Ruth Bolthouse
Pysanka Eggs
Ruth and her husband Roger call Benzonia Michigan their home and have been coming south to Florida visiting the state parks. About eight years ago they started staying at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Park where Roger helps the park rangers where he is needed, while Ruth demonstrates the ancient art of Pysanka Eggs.
Close to forty years ago Ruth read an article in National Geographic on the egg decorating art. She found this art was practiced by many of the eastern European groups, amongst them were the Polish, which is her ancestry.
While she is demonstrating the art of using a wax resist method on an egg, she talks about the unique history of the art. The egg held in high esteem stood for many things such as the sun, birth, and life. Various shapes, animals, flowers, and even the colors have meaning. The members of families would make many of these eggs to keep or give in hoping for things like fertility, good harvest, or a happy life, to name a few. There are many stories attached to this art that Ruth talks about during her demonstration.
Ruth and Roger are usually visiting Stephen Foster in December and January. If you are interested in seeing this demonstration, contact the Craft Shop to find out when Ruth will be demonstrating or when a demonstration or class can be scheduled.
