Workshops will include: weaving; the basics of Petrykivka art; block-printing; head-dress making from grasses / flowers for the Festival of Ivana Kupala.
To book a place and pay, please e-mail ukrainiancultureclub.bedford@gmail.com
Petrykivka art: learn some basic techniques of this unique painting style found only in Eastern Ukraine. Petrykivka is a traditional Ukrainian decorative painting style that originated from Petrykivka in Dnipropetrovsk. This unique art form was traditionally used to adorn house walls and everyday household items and dates back to the 18th century.
Weaving: watch a demonstration of how to weave a traditional Ukrainian kraika (belt) and have a go yourself. Due to the nature of weaving being a slow process, you will not be able to take home a finished kraika. This will be a small class though with a maximum of 12 participants to maximise time at the loom.
Block printing: use traditional Ukrainian patterns on wooden blocks to create your own, personalised canvas bag; alternatively, you can bring your own item to block print.
Making head wreaths: From pagan times, the Festival of Ivana Kupala was celebrated on MidSummer’s Eve. On this day, single ladies make wreaths from flowers and float them down a river – their true love will pick it up from the water. Come and make a headdress and we will hopefully have the opportunity to float them down a river.
Photographs from the Ukrainian Folk Art Exhibition, John Bunyan Basement Gallery, April / May 2024
