March 18th
5:30pm-8:00pm
Description:
Come celebrate the spring at the shop with this unique opportunity to learn a skill and folk tradition that is traditionally passed down by the Matriarch of the family.
Pysanky is an ancient art of creating beautiful designs on eggs. Patterns are drawn on the egg with hot beeswax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. The wax is removed at the end to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage. A great deal of patience and concentration is required to
complete a single egg, but it is very rewarding to reveal your hard work when the wax is taken off.
All skill levels and ages can create an original pysanka. No prerequisite skills required. This workshop will cover the history and traditions surrounding pysanky, demonstration, and an independent practice session. The instructor will provide a variety of organic eggs and dyes; all supplies are included. This meditative and communal experience is unlike any other art process and for many this workshop marks the beginning of a spring time family tradition that can be
passed on and enjoyed for years to come.
In-person attendance will be extremely limited. Please bring a container or old egg carton to take home your creation. Ages 18+
Jenny's Bio
Jenny Santa Maria is a multifaceted talent as a teaching artist, art coach, and exhibiting artist from Farmingdale, NJ. She has created countless beautiful eggs over the years, many of which have been featured in notable publications, including the Wall Street Journal. She refers to her work as batik eggs, though the process is rooted in the traditional art of pysanky. Her work blends a modern aesthetic with personal symbolism, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. While associated with spring, Jenny designs eggs year-round using eggs from her free-range hens and beeswax from her own hives. Jenny has been teaching pysanky for many years in diverse settings, including museums, galleries, libraries, and artist retreats throughout New England. Her enthusiasm for teaching is matched by her passion for exploring new techniques within this medium. While eggs themselves
are ephemeral, she believes that the true art lies in sharing the process, preserving this folk tradition, and empowering others to recognize their own creative potential.
These carefully designed workshops foster a sense of shared humanity, encouraging
participants to celebrate their cultural heritage while engaging in the creative process. The connections forged through this shared experience are among the greatest gifts that this precious art practice can offer. This meaningful and inclusive environment is a key reason why participants consistently leave her workshops with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art, the culture, the history, and themselves.