"Pysanka Rite of Spring" on exhibit in L.A. (04/02/06)

"Pysanka Rite of Spring" on exhibit in L.A.

LOS ANGELES The Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) heralds a new season with "Pysanka Rite of Spring," an exhibit that celebrates the ancient Ukrainian tradition of writing the "story of life" on hen's eggs in the spring.

Featured in the exhibit curated by Natalie Orlins Gebet will be dozens of beautifully decorated, traditional and contemporary pysanky representing various regions of Ukraine. Guests will be led on a symbolic trip through the historical development of this rich cultural art form.

The exhibition runs through May 7, and will include two pysanka-making workshops open to the public on April 8 and 15 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. (registration required). An opening reception for members and guests will be held on April 1 at 6-8 p.m.

The egg has been an object of faith in virtually every culture, symbolizing new life and the promise of spring. In pagan times, magical and mystical powers were ascribed to the egg; in Christian times, it has remained a powerful symbol at Easter representing rebirth.

Derived from the Ukrainian verb "pysaty," meaning to write, the pysanka is an egg on which the story of life is written. This ancient art form is steeped in symbolism, from the egg itself to the ancient motifs and the colors used in its design. Pysanky are made using one to seven colors, ranging in design from the simple beauty of a single ancient motif to the intricate repetition of multiple motifs and colors around the ovoid surface. Pysanky are created for protection, to celebrate new life, to be blessed at Easter and to deliver special wishes to the recipient of the gift.

"This is a very exciting exhibition for me," explained CAFAM's executive director, Maryna Hrushetska, who is of Ukrainian descent. "As a child I eagerly awaited the promise of spring each year and cherished watching my grandmother sit for hours making pysanky. I was awed by their magic and am thrilled to share this tradition with Angelenos."

The Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) is a Los Angeles non-profit cultural arts organization dedicated to the public presentation and preservation of folk arts and contemporary craft. Founded in 1965, originally as "The Egg and The Eye" by the late Edith Wyle, who passionately promoted traditional artisans and the virtue of hand-made art, the museum opened in 1973.

As a local museum with global reach, CAFAM seeks to promote international goodwill and global understanding among its citizens. The museum works to preserve and strengthen the folk culture of its community based on the belief that the quality of urban life is directly related to the vitality and diversity of viewpoints and traditions.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum is located at 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90036. For information call 323-937-4230 or log on to www.cafam.org. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum admission is $5; students and seniors, $3; members and children under age 12, free.

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