Hampton second-graders receive pysanky demonstration

After learning about a traditional Ukrainian art form during library and art classes, second-graders at Hampton’s Central Elementary School were paid a visit on April 13 by local artist Laurie Gonzalez, who demonstrated how to make pysanky.

Pysanky is a Ukrainian tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Artists use hot wax along with layers of dye to create beautiful eggs. Often the eggs have intricate designs and traditional symbols.

“I thought the pysanky artwork was very interesting. I had never seen anything like that before,” said second-grader Jules Zhikharev. “My favorite part was when the wax was melted off and the beautiful design was revealed at the end.”

Students read and discussed the story “Rechenka’s Eggs” by Patricia Polacco in library class with Beth Casey and then created watercolor resist paintings of their own egg design in art class with Kelly Koble.

Students and staff members had the opportunity to make donations to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that currently is focused on providing meals to Ukrainian families.