SYCAMORE PREPARES FOR CLASS — Sycamore Youth Center officials Bobbyjon Bauman, left, and his wife, Pamela, third from left, met with Kai Yep, right, and his wife, Kate, to discuss the upcoming iconography class that Kai will teach to 15 area students beginning Jan. 29. Five spaces are still available. To register for the Thursday class for fifth through 12th graders, visit sycamorecenter.com. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — There is a certain kind of stillness that settles over a room when a student is focused … not just on the stroke of a brush, but on the soul of the subject they are painting.

It is a rare sight in today’s fast-paced world, but one that became a mainstay at the Sycamore Youth Center during the final months of last year.

Following a highly-successful inaugural semester, the center has announced it will resume its Sacred Art Iconography class for a second session, beginning Jan. 29 and running through April 30. The free after-school program serves students in grades five through 12, introducing them to the ancient Christian tradition of iconography — a prayerful and symbolic form of sacred art often referred to as “writing” an image rather than simply painting it. Classes will be held each Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. The inaugural semester concluded in November and was met with strong engagement from local youth, who focused on hand-written icons while learning the discipline and spiritual symbolism behind the art form.

“I was really encouraged by how focused and invested the students became in the class,” expressed Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center. “They weren’t just learning about art, but even more about the deeper meaning behind sacred images.”

The class is led by Peruvian-American artist Kai Yep, a sacred artist trained in Eastern and Western Christian traditions. Yep brings extensive experience in iconography, mosaic work and sacred design to the students. He will continue to pursue advanced studies in theology and sacred art, while residing here in Steubenville. Bauman noted that the impact on the students goes beyond the canvas, offering them a chance to disconnect from the noise of the modern world.

SACRED ART — Dante Robezzoli was among those who took part in the first iconography class at the Sycamore Youth Center in November. Robezzoli displayed a drawing of St. Nicholas he created while in the class. -- Contributed

“This class offers students something rare,” he added. “It slows them down in the best way — inviting them to create beauty with intention and purpose. For many of them, it’s their first exposure to sacred art at this level.”

Because of the intricate nature of the work and the individual attention provided by Yep, enrollment for the second semester is limited to 15 students. Five openings remain. Classes remain free of charge, with all materials provided by the center. Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to register quickly at sycamorecenter.com, as the remaining space expected to fill quickly.