BRATTLEBORO — Acclaimed pysanky artist and instructor Jenny Santa Maria leads a hands-on workshop on the traditional Ukrainian folk art of egg decoration on Saturday, April 1, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC).
In the two-hour workshop, Santa Maria will describe the history and traditions surrounding pysanky, demonstrate decorating techniques, and lead participants in making their own eggs.
This workshop is for adults and teens (ages 13 and up). The fee of $55 ($45 for BMAC members) includes all materials, including eggs, hard-to-find traditional and non-traditional colored dyes, and tools. This popular workshop has sold out in the past. Participants must register in advance at brattleboromuseum.org or 802-257-0124, ext. 101.
Pysanky technique is similar to batik. Patterns are drawn on an egg with hot beeswax, which protects covered areas from subsequent applications of colored dyes. When the wax is removed, a multi-colored pattern is revealed. “The finished product, with its intricate designs and symbols, belies the meditative process involved,” says Santa Maria.