Pysanka Workshop and Charity Fundraiser for the Armed Forces of Ukraine Held in Chicago

On the eve of Easter, the Holy Protection Church in Chicago hosted a pysanka-making workshop that brought together dozens of participants. The event has become part of an annual tradition where the Ukrainian community abroad joins in preserving folk customs and rituals associated with Easter.

This was reported by Radio UA Chicago / Surma Newspaper.

Participants had the opportunity to learn various techniques for creating pysankas, which have been passed down through generations in Ukraine. These included krashanky (solid-colored eggs), krapanky (dotted eggs), dryapanky (scratched designs), malovanky (hand-painted eggs), marble-style painting, and etched pattern techniques. Unlike krashanky, pysankas are made from raw eggs, after which the contents are blown out, allowing the creations to be preserved for years.

This year, the classes were led by masters from the Prykarpattia region—Lidiya Stefanyšyn and Ruslan Kopyltsiv. They shared practical advice and helped participants master basic pysanka-making techniques. Lidiya Stefanyšyn holds a degree in art from the Kosiv V. Kasiyan College of Applied and Decorative Arts and the Lviv National Academy of Arts; she is a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and works in leather craftsmanship and ethnic-style fashion design. Ruslan Kopyltsiv is a folk master and a regular participant in competitions and exhibitions whose works are featured in the "Pysanka" Museum in Kolomyia.

The workshop welcomed both adults and children. The oldest participant was 74 years old, while the youngest were only four. Under the guidance of their mentors, participants created their own pysankas, gradually mastering the intricate art of the craft.

The event also had a charitable mission. As part of the "Pysanka for the AFU" initiative, donations were collected throughout the workshop to support the Ukrainian military. The funds raised will be directed toward the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Organizers noted that such events not only promote Ukrainian folk art but also unite the community around shared values and the ongoing support of Ukraine.