Stefanov Iconographic Studio
Visual artist Gligor Stefanov is the founder and co-owner of Stefanov Iconographic Studio (formerly Artsome Studio). The studio was established in London, United Kingdom, in the early 1990s and has been based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, for the past three decades. It specializes in iconography, fresco painting, and other artistic techniques dedicated to the creation of Christian sacred art.
The studio's extensive expertise in the visual arts is demonstrated by thousands of completed works of art and projects executed both in the studio and on site.
As a visual artist, Gligor Stefanov has held 20 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 120 group exhibitions in numerous countries. In 1993, he represented the Republic of Macedonia at the International Art Biennale in Venice, becoming one of the country's first official participants following its independence.
As a member of the conservation team at Cleveland Conservation, Stefanov participated in one of the most significant conservation projects of its time—the restoration of Uppark House, a historic royal residence in England. Following the devastating fire, the ornamental relief decoration of the upper ceilings, covering approximately 6,000 square feet, was meticulously reconstructed using more than half a million individual elements.
In 1995, the Uppark House restoration project received the United Kingdom National Conservation Award.
The studio and its owners have received twelve national and international awards in the field of visual arts.
The Stefanov family is dedicated to preserving and advancing the tradition of the Macedonian School of Iconography. Their work draws inspiration from the masterpieces of Manuel Panselin, Michael Astrapas, and Eutychios, particularly the frescoes of the Church of St. George in Staro Nagoričane. This monumental achievement of medieval Macedonian painting serves as the point of departure for every new project.
Rather than copying or imitating historical models, the Macedonian School is embraced as a guide and source of inspiration for new iconographic exploration, while allowing each work to bear a distinctive contemporary artistic expression.
In addition to master iconographer Gligor Stefanov, the studio consists of co-owner Mare T. Stefanova, Hrista Stefanov, Emily Conlon - Stefanov, Jovan Stefanov and Mile Petrevski.
Over the years, Stefanov Iconographic Studio has completed thousands of icons and frescoes for private residences and churches.
Selected Ecclesiastical Projects
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Nicholas, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
- Serbian Orthodox Church St. Stefan Dečanski, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
- Serbian Orthodox Church St. Demetrius, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
- Antiochian Orthodox Church St. Ignatius, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Demetrius, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA (iconostasis).
- Romanian Orthodox Church The Dormition of the Mother of God, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Naum of Ohrid, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- Greek Orthodox Monastery St. Gregory Palamas, Perrysville, Ohio, USA.
- American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church St. John, Hermitage, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Elijah, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
- Byzantine Catholic Church St. Nicholas, Danbury, Connecticut, USA.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Nicholas, Canton, Ohio, USA.
- Greek Orthodox Church St. Spyridon, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
- Orthodox Church in America St. John the Theologian, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
- Greek Orthodox Church St. Nektarios, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church Sts. Peter and Paul, Crown Point, Indiana, USA.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Clement of Ohrid, Avon, Ohio, USA.
- Byzantine Catholic Church Sts. Vladimir and Olga, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Kyriaki (St. Nedela), Ajax, Ontario, Canada.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church The Most Holy Theotokos, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Clement of Ohrid, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.