Slavic Art Workshops 

​Russian Cultural Center Samovar offers workshops for adults, children, and youth that promote Slavic traditional folk art. To find more about our workshops please send us an email with your inquiry to russiancentersamovar@gmail.com

Slavic Ritual Doll - Motanka

​Slavic Ritual Dolls are the old family amulets of Slavs. Such dolls represent the unity of family ties between generations. The traditions of creating and using such dolls have been part of family traditions in Slavic countries, including Russia and Ukraine. Slavic Ritual Dolls have different names in different traditions, and they are called “Motanka” in Ukraine. The name of the doll - comes from the concept of "wrap around", it is made from pieces of fabric and threads. Slavic Ritual Dolls are symbols of fertility, abundance, and protection for the family. Such dolls are very often passed down from generation to generation. In this workshop, you will be able to learn more about Slavic doll-making tradition and create your own Slavic Ritual Doll.

​Pysanka (The Fine Art of Easter Egg Painting)

Pysanka is the Slavic art of making colorful Easter eggs. The designs and colors on a Pysanka have symbolic meaning. Pysanka was gifted to loved ones with wishes of protection, abundance, or good health. The traditional way of making Pysanka includes waxing and dyeing real eggs with vegetable paints. In this workshop, you will learn about symbols of Pysanka that were passed on by Slavic artists from generation to generation and create your own Pysanka easter egg. 

​Zernushka (Handmade Grain Doll)

The grain dolls were usually made during traditional holidays in Slavic countries, especially holidays associated with the harvest. The dolls were filled with different grains, that symbolized the nurturing and protective energy of the earth. 
In Russian homes, grain dolls were called Zernushka. They were decorated with love and carefully stored in a special place in the household. We invite you to learn more about Slavic traditions and beliefs associated with Zernushka and make one of your own Zernushka doll.