The Ukrainian Museum to present pysanka-making demonstrations (04/04/04)

The Ukrainian Museum to present pysanka-making demonstrations

NEW YORK - One of the most beautiful traditions lovingly perpetuated by Ukrainians throughout the world is the decorating of the Easter eggs. In every phase of this process, tradition is preserved, from the application of ancient designs and colors, to the time-honored method of "making a pysanka."

To share the secrets of the traditional Ukrainian pysanka, The Ukrainian Museum presents a demonstration in the making of pysanky on April 10, at 2-5 p.m. at the museum, 203 Second Ave., New York, NY (between 12th and 13th streets).

The fee is: $4.50 for adults; seniors and students over 16, $3; children under 12, free. Museum members receive a 15 percent discount.

The demonstration is a fun-filled event for the entire family. While experienced artisans create beautiful pysanky, visitors will have the opportunity to observe this process from the beginning to the end. Questions are always welcome and for those who are willing to try their hand at this ancient art form, supplies (beeswax, kistka, dyes, instruction booklets) will be available for purchase either on the floor or in the Museum Gift Shop. For others, ready-made pysanky bearing simple or complex designs may be purchased as well.

During the demonstration an award-winning film by Slavko Nowytski, "Pysanka" is scheduled to run continuously during museum hours.

Pysanka comes from the Ukrainian word "pysaty," to write. The design is written on a white egg with a special writing tool called a kistka. Its funnel-shaped tip is filled with melted beeswax and transferred to the egg surface. The egg is dipped in color solutions, from the lightest to the darkest, with the wax protecting each applied hue. Finally, melting the wax over the hot candle flame reveals the majesty of the colors and the mystery in the design of the pysanka.

For further information about the demonstration, please contact The Ukrainian Museum at: telephone, (212) 228-0110; fax, (212) 228-1947; e-mail, [email protected]; or visit the museum's webpage at www.ukrainianmuseum.org.

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