Italian artist shares her icon works with Wichitans

Maria Grazia, an icon artist from Rome, was in Wichita on Sunday for an exhibition of some of her artwork and those of her students.

The one-day exhibition was at Jennie Becker Studio at 1719 N. Rock Road.

The traditional paintings depict Jesus Christ, Mary and other holy figures.

Grazia, who has worked with monks in Florence and has been commissioned to make icons for churches throughout Italy, said she came to Wichita in part because Jennie Becker’s son married her daughter nine years ago.

The two artists have since become friends.

Becker invited her to come to Wichita to do a workshop with 11 other artists. The paintings were done in the tradition of the Byzantine era of the 12th century.

On Sunday, Grazia called her work a spiritual journey.

“Each of these icons encloses your soul,” she said in a speech at Becker’s studio. “I did my best to try to convey to you my love for the iconography, which I think is not only an artistic event but also meant to reach God. To paint the icons is to pray.”

To paint icons, Grazia goes into the Italian countryside to her studio, where she fasts and works.

“Icon painters, including myself, before painting must prepare all aspects,” she said. While painting, she listens to sacred music and burns incense.

Becker said she wanted to bring the art form to Wichita.

“We have become dear friends, and she finally said ‘yes,’ ” Becker said. “I bought her a ticket, and we started planning. I set up to do the workshop here. We are very blessed to have her come.”

This story was originally published October 26, 2014 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Italian artist shares her icon works with Wichitans."