Full Moon Workshop: Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating with Jenny Santa Maria

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Come celebrate the return of spring at CoSM with this immersive introduction to pysanky, an ancient Ukrainian egg-decorating tradition historically passed down through the matrilineal line. 

Rooted in themes of rebirth, abundance, and the continuity of life, pysanky is created through a wax-resist process in which hot beeswax is applied in layers to protect areas of the egg as successive dyes deepen and transform the surface. In the final step, the wax is gently melted away in a moment of anticipation, revealing the vibrant, multi-colored pattern that has been hidden under wax.

This workshop offers more than technical instruction; it invites participants to experience our creativity as a shared human capacity—one historically linked to hope, protection, and peace within communities. We will explore the history and symbolism of pysanky, followed by demonstration and independent practice. 

All materials are included and sustainably sourced, including eggs from the instructor’s free-range hens and beeswax from her own hives. 

This meditative artform is unlike any other, and for many participants it becomes a meaningful seasonal ritual that can be continued and shared for years to come.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• A thoughtful review of the history and cultural symbolism of the tradition
  
• An overview of materials and tools, with guidance on their proper use
  
• A live demonstration of the wax-resist process from start to finish
  
• Guided independent practice with individualized supportA warm, welcoming space designed to encourage storytelling, connection, and celebration of cultural heritage
  

No prior experience is necessary—all are welcome. Ages 18+

SCHEDULE:

All times are listed in ET

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Daytime

• 12:00 PM: Gates open for day visitors (Entheon, Grey House & Mushroom Cafe open)
  
• 1:00 PM: Full Moon registration begins in Grey House
  

Full Moon Workshop

• 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM: Introduction, Review of historical and cultural significance of the craft, review of materials and demonstration
  
• 3 PM - 4:30 PM: Independent practice
  
• 4:30 PM - 5 PM: Finished works are assembled together in a collection/basket, photos are encouraged, reflections and takeaways.
  

Your ticket includes General Admission to the Full Moon Gathering

Stay into the Evening for the April Full Moon Gathering with hosts, Alex Grey & Allyson Grey!

Full Moon Ceremony

• 5:30 PM: Entheon 3rd floor closed for ceremony setup
  
• 6:30 PM: Doors open for ceremony seating in the Great Hall Seating is not guaranteed and is first-come, first-served. Remote-viewing areas are always available throughout the ceremony in the Grey House Library and Entheon’s All One Gallery.
  
• 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM: Full Moon Ceremony Led by Alex Grey & Allyson Grey
  
  • WATCH THE CEREMONY LIVE FROM HOME! (link coming soon)
    
  
  

Full Moon After-Hours

Featuring music, live painting, interactive art, and more. Food + beverages available in the Grey House Moon Lounge & Mushroom Cafe.

• 9:45 PM: Music by Nessi Gomes in the Grey House
  
• 11:00 PM: Entheon closes (Grey House remains open)
  
• 11:45 PM: Music ends / Group Howl at the Moon
  
• 12:00 AM: End of event
  

YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Jenny Santa Maria 

Jenny Santa Maria is a Teaching Artist and egg artist based in Monmouth county, NJ. She has created countless beautiful eggs over the years, many of which have been featured in notable publications, including the Wall Street Journal. She refers to her work as batik eggs, though the process is rooted in the traditional art of pysanky. Her work bridges tradition and innovation, incorporating watercolor painting techniques, calligraphic precision, and deeply personal symbolism to expand the possibilities of this ancient art form.  

While associated with spring, Jenny designs eggs year-round using eggs from her free-range hens and beeswax from her own hives. Her enthusiasm for teaching is matched by her passion for exploring new techniques within this medium. While eggs themselves are ephemeral, she believes that the true art lies in sharing the process, preserving this folk tradition, and empowering others to recognize their own creative potential. 

Her thoughtfully designed workshops foster a sense of shared humanity, inviting participants to share stories and connect with their cultural heritage- leaving participants with a deeper understanding for the art, the culture, the history, and themselves.

www.flametipstudio.com

Instagram: @jen_santamaria

MATERIALS:

All materials are provided for this workshop.

We will be learning the process exactly as it’s been done for thousands of years- with eggs from the instructor’s own freerange chickens and beeswax from her own hives. Dyes and writing tools (called Kistky) are provided.

CoSM WORKSHOP SETTING:

Class sessions will take place in the beautiful MAGI Art Lab (Mystic Artists Guild International.)

Your ticket includes General Admission to the Full Moon Gathering.

Stay into the Evening for the 2026 April Full Moon Gathering with hosts, Alex Grey & Allyson Grey!

• Live Music, painting, interactive art making + more
  

Tuition also includes Day Admission to CoSM: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 12pm - 5:30pm—before the Full Moon Gathering begins.

• Access to Facilities, grounds and self-touring Entheon
  
• Students are welcome to experience Entheon and Grey House Galleries, including both CoSM Shop & Entheon Shop. 
  
• The Mushroom Cafe is an additional gallery, an immersively muraled space with mushroom themed contributions from 19 accomplished visionary artists
  
• The Wisdom Trail offers a contemplative walk through the CoSM woods, including a labyrinth, outdoor sculptural installations by visionary artists
  

Getting To CoSM:

CoSM is 65 miles north of New York City and accessible by Metro North Train leaving hourly from Grand Central Station.

Things to Note:

1. No pets of any kind are allowed on CoSM property.
   
2. No food or open liquids are allowed inside Entheon.
   
3. Coat & bag closet available for ALL backpacks & large bags in Entheon.
   

Questions? Visit our FAQ Page or contact [email protected] | +1 (845) 297-2323 for more information.