For centuries, Ukrainians have created pysanky, using just a few simple tools. A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, “to write”, as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax.

You will learn the basics of pysanky making, a Ukrainian tradition of using wax and dye to decorate eggs in celebration of Easter. Steps for the entire pysanky making process will be taught, starting with dividing the egg into sections, penciling in the elements of the design, applying the molten wax, dying the egg in several steps and finishing it by removing the wax. No prior pysanky making experience is required.

What to expect: We will be working with dyes so make sure you wear something you don’t mind getting dirty! You are welcome to work on as many eggs as you would like for the duration of the class. You can bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to help keep your creativity fed!

Pysanky can be enjoyed all year round and make a wonderful gift for you or your loved ones. Learn about the history and symbolism of this expressive art form and fill your Easter basket with beautiful pysanky!

Workshop fee for each 3 hour session includes supplies from the Ukrainian Gift Shop: 3 different sized kistkas, wax and all the instructions to continue creating your pysanky eggs at home.) Open to adults and youth over 16 years of age.

- There is a cap of 10 students for each workshop, so sign up fast!

- All seats must be pre-registered and paid before the beginning of each class. Last day to cancel is no later than a week before workshop.

- In the event of less than 10 participants, the class may be cancelled or postponed. You will be notified after bookings close and given the option of a full refund or a new date.

GET READY TO MAKE ART, LEARN, and HAVE FUN with Olga Dovgopola, an artist from Kyiv region, Ukraine. Her mediums of choice include Pysanky, Batik, Acrylic and embroidery. She is a graduate of the Kiev Institute of Fine Arts with an Artist Master of Embroidery degree. Olga’s most notable work here, in Minnesota, is traditional and modern interpretations of Pysanky. Olga enjoys teaching Ukrainian Easter Egg making and sharing her Ukrainian heritage with a wider Twin Cities community.

Pysanka Workshop 2019: participans show their creations!

Master pysanky maker Olga Dovgopola demonstrates the art of pysanky making at the Ukrainian Heritage Festival, 2019.