Dickinson's Ukrainian Cultural Institute will sponsor the Pysanka Egg Show and will open on March 17 at the Ukrainian Cultural Institute. Several artists are expected to exhibit and offer for sale their unique and hand-made creations.
Wherever Ukrainians live, an ancient folk art flourished each Easter. On a table, one sees a lighted candle and a square piece of beeswax. Nearby lie a kistka, a small writing instrument. Half a dozen jars of dyes stand on one side. On a leaflet, are symbol, both Christian and pagan. Freshly laid eggs are ready for the artist. "God bless and help us" she prays as she begins to commemorate Christ's resurrection.
In southwestern North Dakota, the art of creating pysanka thrives. The immigrants brought the art form from Ukraine more than a hundred years ago. Fashioning the tool into a kiska requires a funnel shaped piece of metal be attached, and this was their basic instrument for writing with wax gathered from the bees. Their creative thoughts led to identifying the vegetables which released their colors to dye the eggs: onion skins, beets, carrots, and tree bark.
For additional information, call 701-483-1486 or visit www.ucitoday.org.
