Russian nuns hold icon masterclasses

The city’s Harris Gallery is set to host a group of international nuns who will be giving free lectures and masterclasses on Russian Orthodox icon painting.

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

The event has been organised by the University of Central Lancashire and director of the university’s Vladimir Vysotsky Centre for Russian Studies Dr Olga Tabachnikova, 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 spokesman 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’.

Spaces are limited across the three days so book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/harris-museum-art-gallery-amp-library-4265632867