- 2025
- APR
- 5
- 10AM-2:30PM
Traditional Pysanky Ukrainian Eggs
Gretjen Helene
Pysanky, a traditional Ukrainian egg-writing/decorating technique similar to batik wax-resist cloth-dyeing, uses layers of wax and colored dye to achieve beautiful, complex designs. Gretjen will demonstrate the full process of applying wax, layering dye, and revealing the final colorful results as the wax is removed, as well as discussing the traditional symbolism that makes up the decorative process that is Pysanky.
Students will be supplied with a set of Pysanky tools so that they can continue to create beyond the class.
- LOCATION: Portsmouth Arts Guild
- MEMBER COST: $110
- NON-MEMBER COST: $125
Gretjen Helene
Gretjen Helene is a visual artist working with traditional, digital, and alternative photography processes and integrated media, including creating liquid-emulsion photographs on the inside of eggshells. She was taught Pysanky at a young age by her mother and has continued the tradition annually with family, friends, and students. The layering of wax and the subtractive dyeing process of Pysanky has a likeness to traditional and alternative darkroom photography processes.
She received her MFA in Fine Art Photography and Integrated Media and now teaches Pysanky and Photography. She has taught at The Institute of Contemporary Art Teen program, The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley College, Lesley College of Art & Design, The Bedford Arts & Crafts Society, and The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain.
View Gretjen’s work on her website.
Register For This Workshop
Please register using the online form. You may choose to pay online or pay by check.