The main purpose of icon-writing is, according to artist Christine Simoneau-Hales, drawing closer to God through the process of prayer—”and painting God’s word in visual form. This exhibit at RPI’s Chapel + Cultural Center features works by both Simoneau-Hales and her students. They created—”—wrote——”iconic paintings in the ancient style, using egg tempera, and real gold leaf to adorn the halos. Students may have begun with the same tracings, but differences in the final works range from folds in the robes to facial expressions as each student expresses a unique message—”not to mention the many hidden meanings and symbols in these color-specific paintings.

In the Gallery at the Chapel + Cultural Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 125 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. The exhibit runs from 1 July —“ 1 August. For more information call 518-274-7793.