Classes & Workshops

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS are offered in the Philadelphia area and around the US and abroad. Ms vonMedicus teaches during the fall and spring semesters at Villanova University with occasional workshops held during break or over weekend series. Most workshops take place over the summers.  Please check the Events page for a listing of upcoming classes and workshop. Contact for tuition, materials and residential information (if the case) and enrollment registration with the coordinators will be listed with each class.

PROSOPON SCHOOL of ICONOLOGY
Susan Kelly vonMedicus is an affiliate instructor in the Prosopon School. She began her work studying under Master Vladislav Andrejev almost 30 years ago and continues to work under his direction. Emphasis is placed on personal spiritual growth through a study of Christian Church teachings and principles as practiced in the making of icons. The Prosopon School is founded by and the principles and methods are under the direction of master iconographer Vladislav Andrejev. The workshop teaches the theory and practice of traditional Byzantine Icon painting in the Russian style using egg tempera based mineral pigments and 23K gold leaf on natural gessoed wood panel.  The symbolic language and practical methods are taught hand-in-hand as you go through the 22 step liturgical process of making a traditional icon. 

First time students make the icon of Holy Archangel Michael based on the ancient prototype. More experienced students will choose an appropriate subject with the teacher. No previous artistic experience is necessary.

MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION
Ms. vonMedicus has a specialty in ancient materials and as part of that study and work offers workshops in manuscript illumination and calligraphy.  Each workshop is designed for the interest of the class making unique projects based on a style of illumination – Celtic, White vine, Gothic, Filigree, Contemporary and more. Typically the method and style are taught along with the historically appropriate script and students then design their own artwork with a text of their choosing using lettering formats provided.

PRINTMAKING and BOOKBINDING
Ms. vonMedicus teaches classes in relief and silkscreen printmaking and the production of handmade books. These are designed for specific classes and each a unique project.