Spring Equinox Art Spree

Vera Samycia

LEARN TO MAKE UKRANIAN EASTER EGGS BOTH DAYS

The Illinois Artisans Program Spring Equinox Art Spree is on Thursday and Friday, March 18 -19, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 3:30PM in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Clark/Lake Stop. Meet the following artisans, learn about their craft, and purchase one of kind pieces:

Larry Anderson, Lake Zurich, Wood Boxes

Sharon Bechtold, Bartlett, Wood

Lilian Cartwright, Chicago, Jewelry

Barbara Ellis-Racic, Chicago, Beaded Jewelry

John Ferguson, Chicago, Jewelry

Bud Greene, Highland Park, Glass Jewelry

Norm Langhoff, Springfield, Notecards

Eva May, Chicago, Wearables

LaVonne Nye, Lostant, Jewelry

Susie Ryan, Metamora, Ceramics

Vera Samycia, Schaumberg, Ukrainian Eggs

Jane Shaffer, Mt. Prospect, Jewelry

Karen Snow, La Grange, Silk Scarves

Pysanka artist Vera Samycia learned the centuries old tradition from her mother. Mastering the art quickly, she soon developed her own unique sense of color without sacrificing the rituals, symbols or traditions. Given as a gift to a close friend, boyfriend, or relative - these small offerings are made with a wish in mind. Elders might get a black background symbolizing long life; a newlywed couple might get a rooster, symbolizing fertility and fulfillment of wishes. No two pysanka are alike; each is both traditional and intentional.

Pysankas are decorated by a complicated dye process similar to Batik. Melted bees wax is applied with a stylus called a "kistka" to a fresh, uncooked, white egg. The egg is dipped into a succession of dye-baths. Between each dipping, wax is applied over areas where the preceding color is to remain. After the final color has set, all the wax is melted off and a coat of varnish is applied to the Pysanka to make it shine.

Vera's work has been featured in the Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, New World, the Lerner, the Nadig Newspapers and Times Review as well as numerous television shows on NBC, ABC, WGN, and Continental Cable Vision. She is active at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago. She is represented by the Illinois Artisans Shop, Chicago.