Through pictorial examples, church teaching and theological insights,  iconographer Nicholas Markell will explore the nature of the icon as the quintessential liturgical image of transfiguration and Divine communion. 

To learn more about Markell's work, please visit markellstudios.com.    

Location 
Minneapolis School of Law (MSL) Room 244
1101 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Speaker
Nicholas T. Markell is an internationally recognized sacred and ecclesial artist. He earned a Bachelors degree in Visual Art from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and two Master degrees, in Sacred Theology and Divinity, from the Washington Theological Union in Silver Spring, MD. 

Working in glass, pigment and graphics, Nicholas conveys a deep understanding of religious thought in his work and consultation. Applauded for his artistic excellence, Nicholas has received numerous accolades and awards in his career. His works contribute to the art and architecture of numerous churches, most notably St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw, Michigan and St. Thomas More Chapel at The Ohio State University. 

A retrospective exhibition of his original icons and icon prints was held at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis in November of 2017 as the result of a Minnesota States Arts Grant. The effort of the grant was designed to document, catalog and publicly display the icon work created by Nicholas Markell over his 32-year journey as a Catholic artist. Over 140 giclee prints of icons and 15 original icons were on display as part of the annual Festival of Icons.

Nicholas was selected as the chief ritual artist for two national hymnals, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) and most recently, Christian Worship. The graphic art created for ELW was featured as the subject of a 2017 doctoral dissertation by Amanda Dillion from the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music at Dublin City University.   

Nicholas’ art was chosen as the visual focus for a 2019 on-line Lenten reflection of the Way of the Cross given by the Most Rev. Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Nicholas has won seven state habitat stamp competitions, most recently the 2018 Minnesota Trout & Salmon Stamp contest and the 2018 Minnesota Wild Turkey Stamp contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, a venture which combined his interest in art with his avocation as an angler and naturalist.

Now a master iconographer and glass designer, studied in Byzantine, Romanesque, Medieval and Classical traditions, Nicholas instructs students and lectures on the Sacred Art of Christian iconography, leading seminars and workshops nationwide.

Nicholas' images explore art's full spiritual potential, revealing dynamics of contemporary human experiences as they are shaped by the wisdom and inspiration of both our religious and cultural heritage. By expressing visions of beauty, mystery and meaning, spiritual art serves a transformative as well as an inspirational purpose. Through his designs Nicholas Markell invites us to contemplate the deeper and more significant aspects of our everyday lives of faith and so help us shape our future.