Come celebrate the spring with this unique opportunity to learn a skill and folk tradition that is traditionally passed down by the Matriarch of the family. Pysanky is an ancient art of creating beautiful designs on eggs. Patterns are drawn on the egg with hot beeswax, which protects selected areas so new colors can be applied, allowing the design to be built up layer by layer. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. In the final step, the wax is melted away in a moment of anticipation, revealing the complete design and its vibrant, hidden colors in a rewarding and often surprising reveal.
This workshop will cover the history and traditions surrounding pysanky, demonstration, and an independent practice session. All materials are included ($10 due at time of class) and sustainably sourced, including eggs from the instructor’s own free-range hens and beeswax from her hives. This meditative and communal experience is unlike any other art process, and for many this workshop marks the beginning of a spring-time family tradition that can be passed on and enjoyed for years to come.
Anyone can create an original pysanka- no prerequisite skills required. In-person attendance will be extremely limited. Please bring a container or old egg carton to take home your creation.
About the Instructor
Jenny Santa Maria is a Teaching Artist and egg artist based in Monmouth county, NJ. She has created countless beautiful eggs over the years, many of which have been featured in notable publications, including the Wall Street Journal. She refers to her work as batik eggs, though the process is rooted in the traditional art of pysanky. Her work blends a modern aesthetic with personal symbolism, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. While associated with spring, Jenny designs eggs year-round using eggs from her free-range hens and beeswax from her own hives. Her enthusiasm for teaching is matched by her passion for exploring new techniques within this medium. While eggs themselves are ephemeral, she believes that the true art lies in sharing the process, preserving this folk tradition, and empowering others to recognize their own creative potential. Her thoughtfully designed workshops foster a sense of shared humanity, inviting participants to share stories and connect with their cultural heritage- leaving participants with a deeper understanding for the art, the culture, the history, and themselves.
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