Hedy Connely
 Hedy Connelly is experienced in the Ukrainian tradition of decorating eggs, known as pysanky. The word pysanky comes from the Ukrainian verb “to write”. The art form is so named because the specific designs and colors used to decorate the eggs are written on the surface of the egg. Hedy first learned pysanky while visiting her father's Ukrainian relatives on their Wisconsin farm. With the help of an aunt, she later became a master of the art form.
Ukrainian Pysanky Students will learn the history and evolution of this ancient eastern European tradition. They will explore the meanings of traditional colors and symbols and create a personalized message on an egg. Students will use traditional tools and techniques to complete their own pysanky. WARNING: Please note this project involves using candles, hot wax, and dyes that may stain clothes. Traditional pysanky is done with raw eggs that are dipped in dyes and covered with wax, much like batik. Sometimes eggs crack when the wax is removed, even for the most experienced artists. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: The Arts: Aesthetics & Art Criticism; Historical & Cultural Connections; Creating, Presenting & Performing Social Sciences: World History, U.S. History, State & Local History Mathematics: Measurements; Geometry |