Artist aims to help project in Galilee

Religious iconography is being displayed at a Newark gallery as part of an exhibition in aid of an educational college in Galilee.

Artist Mr John Clawson (65) of Elston Hall, Elston, is displaying 26 paintings in Newark Town Hall’s Spotlight Gallery until April 25. The work took him seven years.

He is hoping people will give donations for a college that is part of The Sermon On The Mount Church in Ibillan.

The church is part of an education project set up by Archbishop Abuna Chacour more than 30 years ago. He built a college aimed at educating children of all faiths.

Mr Clawson visited the church in 2006 to help install religious iconography.

Mr Clawson, a member of the British Association of Iconographers, said: “They are trying to educate all faiths together to breed unity, and they are doing a very good job, but they need the money.”

Alongside the exhibition, Mr Clawson will be selling a book called Rooted In Galilee, put together by the association.

The book costs £10. All proceeds will go towards the college.

The icons — which usually feature pictures and religious figures and are used for prayer and devotion — are made traditionally using a mix of egg yolk and white wine coloured with ochre painted on to a wooden board covered in linen.

Mr Clawson said: “We want to encourage as many people as possible to come to look at the icons and say a small prayer this Easter.”

The exhibition, Icons — A Sacred Art, is open from 11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. There will be a table for children where they can colour in templates of religious icons.