A beginning in colour and wax
In winter 2025 and spring 2026, we were able to host four intercultural events in and around Lenzburg, dedicated to Ukrainian UNESCO cultural heritage. At the heart of these gatherings were Petrykivka painting – which we used to decorate Christmas baubles – and traditional Pysanka Easter eggs. More than four dozen participants came together in a warm, trustful atmosphere – people from Switzerland and members of the Ukrainian community side by side.
Petrykivka, Pysanka and Christmas baubles
Petrykivka painting and Pysanka eggs are much more than beautiful decoration. They carry stories of villages, families and celebrations – and today also of displacement, resilience and hope. By decorating baubles and eggs with these motifs, participants discovered a very personal way of connecting with a culture many had previously only known from the news.
Understanding grows through doing
The events were held in German and guided by artists and volunteers who have been living in Switzerland for many years and have roots in both Ukraine and Switzerland. This made it easy to ask questions, understand the background of the motifs and at the same time paint, draw and decorate eggs with wax together. In these shared moments – small mistakes, laughter and pride in the finished artwork – mutual understanding grew, and everyone could feel how encounter enriches both sides.
Our thanks to supporters and partners
This series would not have been possible without a strong local network. A heartfelt thanks go to all participants, volunteers and donors.
- Kulturkommission Lenzburg for supporting the events and for trusting in our intercultural approach
- Kramer Brocki Lenzburg for supporting our volunteer work, in particular around the Christmas bauble event
- Kulturhaus Tommasini and Freizeitwerkstatt Lenzburg for offering space, infrastructure and support in communication and marketing
- Stiftung Wendepunkt Muhen for a meaningful collaboration in support of people in vulnerable situations
- Lenzburger Bezirksanzeiger for engaged, professional support and appreciative reporting that brought our events to the wider region
Looking ahead: Upcoming workshops and volunteers
The strong interest and moving feedback encourage us to continue offering such intercultural events. Planned formats include:
- a Christmas bauble workshop with Pуtrykivka motifs on 15.11.2026 – registration via info@ukrainerecoveryaid.ch
- a Pysanka workshop on 13 March 2027 – registration via info@ukrainerecoveryaid.ch
We warmly welcome volunteers who would like to support these workshops – for example in preparation, welcoming participants or documenting the events.
If you would like to strengthen our intercultural activities and our projects for people in Ukraine, you can support us with your time, your expertise or a donation. For more information or to get involved: info@ukrainerecoveryaid.ch
