PYSANKA: Guardian of Life

Annual exhibition on display MArch 22 – October 5, 2014 (extended)
Activities for all ages

New York City, March 14, 2014 – The spell of spring with its promise of renewal and rebirth ushers in the season for Easter traditions and the making of pysanky (Ukrainian decorated eggs). The month of March begins at The Ukrainian Museum with an exhibition of nearly 300 pysanky, and continues with a line up of workshops on pysanka decorating, a demonstration of this art form, and a baking class in Easter breads.

Pysanky, the unique Ukrainian Easter eggs known the world over for their intricate, colorful designs will be on display starting March 22, 2014. Drawn from the Museum's extensive folk arts collection, the nearly 300 eggs are decorated in a variety of regional styles, rich colors, and assorted motifs; many are the work of acclaimed artist Sofika Zielyk. The hand-crafted pysanky are made using raw eggs, dyes, and beeswax in a wax-resist technique, similar to the batik method used on cloth. The process results in colorful eggs ornamented with an array of detailed geometric, floral, and faunistic symbols.

The art of creating Ukrainian pysanky (from the word pysaty – to write) has been handed down from generation to generation. This ancient art form is taught in workshops being offered by the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays, March 23–April 12. Adults and children over 12 learn the art the traditional way, and take their creations home. This year, on April 6, the Museum is offering a master class for adults with 2 or more years of experience making pysanky. A special workshop just for families with children ages 5–12 is scheduled on April 13. (Dates and fees listed below).

For one day only – on April 12 – visitors of all ages will have an opportunity to watch artists in action as they create beautiful pysanky. In addition to the demonstrations, the award-winning short film Pysanka by Slavko Nowytski will be shown continuously from 1–5 p.m.

The Ukrainian Easter Traditions workshop on April 5, for students age 16 and older, offers hands-on training in baking Easter breads and other traditions related to the holiday.

Pre-registration is required for some workshops. Call 212-228-0110 to book a seat. Museum members receive discounted rates.

CALENDAR

March 23–April 12 (pre-registration required)
Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg) Decorating
For adults and children ages 12+
Decorate real eggs the traditional Ukrainian way – using dyes, beeswax, and a stylus. There's nothing like a genuine Ukrainian Easter egg - and they bring good luck, too!
Choose a date:
Sunday, March 23, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.* Advanced pysanka studio only from 2–5
Saturday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Fee (per session)
Adults – $15; students over 16 & seniors – $10; children ages 12–16 – $5. *Advanced studio fee – $25 for all students

Saturday, April 5 (pre-registration required)
Ukrainian Easter Traditions
For adults and students ages 16+
Bake typical Easter breads while learning about Ukrainian Easter traditions, including the all-important Easter basket.
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Fee: Adults – $25; students over 16 & seniors – $20

Saturday, April 12 (registration not required)
Demonstrations in the making of Pysanky
Fun for all ages!
Artists proficient in this art form will create beautiful pysanky, and Slavko Nowytski's award-winning film Pysanka will be shown. The program will run continuously during the afternoon.
Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
FREE with Museum admission (adults – $8; students over 12 & seniors – $6; children 12 and under – FREE)

Sunday, April 13, 1:30–3:30 p.m. (walk-ins welcome!)
A Ukrainian Easter
For families with children ages 5–12
Discover the symbols and techniques used to make a pysanka and create your own magical egg!
Fee: $5 per family member; $3 per Museum member

About the Museum

The Ukrainian Museum acquires, preserves, and exhibits articles of artistic or historic significance to the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian Americans; its collections include thousands of items of folk art, fine art, and archival material. At its founding in 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the Museum was hailed as one of the finest achievements of Americans of Ukrainian descent. Since then, and particularly since its move in 2005 to a new, state-of-the-art building in Manhattan’s vibrant East Village, it has become known as one of the most interesting and dynamic smaller museums in New York City. Each year, the Museum organizes several exhibitions, publishes bilingual (English/Ukrainian) catalogues, and presents a wide range of public and educational programs, including concerts, films, lectures, courses, workshops, and special events.

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The Ukrainian Museum
222 East 6th Street (between Second and Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
T: 212.228.0110
F: 212.228.1947
info@ukrainianmuseum.org
www.ukrainianmuseum.org

Museum hours:
Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Gift Shop * guided tours * school and family programs * reduced admission for students and seniors