Sylvia Gestiv

Sylvia Getsiv is a retired elementary school teacher who learned the art of pysanky, or Ukrainian egg decoration, from her mother as a young child. The eggs are decorated with symbolic images and colors through a wax resist process similar to batik. Beeswax is applied to the eggs with a fine-tipped funnel called a kistka. Then the eggs are dyed, coloring every part of the egg not coated with wax. The process is repeated until the desired effect is achieved. Sylvia has taught beginning pysanky to children and adults since 1979 in classrooms, summer camps and community centers.

Area: Within 1-hour of Portland
Type: Residencies, Workshops
Grades: 5-12
Costs: See fee schedule for residencies and workshops
Supplies: $5 per student

Students will be introduced to the ancient Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, symbols and use of color, and to Ukraine, its people, geography, and culinary traditions. During the residency, students will complete at least one egg (probably 2-3), following a fixed pattern, and also using their own creativity with traditional designs.

WARNING: Please note this project involves using candles, hot wax, and strong dyes that may stain clothes. Traditional pysanky is done with raw eggs that dry over time. Students should be aware that the eggs may crack at this point in the process, even for the most experienced artist.