Diana Yeliseieva Ukrainian Samchykivka art workshop FIRST SESSION

About

Discover one of Ukraines most vibrant and meaningful artistic traditions in this hands-on workshop dedicated to Samchykivka a joyful folk-art style celebrated for its bright colours, symbolic motifs and protective, talismanic designs.
Your guide for the session is Diana Yeliseieva, a mother of four who has been living in the UK since the beginning of the war and has recently returned from Samchyky, the village where Samchykivka was born.
Samchykivka emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Khmelnytskyi region as a form of house decoration, with villagers painting bold, symmetrical compositions of flowers, birds and mythic symbols directly onto their homes to invite protection, harmony and good fortune. Although the tradition was nearly lost during the upheavals of the mid-20th century, it was revived in the 1970s by local artists who preserved its techniques, colour palette and symbolic language. Today, Samchykivka is recognised on Ukraines National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and cherished for its radiant imagery, deep connection to nature and uplifting spirit of resilience and hope.
Diana will introduce the history and cultural meaning of this remarkable art form, explain its symbolic patterns, and guide you step-by-step in creating your own traditional Samchykivka artwork. For her, this folk tradition has been a daily source of strength, inspiration and connection to home a warmth she shares generously with others.
Here you can see a very short clip on what samchykivka looks like: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tgMcat-rs54
No experience is required, only curiosity, creativity and the joy of exploring a beautiful piece of Ukrainian culture.All materials are provided.