International nuns to deliver painting masterclasses

10 April 2018

University organises free Russian Orthodox icon painting events in Preston

International nuns are visiting Preston to deliver free lectures and masterclasses on Russian Orthodox icon painting.

The event, organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), will take place in the Harris Museum between 24 and 26 April.

The Belarussian nuns, from the St Elisabeth Convent in Minsk, will deliver a presentation about the history of painting religious icons and their convent and will then lead a hands-on painting workshop.

Dr Olga Tabachnikova, the Director of UCLan’s Vladimir Vysotsky Centre for Russian Studies, said: “I am very excited about this first of its kind visit to Preston, as it is simultaneously cultural, educational, spiritual and yet entertaining. It fits in precisely with our Centre’s mission: to bring Russian Culture to Western audiences and to bridge the gap between Russia and the UK through facilitating an inter-cultural dialogue."

"There is no better way for improving the current uneasy political climate than through the language of art and culture."

A spokesperson for the St Elisabeth Convent added: “We are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity, which allows us to bring people together through the language of religious art. We see this as part of our global mission, that’s why the name of the festival we have been organising worldwide is ‘From Heart to Heart’. We are very happy to bring our art and craft to Preston, to the English North West which we have never visited previously. We hope this will be beneficial for all concerned.”

Spaces are limited across the three days so please book your free place.