Pysanky: Ukrainian Wax-Resist Egg Dying (In-Person)

Pysanky: Ukrainian Wax-Resist Egg Dying (In-Person)

In-Person: Adult | This program has been canceled

20 Academy Street Arlington, MA 02476 United States

Main Classroom

All levels

10/19/2022-11/9/2022

5:45 PM-8:45 PM on Wed

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243.00 USD

Member Discount Available

Pysanky is a wax-resist egg-dying technique where wax is applied to an egg shell in order to fi x each color as they are layered on the egg. Written symbolism and intricate traditional or modern designs can be used in the process to impart meaning upon these talismans. Students will learn the process of wax application, dye preparation, egg hollowing, wax removal, and also traditional symbolism, technique and history of the cultural heritage that is Ukrainian Pysanky. This art form is one that is enriched with the dedication of time, the intention of purpose, and the excitement for surprise as the fi nal egg reveals itself to you after all your hard work. “The beauty of every pysanka is not dependent on fi ne lines and a great variety of colors. A primitive pysanka in one or two colors, featuring simple but pleasing symbolic design elements, may surpass intricate designs which lack symbolic meaning and artistic expression.” - Pysanka: Icon of the Universe

  • COVID Requirements
    ACA instructors and students (age 5+) enrolled in our indoor, in-person classes and workshops are required to submit proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test at least three days in advance of the start of their program by completing our Student Participation Form, where they can upload a photo, scan, or digital record of your COVID vaccination card or record. 

    As an alternative, unvaccinated participants in ACA programs, events, and activities must complete and sign the above form before the beginning of the program for which they are enrolled/attending, agreeing that they will test for COVID-19, utilizing a rapid or PCR test, before each visit to ACA and will only participate in ACA's programs should they test negative. 

    Email Communication Policy
    Please note that ACA will use the email address, which you provided at registration, as our primary means of communicating with you. In registering for an ACA program, you acknowledge that ACA has permission to email you with important updates, as well as information about upcoming events, programs and exhibition opportunities. Requests to be removed from our email mailing list must be sent to info@acarts.org. 

  • Instructor will supply dyes, wax, and tools for each student. The tuition fee includes all materials for each student to keep at the end of class.

Helene, Gretjen

Gretjen Helene (she/her/hers) is a multidisciplinary artist exhibiting throughout the Boston area, New York City, and Alaska. She studied at Emerson College and received her undergraduate degree at The Art Institute of Boston, subsequently teaching a Publication/Exhibition of Photography class thereafter. She received her graduate degree in Fine Art Photography and Integrated Media at Lesley University's College of Art & Design.

She has an affinity for eggshells and the symbolism they evoke; autonomy and the cycle of life. She also enjoys working with natural animal materials such as bone, feather, sinew and egg. She was taught Pysanky at a young age by her mother and has been continuing the tradition each year ever since with family and friends, as well as with students in public classes and private groups. The layering of wax and the subtractive dyeing process of Pysanky has a likeness to the traditional photographic processes of developing and printing images from negatives in the darkroom; her debut into creative practices. She now teaches the Photo Collective group at the ICA in the Teen Program.