March 18, 2019 — The best-kept secret in the local art world, according to Polly Palecek of the Mendocino County Art Association, is Father Damian of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Monks of Mount Tabor, at the top of Tomki Road in Redwood Valley. On Saturday morning, the art association hosted a talk by Father Damian at the Ukiah Garden Club. It was a full house, and after the talk, we sat on the porch, between a display of miniature gardens and a still leafless grapevine, talking about art and prayers.
Father Damian teaches workshops about how to make icons, using egg tempura and other traditional materials. Anyone who would like to find out more about how to make icons or take a retreat can visit www.monksofmttabor.com, or the monastery itself, which opens at 5:30 in the morning. The phone number is (707) 485-8959.