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| Madison-based iconographer, Drazen Dupor, helps students from St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson paint icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Contributed photo) |
JEFFERSON — Seventh and eighth graders at St. John the Baptist (SJB) School in Jefferson were recently able to catch a glimpse of heaven thanks to the work of Madison-based iconographer, Drazen Dupor.
Students had been studying religious icons in religion classes. In collaboration with art teacher Sally Koehler and with the support of the SJB Home and School Association, students began their first steps on the journey to understanding and appreciating this cherished liturgical art form.
The seventh and eighth graders learned painting figures and events important to our faith is not merely art. It’s a form of prayer which draws them closer to God.
Iconography, as sacred art, has a rich and long history. St. Luke, is said to have painted the first icon, his subject being our Blessed Mother Mary. It was the custom of St. John Chrysostom to keep an icon of St. Paul before him for inspiration along with prayers asking for the apostle’s blessing.
The students understand that in order to fully appreciate iconography, they must regard it as a liturgical form whose purpose is spiritual. They are reminded that iconographers prayed as they painted.
Their finished icons will be blessed by their pastor, Fr. Thomas Coyle, during the school’s Fine Arts Evening.