Marilyn Anderson

Marilyn Anderson has been a Pysanky artist for most of her life. She teaches classes demonstrating the Ukrainian art form and relates the folklore and history behind the tradition. Her work has been featured on television, in newspapers and in national publications and has sold in galleries and gift shops across the country.

“For the past two years while the war raged in Ukraine, I have not been able to make Pysanky. The murder and destruction of these great people and this beautiful country has stalled my art. But I feel a change is coming. Over 200 years ago my ancestors escaped the oppression in Germany to settle in the Ukraine Valley with promises of land, personal freedoms and unrestricted opportunities in exchange for settling and farming the land. Within 70 years these freedoms and their self-administration were again torn away, they became property of the state and war ensued. Many, including my ancestors escaped in the dark of night to new land and opportunity. And many stayed to survive the wars and fight for renewed freedom, only to have to defend their freedom again and again every 50-100 years. The Pysanka is like the people of Ukraine, fragile yet strong and resilient. The traditions of the Pysanka are ingrained in the people and a part of their vernacular. The star birthing a star pattern represents the strength, endurance and renewal of these brave people."