Students’ Impressions

Elizabeth “Ella” Howell

In regard to this iconography class, I really enjoyed learning where and how to place the light on the faces of the saints. Thanks to our teacher and all the participants!

Zorica Benet

Being at the iconography camp is such a beautiful experience. Bishop Maxim is a wonderful teacher—kind, patient, and full of understanding, always giving attention to everyone. The days here, filled with work, prayer, and fellowship, are full of grace and warmth. For me, this is a true blessing—a spiritual and artistic journey I will carry in my heart for a long time.

Kamp ikonografije je zaista jedno predivno iskustvo. Teško je opisati svu tu lepotu – počevši od atmosfere, preko predavanja i zajedničkog rada, pa sve do smeštaja i obroka. Sve je usklađeno i lepo funkcioniše. Studio je prostran i prijatan, a svi ovde su izuzetno ljubazni, osoblje pažljivo i predusretljivo.

OVO želim posebno da istaknem: naš učitelj, Vladika Maksim, izuzetan je predavač. Sa puno strpljenja, ljubavi i razumevanja prenosi znanje, trudi se oko svakog učenika i stvara osećaj topline i zajedništva.

Dani prolaze u radu, molitvi i druženju, zato mi je teško i da pomislim da ću za nekoliko dana morati da napustim ovo mesto. Osećam veliku zahvalnost Bogu što mi je dao priliku da budem ovde, zajedno sa divnim ljudima i pod rukovodstvom našeg Vladike Maksima. Za mene je ovo iskustvo veliko bogatstvo, jedno duhovno i umetničko putovanje koje ću dugo nositi u srcu.

Lura O’Brien

I am really loving our icon program! I am so very grateful to Bishop Maksim and Father Marko for giving us all the opportunity to learn about the Church’s beautiful icons and their rich and glorious history and heritage. It fills my heart with so much love for the Church!

Laurie Williams

As a lifelong painter I can attest once again that this is really a fine class and our Bishop is very good painter and teacher. This was my third workshop with him here in Jackson—I haven’t missed one. He does many demonstrations and they are all very skilled and a perfect example for us students to emulate. And although we follow the same basic principles and guidelines, each icon in our class at the end turns out to be unique.

Gabriella Matthews

Through the generous and inspirational teaching of Bishop Maxim, the trajectory of my art and iconography has been lovingly redirected from rigidity to freedom, with each new brush stroke humbly ushering in joy and life. Glory to God who has shown us the Light!

Jessica Wilson

Vladika Maxim’s iconography course is a valuable opportunity to learn what only Medeival Masters used to be able to do, paint the faces of the saints! You will learn a lot and learn to paint the light.

Anna Koval

I’m struggling to find words to capture how much I have appreciated this opportunity. Studying Byzantine iconography with His Grace Bishop Maxim is a gift. Thank you! His Grace masterfully brings together the material and the spiritual. He expertly connects painting techniques with theology and eschatology in a way that feels sacred but still approachable even for a beginner. He shares pearls of wisdom from the Early Fathers, the Holy Mountain, and Mother Serbia. His Grace warmly encourages us to paint like a child. It’s not just an iconography class. It’s not just an artist’s workshop. It’s a spiritual retreat that a price cannot be put upon.

Victoria Stojanovich

To attend Bishop Maxim’s Iconography Class is always an inspiration. Making an icon teaches you how to be humble, because it is only way you can make an icon. Especially this time, since I was painting Saint Anthony the Great with one word of message on his scroll: Humility. Bringing to life his image required from to study his life in more depth and detail. Ultimately, an effort to depict a sacred image of a holy person, by the grace of God and prayers of the saint, changes you and lets you learn better your true self.

Biljana Bojović

This was my third workshop with Bishop Maxim and, if I were to describe my experience in a few words, they could be: Continuation of Transformation. Guided by our teacher, we transform lifeless tools and raw materials into living icons. In turn, icons, gently and lovingly, redefine, transfigure and enliven us.