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: Saturday, March 29 or April 5
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 9+
Materials Fees: $20 for class materials and take-home set
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Instructions: All dyes, wax, eggs and tools supplied for instruction.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $65
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $35
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
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.