Central second graders learn about 'pysanky' through demonstration

After learning about the traditional Ukrainian art form in library and art classes, second graders at Central Elementary School were paid a visit on April 13 by local artist Laurie Gonzalez who demonstrated how to make pysanky.

Pysanky is a Ukrainian tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Artists use hot wax along with layers of dye to create beautiful eggs. Often the eggs have intricate designs and traditional symbols. 

 “I thought the pysanky artwork was very interesting. I had never seen anything like that before,” said Jules Zhikharev, second grader at Central Elementary. “My favorite part was when the wax was melted off and the beautiful design was revealed at the end.”

Students read and discussed the story “Rechenka’s Eggs” by Patricia Polacco in library class with Mrs. Casey and then created watercolor resist paintings of their own egg design in art class with Ms. Koble.

On Wednesday, April 13, students and staff had the opportunity to make donations to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that is currently focused on providing meals to Ukrainian families.