This is a hands-on on class for all experience levels, for ages 9 and up. Learn to use traditional and modern tools to create beautiful, symbolic Pysanky!

The word Pysanka(-y plural) derives from the Ukrainian verb, pysaty, to write. Writing pysanky is an ancient tradition dating back thousands of years! Special symbols and colors are used as prayers and talismans to ward off evil.

Writing Pysanky is a "batik" method, applying wax and dipping the egg in dyes, until the final color is applied. At the end, all wax is removed to reveal the magic and color of the finished Pysanka.
According to legend, as long as Pysanky are being made, evil shall not prevail over good in the world!

All dyes, wax, eggs and tools supplied for instruction.

Students take home their own set of dye packets, designs, eggs and tools to continue making beautiful Pysanky at home.

Date: Sunday, March 10
Time: 1:00 pm -4:30 pm
Ages: 9+
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Materials fee: $20.00 for class materials and take-home set

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $65

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50

Supported Level Ticket: $35

Instructor Bio - John Carlson

John Carlson is an artist and woodcarver living on a farm in the Driftless region, near Winona, Minnesota, with his wife, cat, dogs, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens.
John has been woodcarving since 1995 and was trained in Scandinavian-Chip Carving by Walt Gritner. John is also skilled in Shallow-Relief Carving, 3-D Figure Carving, and Kolrosing. John has taught both youth and adults woodcarving through the Boy Scouts of America, at woodcarving shows, carving clubs, school programs, community education, and the Driftless Folk School.  In addition to working with wood, John enjoys practicing many traditional artforms, including weaving, painting and the art of pysanky.