, Montana, Bishop Maxim, 2024

This portable icon of Jesus Christ the Savior, showcased in Kalispell, Montana, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, captures the essence of traditional Byzantine iconography with a refreshingly communal twist. Executed in a style that reverberates with the simplicity and depth characteristic of Byzantine art, the painting emerges as a collaborative masterpiece. Each brushstroke, contributed by various attendees during the public event, culminates in a unified image that not only honors but revitalizes the age-old techniques of Byzantine painters. This approach not only deepens the aesthetic and spiritual resonance of the piece but also transforms it into a living tableau of community engagement and artistic homage.
The iconography workshop led by Bishop Maxim provided a learning experience for Orthodox Catechumens and inquirers in Kalispell. It was held in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a coffee shop, where participants could engage hands-on with the styles and techniques of iconography.