Pysanky Egg Decorating: The Ancient Art of Egg Decorating
Class | Available
Pysanky workshop Description:
Come celebrate the spring at Pine Shores Art Alliance with this unique opportunity to learn a skill and folk
tradition that is traditionally passed down by the Matriarch of the family. Pysanky is an ancient art of
creating beautiful designs on eggs. Patterns are drawn on the egg with hot beeswax, which then
protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different
colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. The wax is removed at the end to reveal the colors
that were covered up at each stage. A great deal of patience and concentration is required to
complete a single egg, but it is very rewarding to reveal your hard work when the wax is taken off.
All skill levels and ages can create an original pysanka. No prerequisite skills required.
This workshop will cover the history and traditions surrounding pysanky, demonstration, and
an independent practice session. The instructor will provide a variety of organic eggs and dyes; all
supplies are included. This meditative and communal experience is unlike any other art process
and for many this workshop marks the beginning of a spring time family tradition that can be
passed on and enjoyed for years to come.
In-person attendance will be extremely limited. Please bring a container or old egg carton to
take home your creation. Ages 18+
Jenny Santa Maria
While studying fine art at Montclair State University, I would babysit for a family friend who worked in her basement by the light of a flame. It fascinated me, and in 2009 she took the time to teach me a skill that was typically passed down from mother to daughter in Slavic cultures. I knew immediately the batik-process of drawing on eggs would be something I'd dedicate my life's work to. Since then, I've had the privilege to teach all over the East Coast from New Hampshire to Delaware, passing on the therapeutic and meditative process to others. I have taught thousands of people, many of which were Ukrainian and Polish, and encouraged meaningful conversation around family history and this ancient art. All participants continue to leave my workshops with a deeper understanding of the culture, the art, and themselves. Initially my work was inspired by sacred geometry and mathematical principles, and in recent years I have had more of an interest in designs, line weight and subjects in the art nouveau style.