Pysanky Through the Ages
The Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center and Branch 88 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America had a history of creating exceptional exhibits together long before their Pearl S. Buck victory. With sponsorship from the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, the two groups collaborated to hold “Pysanky Through the Ages,” an exhibit of the ornately decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs.
After months of planning, coordinating, and advertising, a snowstorm hit the area two days before the exhibit was to premier on February 27, 2010. Neither snow nor sleet could crack their spirits or the Pysanky shells and they rescheduled the exhibit for March 13.
The exhibit, held at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown, featured displays of several hundred beautiful Pysanky made by artists in the Ukraine and United States. Lubow Wolynetz, a Professor at St. Basil College Seminary in Stamford, Connecticut, presented a fascinating history of Pysanky while Ulana Prociuk provided a Pysanka writing demonstration. There were also hands on activities and crafts for children.
Despite the less than ideal March weather, the event was very well attended. In fact, Pysanky enthusiast Ann Marie flew all the way from New Hampshire to see the exhibit!
The exhibit was “absolutely a success,” said Chrsystyna Prokopovych, Curator of the UHSC. The UHSC and Branch 88 have teamed up again for a Gerdany, Ukrainian Beadwork, exhibit on April 2-3, 2011.