ICONOGRAPHY ART — Pamela Bauman, administrator of the Sycamore Youth Center and the Ohio Valley Youth Network, discussed sacred art pieces with Peruvian-American artist Kai Yep. Yep will lead a free iconography class for 15 students ranging in age from fifth-graders through 12th-graders. Classes will be held every Thursday from Sept. 25 through Nov. 4 at the Sycamore center. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — A unique opportunity will soon present itself to 15 students in fifth through 12th grades.

A chance to explore the beauty and tradition of sacred art will be coming to the Sycamore Youth Center through a free iconography class being led by accomplished artist Kai Yep.

Yep is a Peruvian-American artist pursuing graduate degrees in Catholic studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as well as sacred arts at Pontifex University. He currently resides in Steubenville with his wife and sons. A member of the Melkite Church — the Greek Church of Antioch in communion with the Roman Catholic Church — will bring “a wealth of experience and deep spiritual insight to his teaching,” according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore center. Trained in Western and Eastern traditions of the church, Yep has designed and led the construction of large-scale stone mosaics in Peru, and studied under world-renowned Greek Orthodox iconographer, George Kordis.

The class will be limited to 15 students. The weekly sessions will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 25 through Nov. 4.

Under Yep’s instruction, participants will learn to “write” icons, which are an ancient and prayerful form of religious art that is rooted in Christian tradition.

“After an impressive design career in Silicon Valley, with companies such as SAP, DocuSign and BibleGateway, Kai responded to a renewed calling to serve the church through sacred art,” Bauman stated. “We’re thrilled to have someone of Kai’s caliber and spiritual depth leading this class.”

“It’s not only a chance for students to learn art techniques, but for them to enter into a deeper understanding of the faith through beauty and symbolism,” Bauman concluded. “This class truly reflects our mission to nurture the whole person — spiritually, creatively and intellectually.”

Enrollment is free of charge. The first 15 students to sign up will participate. To register, visit sycamorecenter.com.