​Welcome to Pysanky Writing! I'm honoured to introduce you to the art of writing Ukrainian Easter Eggs -why do we say write? Pysanka (one egg) and Pysanky (plural) have as their root the Ukrainian word meaning ‘to write’. You write on the egg with beeswax using a stylus called a kistka (kistky in plural). Within the flow of the contemporary world, awareness and interest in Ukrainian Pysanky continue to increase. Yet at the same time, the written egg has changed dramatically from the traditional, regional folk pysanky, particularly in the diaspora. New tools - such as electric kistki - and methods - such as etching with vinegar - have really expanded possibilities.
I am privileged to share this with you, and my main interest is in preserving traditional ancient designs which I personally feel are truly the only authentic ‘pysanky’ (although modern egg art is very beautiful too and I have certainly explored it!) Ukraine is a large country with significant variation in traditional dress, motifs, music and of course pysanky design.
As an Optimist member I am so grateful for the support the club gives me in this endeavour. This amazing group of participants produced such beautiful results! Every penny raised from this event goes to Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

​Janice Cuckovic