Skip to content

Egg decorating gets taken it up a notch

The skills and techniques behind a centuries-old Easter tradition will be taught at the Okotoks Art Gallery this week. The gallery will host lessons on Ukrainian egg decorating for an event it is calling Pysanka.
Jamie-Brett Sine demonstrates Pysanka egg decorating at the Okotoks Art Gallery’ s studio on March 31.
Jamie-Brett Sine demonstrates Pysanka egg decorating at the Okotoks Art Gallery’ s studio on March 31.

The skills and techniques behind a centuries-old Easter tradition will be taught at the Okotoks Art Gallery this week.

The gallery will host lessons on Ukrainian egg decorating for an event it is calling Pysanka.

“Pysanka egg decorating is the perfect event as Easter approaches,” said Jamie-Brett Sine, educational program director for the Okotoks Art Gallery.

She said the event gives people the opportunity to learn about traditional Ukrainian art forms, including how the tradition began and the symbolism behind particular imagery. It will also give people the chance to try there own hand at the craft.

Pysanka comes from the Ukrainian word pysaty, which means to write.

Sine said the art of painting eggs with a wax-resist method dates back to pre-Christian times; however, intact ancient examples no longer exist due to the fragility of eggshell.

She also said that these eggs were believed hold symbolic and spiritual significance for the rebirth of nature and later, as adopted by Christian practice, the rebirth of man. The symbols written onto the eggs in wax have importance as well representing rebirth, nature, sources of life and personal stories and imagery significant to the particular artist completing the decoration.

“Using the traditional tools and methods is a skill I had to learn and hone Pysanka egg decorating myself,” said Sine.

She said this is far more challenging and rewarding form of egg decorating as participants will be using traditional Ukrainian techniques. Creating the delicate decorations includes the use of a traditional tool called a kitska and a live flame to draw on the egg with beeswax.

Sine said that those participating would learn new skills and are able to create for more complex, intricate designs, additionally the eggs created will last for years.

“The skill can be easily taken up and one can become quite adept quite quickly, but it takes years to master and a particular hand and talent to truly make it an art form,” said sine.

Sine said this will be the gallery’s third year hosting the event.

This is a family event and they have had many families sign up in the past, though she doesn’t suggest bringing children under the age of four.

The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 7 and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 8. The cost is $25 per person and preregistration is required.

People can register for this event by going to the town of Okotoks website at okotoks.ca

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks