Pisanki Workshop with Agata Radna

This event is presented entirely in English.

We invite you to join a Pisanki egg painting workshop led by Agata Radna. Come and learn to decorate an Easter egg using the ancient Polish technique of Pisanki. The art of intricately decorating eggs for Easter has been a tradition in Eastern Europe dating back to Pagan times. The batik style of egg decoration uses wax and dye and is a tradition passed on for centuries. This workshop will demonstrate this technique and all participants will leave the workshop with 2 decorated eggs that can be kept forever.

Decorating Pisanki is a fun activity suitable for anyone to enjoy, and this workshop is suitable for those with no previous experience. No special skills are required, however due to the use of hot wax and candles, it is not suitable for those under the age of 14. All materials, egg shells, dyes and patterns required to make Pisanki will be provided. Workshop will run for 3 hours.

ABOUT AGATA RADNA

Agata Radna was born in Wrocław, however moved to Australia in 1992 and grew up in Newcastle. Agata grew up with the traditional method of making batik style Pisanki passed down from her grandmother and mother. Using pure beeswax, a traditional writing tool and dyes, Agata makes traditional Pisanki designs on emptied eggshells. Traditionally made on boiled eggs using natural dyes and covered in bacon fat to give them shine, modern day Pisanki use the same method and tools, however utilise emptied eggs, commercially made modified fabric dyes, and polyurethane varnish to allow them to be kept forever. Agata has previously exhibited and sold her work at various functions and events at the Polish Cultural Centre in Newcastle, and runs Pisanki workshops for both complete beginners and those with some experience.

ON THE DAY

• Please wear old clothes as dye may stain clothes, bring an apron if desired.

• All materials will be provided, and each participant will have the opportunity to decorate 2 eggs.

• Due to use of hot wax and candles, this workshop is not suitable for those under the age of 14.