River Arts in Damariscotta is offering a workshop on pysanky egg decorating with Erica Qualey as part of its spring class offerings. The workshop will be held Sunday, March 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. for anyone aged 12 and up. Workshop size is limited.

Pysanky egg decorating is an ancient method of dying eggs using batik techniques and rich, vivid dyes. These eggs are rich with history and tradition, originally created as charms to bring good fortune to the object symbolized in the design. The patterns and designs were also strongly influenced by Christianity and supposedly baskets of decorated eggs were brought to church by families to be blessed during Easter services.

Traditional pysanky designs tend to be very geometric making it is easy for anyone, even those who don’t feel as though they have any artistic skills, to create amazing and beautifully patterned eggs. Students will also learn how to use the kistky tool to layer wax and colors to create a finished pysanky egg.

Cost is $25 for members and students and $30 for non-members.

There is an additional materials/kit fee of $15 for all. Each kit includes a kistky tool, beeswax, patterns, and a set of dye colors to take home with them.

Qualey is an artist and illustrator living in South Bristol. Over the past 10 years she has been actively creating art and exhibiting watercolor paintings in group and solo art shows throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Her most recent show was an exhibit at Husson University in collaboration with a printmaker. For more on the artist, visit www.ericaqualey.com.

River Arts is located at 241 US Route 1 in Damariscotta and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about classes and events call 207-563-1507 or visit the website www.riverartsme.org.