PENDLETON – The word “icon” describes a religious picture. This month, icons that are fashioned into wearable art and wall pieces by Port Townsend artist Sofia Christine are on display at the Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St.

Historians date the appearance of the iconographic style to the first three centuries of Christianity. Some archaeologists believe that icons were first popular in homes and then began to appear in places of worship. Their use was widespread by the 4th and 5th centuries.

Many of the early converts to Christianity were illiterate and had difficulty understanding some of the Bible’s teachings and meanings, Roberta Lavadour of The Arts Center learned in researching icons. The objects aided the faithful in understanding the new religion, she said.

“In their essence icons are the product of a creative act inspired by religious faith,” Lavadour said. “For centuries icons have held a special place in the devotional lives of many people. Many people cannot help but feel moved by the experience of divine mystery and beauty which icons offer and many collect them, not just as a window to the spiritual world but for their beautiful artistry.”

Sofia Christine discovered the art of iconography while living in the Netherlands. A ceramicist, she created them as a personal response to the isolation she felt as she adjusted to a new language and culture, Lavadour said.

She and her family returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2002 and she continued to work on bas-relief icons, focusing on painting those mystics to whom she was most drawn. Her most recent series focus on Mary Magdalene and won Best of Show in the “Ministry and Liturgy: Visual Arts Award for Sacred Art” show.

She creates her icons by caring into a clay piece and modeling it. She then makes a plaster casting, from which the final icon springs in a casting process using a fine, liquid papier mache, developed from an old recipe for doll makers.

After more than a week of careful drying, the bas-relief becomes as hard a s stone. She then paints the surface with egg tempera paints and, lastly, she makes a wooden frame to complete the work.

The pieces are photographed so the images can be reduced in size. She lacquers the photographs to hammered copper and fashions them into jewelry and small icons.

The pins and small works are on display at The Arts Center during its exhibit, “Art of Gift” exhibit, featuring the work of more than 60 Northwest artists. Items range in price from $3 to $500. The icon pins are $24.

The Arts Center has special hours this week. It’s open until 6 p.m. each evening and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Sunday). For more information, call 278-9201.