Easter Egg Workshops

Pysanka Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2-4pm

WHERE: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax

Dryapanka Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 6:30-8:00pm

WHERE: Halifax Central Library, RBC Room

In March, our local Petrykivka artist Valeriia Spirina led two workshops on the traditional Ukrainian Egg Decorating. The first workshop at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 was based on pysanka technique; and the second one at the Halifax Central Library was based on the etching technique known as “driapanka” or “shkriabanka”. Both sessions were filled and the participants truly enjoyed their experience.

For centuries, Ukrainian artists perfected the art of making decorated Easter eggs. There are many techniques that were developed over time such as using natural dyes and plant matter (krashanka) or making intricate designs using various tools.

The experience of decorating eggs is often described as serene or even meditative. The unhurried creative process, using natural materials and centuries-old technique can be both relaxing and grounding.

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Valeriia Spirina
Petrykivka Artist

Valeriia is a trained master in traditional Petrykivka design. While in Ukraine, she was growing up not far from the famous Petrykivka village, the namesake for the craft tradition that became a form of art.