All branches of the Ocean County Library will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday, and Sunday, March 31, for Easter Sunday.

Become a Pysanky Egg Artist at Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

March 22, 2023

SURF CITY –  Welcome springtime with an ancient art and folk tradition that symbolizes renewal. Ocean County native Jennifer Santa Maria will conduct a workshop in pysanky egg decoration at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 10 AM Saturday, April 15.

Pysanky, often called Ukrainian eggs, are created in multiple stages of colored dyes and patterns drawn with hot beeswax. Colors protected beneath the wax are revealed as each layer is removed.

Jennifer Santa Maria’s “batik egg” workshops expand the pysanky heritage, using time-honored methods to create non-traditional imagery and secular themes in a process she characterizes as meditative, restorative, and artistic.

“My work features art nouveau imagery, themes that reference the natural world, the idea of ‘mother,’ femininity, and metamorphosis,” Jennifer said.

“I was taught the process as it has been done for thousands of years, with simple tools, candle flame, organic eggs, and a clear state of mind,” Jennifer comments on her website, noting that it has prompted explorations of family and cultural lore.

Please register at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events to take part in this free program, sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. For more information, visit the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, or call (609) 494-2480.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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