An exhibition by leading iconographer and awarded artist Michael Galovic is currently showing at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.
The Art and Heritage of Icon Painting showcases the many facets of icon painting and demonstrates the origins and heritage of the art form which originated in during the earliest days of Christianity.
Mary MacKillop Place Museum curator Edwina Huntley said this was the first time such a rare collection of icon works had been on display in Sydney.
"These exhibition pieces demonstrate the specialist techniques and detailed execution required of icon painters," said Ms Huntley.
"The paintings on display range from the traditional to the contemporary, with both religious and non-religious themes. They feature engraving, embossing and gilding effects that are rarely seen."
Michael Galovic (pictured, left) has undertaken many commissions for Catholic churches, schools and institutions and past work includes two Mary MacKillop icons painted for the congregational administrative centre of the Sisters of St Joseph in North Sydney.
In Icon of Mary of the Cross in SOSJ e-news Mr Galovic said that it was around 1970 that he started making icons as a student of the Belgrade Academy of Arts.
Australia became his new home in early 1990 but it was not until 1994 that he was introduced to Mary MacKillop through a photograph in a Sydney newspaper.
For his icons of Mary, he uses traditional gesso, pure gold leaf and paint with egg tempera, adding some other techniques as well, such as embossing and/or engraving, and sometimes adding beautiful, richly ornate borders and frames.
He said the biggest one to-date had been commissioned by Sisters for the Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. Measuring 100x70cm, it will be on display as part of the exhibition.
WORKSHOP: To coincide with the exhibition, Mr Galovic will lead an intensive weekend workshop at Mary MacKillop Place, on May 29 and 30. During the workshop participants will learn to create and apply the techniques of icon painting in their own work. Bookings and enquiries about the workshop: (02) 8912 4878 or mackillop@sosj.org.au (note: only eight places are available).
AND IN OTHER MARY MACKILLOP NEWS...
Australia's first Saint goes pre-paid
National appeal to be launched
Writings to nourish the spirit
Australia's first Saint goes pre-paid
Australia Post has released a commemorative pre-paid envelope bearing an image of Mary MacKillop in honour of her impending canonisation, according to SOSJ e-news.
Australia Post philatelic group manager Noel Leahy said the pre-paid envelope would feature a painting of Mary MacKillop by Raffaele Gagliardi of Rome.
"This is a major milestone in Australian history as the selfless acts of this courageous woman have now been recognised by the Pope and celebrated by the rest of the world," Mr Leahy said in a statement. "Pre-paid envelopes are just one way of acknowledging our support of this, as well as providing people with an opportunity to collect a bit of history."
The Mary MacKillop pre-paid envelope is available now for purchase at participating Australia Post retail outlets or online while stocks last.
National appeal to be launched
A nationwide appeal will be launched to raise funds for the canonisation ceremony of Mary MacKillop in Rome and official celebrations around Australia and the world.
The Mary MacKillop Canonisation Appeal will be held on Sunday, May 30, and Sunday, August 8, with donations made through collections in parishes, online and via phone.
The Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sister Anne Derwin RSJ, said she was humbled by the number of people who wanted to take part in the celebrations surrounding Mary's canonisation.
"We want as many people as possible to take part in the events celebrating Mary's canonisation", said Sister Anne. "This is an opportunity for us to mark this unique event and historic occasion and to honour Mary MacKillop.
"The Mary MacKillop Canonisation Appeal provides an opportunity for everyone to assist in the preparations and celebration of Mary's canonisation both in Australia and in Rome."
Proceeds from the appeal will go towards the coordination of celebratory events in Rome and around Australia, the distribution of educational materials surrounding the event and will assist in involving the Sisters of St Joseph in the canonisation ceremony in Rome together with the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and youth representatives across all dioceses.
Donations can be made through local parishes, by phoning the national call centre on 1800 753 959 or ONLINE
Writings to nourish the spirit
Several books have been published or re-issued in recent weeks:
Memories of Mary by those who knew her. Sisters of St Joseph 1925-1926
Julian Tenison Woods: a Life by Mother Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Mary MacKillop Made in Australia (reprint)
Memories of Mary - by those who knew her
This is a collection of memories that enables one to touch the essence of the person of Mary MacKillop. The Sisters who were alive at the time of Mary's death were asked to write their memories of her. It is only now, as Mary is being claimed saint by the universal Church, that these memories are being shared with the whole world. The memories highlight the humanity and greatness of this woman and constant themes can be seen: her love of her Sisters, her love of the poor, her complete trust in God's Providence, her respect for priests and her absolute desire to do God's will. This wonderfully powerful book is well worth having on ones bedside table.
Julian Tenison Woods: a Life by Mother Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Mary MacKillop is the author. Many do not realise that Mary wrote this life of her dear friend and co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph. It has been published in this canonisation year and is now available. (see also Julian Tenison Woods to be honoured)
Mary MacKillop Made in Australia
A reprint of excellent and very readable book by Dan Lyne. The growing interest in Mary caused its republication.
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Michael Galovic 
