Ukrainian PYSANKY - Art Egg Painting Workshop (Beginner)

The Capital Ukrainian Festival is thrilled to keep the festivities moving with an immersive, afternoon art session dedicated to Pysanky — the globally loved art of traditional wax-resist egg decorating. This lively, interactive event is a highlight of our 2026 lineup, offering you a unique opportunity to celebrate Ukrainian culture through a timeless, hands-on craft.

When and Where:

• Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
• Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine
• Location: 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON

What to expect:

The Festival Experience! No previous artistic experience is required.

A beginner Pysanky Art Workshop that will teach you the ancient Ukrainian art of decorating eggs using a wax-resist (batik) method.

Joanne Dero, an experienced Pysanky artist, who is passionate about sharing this beautiful Ukrainian tradition with our community. She is going to guide and teach all the participants step by step all the beauty of Pysanky-making, a sacred and meditative practice.

The Pysanky Art Workshop is conducted in English, and will include:

• The Story of Pysanky: Discover the hidden magic behind the craft with an engaging presentation on the history, legends, and protective meanings woven into each color and symbol.
• The Wax & Dye Technique: Get hands-on instruction using a kistka (stylus) and molten beeswax to layer beautiful, brilliant colors onto your canvas.
• A Handcrafted Keepaway: Watch your pattern reveal itself as the final wax melts away, leaving you with a stunning, personalized Ukrainian egg to take home as a proud festival souvenir.

PYSANKY, as these eggs are known in Ukrainian, are made using the wax-resist "batik" method, in which designs are drawn or written onto the egg with beeswax, and then submerged in a series of dye baths. Pysanky are often very intricate and include layers of meaning, imbued with symbols of protection and goodwill. In this workshop you'll learn how to transform a plain egg into a pysanka using aniline dyes, chicken eggs, beeswax, and wooden stylus tools.

Meaning of Symbols and Colors

Every element on a traditional pysanka carries a specific message or blessing for the recipient:

• Sun & Stars: Symbolise life, growth, and the warmth of God.
• Periwinkle & Leaves: Represent eternal life, youth, and the rebirth of nature.
• Fish: An ancient Christian symbol for Christ and abundance.
• Red: Signifies the joy of life, love, and the Resurrection.
• Yellow: Represents a harvest, warmth, and prosperity.

Everything is Included in our Pysanky Workshop!

We supply all the specialized tools, pure beeswax, custom dyes, and a beautiful takeaway guide explaining the traditional motifs.

Come celebrate our heritage, learn an incredible new skill, and make something truly special.

Seats fill up fast at the festival -- secure yours today!

Learn the ancient art of Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating. Minimum age 8+.

We can’t wait to celebrate and create with you!