Courses & Workshops

Join us for a two-hour workshop in the art of Petrykivka, a phenomenon of Ukrainian ornamental folk art which is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The workshop will be led by Kateryna Kryvolap, a Ukrainian-Canadian artist whose work is inspired by the rich decorative traditions of Petrykivka art, a painting style known since the 17th century. In this hands on workshop, participants will learn the fundamental techniques of this unique art form, including the traditional brush techniques and floral motifs, and create their own composition on canvas. No prior experience is required. All materials will be provided, and each participant will leave with a finished artwork. This workshop is for participants 16+ years of age. There are two workshop date choices, Saturday June 13 at 2 – 4 pm and Sunday June 14 at 2 – 4 pm. 

Kateryna Kryvolap is a Canadian artist, originally from Ukraine. A member of the Canadian Artists’ Association, she is known for contemporary and traditional decorative painting, particularly Petrykivka. Based in Canada, Kateryna’s work has been exhibited in numerous countries including the USA, South Korea, Italy, and Canada. She is also the founder of Kryvolap Art Academy, where she has taught over 3,000 students from around the world.

During this workshop, participants will learn the ancient art of making pysanky – Ukrainian Easter eggs. Dyes, beeswax, and a stylus are used to decorate the eggs with traditional Ukrainian designs. Open to participants 13+ years of age. Instructor: Tania Snihur.

There are four workshops held over 2 days. Please see the schedule below and be sure to register for the day and the time of your workshop of choice.

During this workshop, participants will bake traditional Easter breads and learn about Ukrainian Easter traditions. Open to participants 16+ years of age.

Instructor: Lubow Wolynetz

Would you like to know how to introduce yourself in Ukrainian, talk about your hobbies or your job, ask for directions, order food, and communicate with a friend or with family? Or just learn Ukrainian for fun? Learn important words and phrases in an interactive way, along with rudimentary grammar. Be on your way to speaking Ukrainian in just six weeks with this course, which meets once a week via Zoom for 90 minutes. Zoom meeting links will be emailed to registered participants before each class meeting.

Open to participants 16+ years of age. Instructor: Andriy Zhyvachivskyi

Please register through Eventbrite.

Do you speak Ukrainian but find yourself searching for the right words and phrases, and making grammatical mistakes? Would you like to improve your skills and fluency? Be on your way to speaking like a native in just six weeks with this course, which meets once a week via Zoom for 90 minutes. Zoom meeting links will be emailed to registered participants before each meeting.

Open to participants 16+ years of age. Instructor: Andriy Zhyvachivskyi

Please register through Eventbrite.

This eight-class course teaches beginners the rudiments of embroidery while expanding the skills of those proficient in the craft. Participants will explore the history and evolution of styles, techniques, colors, threads, and fabrics traditionally used in embroidery in various regions of Ukraine.
Instructor: Lubow Wolynetz

This is a six-class course in the art of making gerdany, intricate bead-strung necklaces. Traditionally worn with folk costumes, today these necklaces are increasingly worn for adornment. Participants will explore techniques and characteristics of various regions of Ukraine and make their own gerdany.
Open to participants 16+ years of age.
Instructor: Olha Lesko

Learn the art of baking traditional Ukrainian Christmas bread and about other Ukrainian Christmas traditions!

This is a workshop with hands-on participation in the baking of traditional Ukrainian Christmas breads. During the class, participants will also learn about the customs, traditions, and rituals practiced during this joyous holiday. Open to participants 16+ years of age.
Instructors: Anna Kolomiyets, Lubow Wolynetz, and Bohdanna Slyz

Use colored beads, gold- and silver-hued walnut shells, and other materials to make a magical-looking traditional Ukrainian Christmas tree “spider” ornament, and learn about the Ukrainian legend behind this tradition. A very special activity to get you into the holiday spirit. This workshop is open to adults and children 7+ years of age.
Instructors: Verkhovynky Plast Kurin

The lialka-motanka, or motanka doll, is a symbol of family bonds and a guardian of the family. A motanka is an amulet that serves as protection from harm. The word motanka comes from the Ukrainian verb motaty, which means “to wind,” because this traditional doll is made only by winding, wrapping, and tying various materials — it is never sewn or pierced with a needle. Learn more about these intriguing guardian-dolls and create one for someone special in time for the holidays! Open to participants 16+ years of age.
Instructor: Larissa Raphael

This Ukrainian art form originated from an ancient tradition indigenous to the heartland of central Ukraine. Characterized by brightly colored floral elements and ornately styled motifs taken from nature, Petrykivka painting was used to decorate interior and exterior adobe whitewashed walls, hearths, furniture, and wooden items. Learn the techniques used to transform ordinary images into a fancifully ornate and authentic-looking Petrykivka folk art painting. Open to participants 16+ years of age.

This workshop offers hands-on training in baking and decorating a korovai (traditional Ukrainian wedding bread). Participants will also learn to adorn the colorful wedding tree hiltse. Open to participants 16+ years of age. Instructors: Bohdanna Slyz, Lubow Wolynetz, Larysa Zielyk