Description

We are delighted to announce the launch of our Benefit Art Auction, centered on a breathtaking Nativity icon created by our talented alumna Anne Marie Chikhani.

The online bidding platform will be open from November 22 to December 8.

On December 8, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, you are all warmly invited to visit the USEK New York Center to see the icon in person. Bidding will close at 7:30 pm, after which we will officially announce the winner of the auction.

The featured Nativity icon, crafted by Anne Marie Chikhani, who majored in Iconography, is a stunning Byzantine-style piece rich in sacred symbolism. Every element, from its composition and colors to the gestures and expressions, follows the ancient tradition of creating holy icons as acts of prayer and devotion.

A short video will be presented during the event, unveiling the story behind the making of this sacred artwork, the spiritual meaning of its details and hues, and the traditional process Anne Marie followed to produce a piece that truly honors the Nativity of Christ.

All proceeds from this auction will support students in financial need, carrying forward the true meaning of Christmas through compassion and generosity. Together, let us bring the spirit of Christmas to life through faith, light, and the joy of giving.

Click to RSVP by December 1

Artist\'s information:

Anne-Marie Chikhany (2000) is a Lebanese artist and iconographer whose work spans a wide range of artistic styles. From a young age, she showed a deep passion for painting and drawing, which led her to pursue a career in the arts. She studied graphic design before specializing in Restoration et Art Sacré at USEK, where she refined her skills in sacred art and traditional techniques.

As an iconographer, Anne-Marie follows the authentic Byzantine tradition, using natural pigments, egg tempera, and gold leaf to create meticulously detailed and spiritually profound icons.?Beyond sacred art, she explores contemporary and Abstract painting, using colour as a central element to evoke emotions and invite introspection. Her artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is a bridge between emotions and the viewer, creating a space for personal reflection.

Throughout her career, she has participated in a variety of exhibitions. She continues to evolve as an artist, blending tradition with modern expression and inspiring others through her teaching and creative journey.

@amebyannemarie

ARTIST STATEMENT 

She explores the depths of human emotion through her work, using colour, form, and texture as a means of expression.  Her art serves as a bridge between feeling and reflection, inviting viewers into a world of introspection.

Her abstract paintings are deeply rooted in emotion, where colors play a crucial role in translating feelings onto the canvas. Each piece is an exploration of energy, movement, and personal expression, allowing the viewer to find their own meaning within the layers of paint.

As an iconographer, she remains faithful to the Byzantine tradition, using natural pigments, egg tempera, and gold leaf to create sacred imagery. Every icon is a meticulous process of devotion, preserving an ancient art form.

Through her art, she seeks to merge tradition with contemporary expression, creating a dialogue between the past and the present, the seen and the felt.