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 ancient family amulets cherished by the Slavic people. They symbolize the unity of family ties across generations and carry blessings of fertility, abundance, and protection. For centuries, the tradition of creating these dolls has been an important part of family life in Slavic countries, including Ukraine and Russia.
Known by different names across regions, in Ukraine, they are called “Motanka”, from the word meaning “to wrap around.” Each doll is carefully crafted from pieces of fabric and thread, without the use of needles, embodying both creativity and symbolic meaning.
Often passed down through generations, these dolls are more than works of art - they are expressions of cultural heritage and family continuity.
In this workshop, you will discover the history and symbolism of Slavic Ritual Dolls and create your own, learning traditional techniques while bringing your personal touch to this meaningful craft.

​Pysanka (The Fine Art of Easter Egg Painting)

Pysanka is the ancient Slavic art of decorating Easter eggs with intricate designs and vibrant colors. This tradition is most widely known in Ukraine, but variations of Pysanka are also found in other Slavic and Eastern European cultures, including Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Belarus, and Russia.
Each design and color on a Pysanka carries a symbolic meaning - wishes for protection, abundance, love, or good health
The traditional technique uses beeswax and natural dyes to layer patterns and colors on a real egg, resulting in a unique and meaningful piece of folk art.
In this workshop, you will learn about the history and symbolism of Pysanka passed down through generations of Slavic artists. You will also have the chance to create your own Pysanka Easter egg, guided by traditional methods and inspired by your own creativity.

​Zernushka (Handmade Grain Doll)

Grain dolls have long been a part of traditional celebrations in Slavic countries, especially during harvest festivals. Filled with different grains, these dolls symbolized the nurturing and protective energy of the earth, carrying wishes of prosperity and well-being for the household.
In Russian homes, grain dolls were known as Zernushka. Made with care and decorated with love, they were kept in a special place as a cherished symbol of abundance and protection.
In this workshop, you will learn about the rich Slavic traditions and beliefs connected to Zernushka and create your own grain doll to bring warmth, meaning, and heritage into your home.