Old Jail to host family festival

By Melinda L. Lucas

With sunny weather and spring temperatures in the forecast for this Saturday, April 1, families are invited to the Old Jail Art Center to explore the centuries-old spring tradition of Ukrainian Pysanky.

The three-hour come-and-go celebration, geared toward children of all ages, will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m., with docents, junior docents, and other volunteers helping with activities.

“As our community knows, our monthly family festivals explore different cultural traditions and holidays from around the world through the lens of art and artifacts of our museum collection,” said OJAC education director Erin Whitmore.

At Saturday’s event, participants can celebrate the upcoming Easter season with a special twist on decorating Easter eggs.

“Pysanky is a beautiful decorative tradition from the country of Ukraine with unique, colorful eggs painted in a style that might surprise those only familiar with Western Easter eggs,” Whitmore said.

She added that this weekend’s event is a first for the Old Jail.

“This will be our first Ukrainian-inspired cultural festival, and we’re excited about it,” she said. “We hope you will come view and create a new style of Easter eggs this weekend.”

Those who attend can also investigate collection artifacts and enjoy crafts, games, snacks and music inspired by Ukrainian culture.

“Embark on an egg hunt throughout our galleries, take a swing at our Pysanky piñata, and leave your wish for spring in our egg-basket mural,” Whitmore said.

The family festival at the Old Jail is free and open to the public.

Those with questions can contact the OJAC education department at 325-762-2936.