Pysanka Master Class With Olenka Kleban: Advanced level

Join us for a Pysanka Master Class with professional pysanka artist Olenka Kleban.

The theme of the class will be etched pysanka, also known as TRAVLENKA.

A pysanka is the most loved decorated egg of Ukraine. It comes from the word 'pysaty', which means ‘to write’. In this class we will learn about a specific kind of pysanka called 'travlenka'. It comes from the word 'travyty' which means 'to etch'.

Designs and symbols are written on the egg shell with hot wax, followed by submerging the egg in vinegar. Areas of the shell that are covered in wax resist corrosion from the acidic vinegar, whereas un-waxed areas become recessed from having been etched by the vinegar. The final step is to melt off the wax to reveal 2-dimentional linework on the eggshell. The result is a finely detailed talisman of an egg.

More info on Travlenka: https://www.pysanky.info/Types/Travlenky.html

Participants are encouraged to decorate at least 1 egg in the span of the workshop. 2 chicken eggs are included in the cost of the class.

Kistkas (wax writing tools) will be provided for the duration of the workshop; participants will have the option to purchase tools after the workshop if they wish ($7 and $10 depending on the model).

It is suggested that participants have at least some previous experience making a pysanka, though no one will be turned away. The artist will give step-by-step instructions and tips.

Price is $75 for 3-hour master class per person (cash, check or PayPal) and includes all supplies. Light refreshments will be served.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://houseofukraine.org/event/pysanka-mc-advanced/

There are 15 spots available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot – pay today online.

Master class is for adults and kids of age 12 y.o. and up.

All proceeds will go to humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Please come in time to save your spot.

Olenka Kleban is a pysankar (pysanka artist) born and raised in Hamilton, Canada, now residing in San Diego. As is customary for children in the Ukrainian diaspora, Olenka learned how to make pysanky from a very early age. In her teenage years she took to making pysanky prolifically, which honed her ability to hand-draw geometric designs on the egg and acquaint herself with traditional and regional patterns. Before moving to California, Olenka taught dozens of pysanka workshops per year in and around Toronto as part of Kosa Kolektiv, a Canadian folk arts group.