LENOX, Mass. — Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum invites participants to explore a centuries-old Eastern European tradition this Easter season. 

 

The focus is on Slavic Easter egg decorating, an art form that has been passed down through generations.

 

Tjasa Sprague, a Lenox resident, will lead the workshops. Drawing from her Czechoslovakian heritage, Sprague learned the technique from her mother, Maria Krofta.

 

The workshops on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 am to 12 noon and again from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and Monday through Thursday, March 25 – 28 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

 

The workshops will take place at Ventfort Hall Mansion's historic former gatehouse, located at 55 Kemble St., Lenox. 

 

Attendees will learn the intricate process of creating Slavic Easter eggs using a wax-resistant method combined with aniline dye. The technique begins with unwashed eggs (provided by a local poultry farm) which have a residue-free shell surface.  Attendees may also bring their own unwashed eggs. The Slavic Easter egg is a wax resistant technique which employs aniline dye later in the process. The decorating begins with drawing on the egg with wax, followed by immersion in the dye, with repeated wax drawing and dying as desired.  The eggs are uncooked and are "blown" out after the decorating has been completed.  The eggs may be displayed, when stored carefully, for an indefinite number of years.

 

The fee for each workshop, which includes all materials, is $40. Reservations are required and seats are limited. Children should be at least 12 years of age. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.  For reservations please visit https://gildedage.org/events or call (413) 637-3206.