Ukrainian EggCessories Pysanky Retreat 2026: Tree Of Life

Dates:
Retreat: Tuesday, July 21 – Friday, July 24, 2026
Arrive: Monday, July 20 (evening meet & greet)
Depart: Saturday, July 25

Location:
St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre
300 River Oaks Blvd. East, Oakville, ON L6H 5T1

About the Retreat

Join us for the 2026 Ukrainian EggCessories Pysanky Retreat, themed “Tree of Life”—a celebration of growth, connection, and tradition. This event brings together pysankari of all skill levels for four immersive days of creativity, learning, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a passionate beginner, you’ll find inspiration, friendship, and plenty of hands-on fun.

A Foundational Understanding of Pysanky is Suggested.

Special Guests

We are thrilled to welcome back three extraordinary pysanky artists from Ukraine:

• Oksana Bilous 
• Tetiana Konoval
• Anna Kotlina

Their expertise, artistry, and warm teaching styles will make this year’s retreat unforgettable. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from internationally recognized masters!

Retreat Highlights

• Workshops & Presentations:
  Enjoy a variety of hands-on workshops and artist-led presentations. Workshop sign-ups and details will be announced in early 2026.

• Themed Creativity:
  The “Tree of Life” theme will inspire our projects, décor, and group discussions—exploring one of the most cherished and meaningful symbols in Ukrainian pysanky and folk art.

• Egging Together:
  Our spacious, air-conditioned egging room is open daily for creative sessions, socializing, and sharing tips. Bring your favourite supplies or try new ones from our on-site market.

• Vendor Marketplace:
  Shop for traditional and modern pysanky tools, eggshells, dyes, jewelry, and unique Ukrainian imports. Vendor tables available to rent.

• Egg Exchange:
  Participate in our much-loved egg exchange and take home a one-of-a-kind pysanka from a fellow attendee.

• Goodie Bags:
  Enjoy a collection of thoughtful gifts from your fellow attendees. Kathy from Ukrainian EggCessories provides a goodie bag for everyone, and each participant is invited to bring a small item to add to each bag—making for a delightful assortment of surprises to enjoy throughout the retreat. (Optional)
  

• Keepsake Bio Books:
  Enjoy Jeanne Curtis’s signature keepsake bio book—perfect for making connections and memories.

• Fundraiser for Ukraine:
  Support pysankari in Ukraine by participating in our fundraiser and raffle. Your generosity makes a real difference!

• Delicious Meals:
  Lunch and dinner are provided Tuesday through Thursday, with lunch included on Friday. On Friday evening, we invite everyone to join us for an optional farewell meal out at a local restaurant—always a fun way to end the retreat together! All dietary needs are accommodated.
  

• Kathy’s Surprises:
  Expect a few extra treats and signature surprises throughout the week!

Schedule At a Glance

• Monday, July 20: Arrive, settle into your lodging, and join fellow attendees for a casual dinner out at a local restaurant.
• Tuesday, July 21 – Friday, July 24: Retreat days filled with workshops, egging sessions, shared meals, and community activities.
• Friday, July 24: After packing up, gather for an optional farewell dinner out at 7pm—a wonderful way to close out the retreat together.
• Saturday, July 25: Check-out and goodbyes.

Registration Details

• Canadian Attendees: $575 + your province’s tax (e.g., Ontario = $649.75 CAD)
• International Attendees (USA & beyond): $470 USD flat fee

What’s Included:

• All workshops and presentations
• Lunch & dinner Tuesday–Friday, brunch Saturday
• Access to egging rooms, vendor market, and all retreat activities
• Goodie bag & keepsake bio book
• Free parking & Wi-Fi

What’s Not Included:

• Lodging (see below)
• Workshop materials (unless specified in workshop descriptions)
• Travel expenses

Accommodations

We’ve secured a group rate at the Holiday Inn Oakville (590 Argus Road, Oakville, ON)

• $169/night (double occupancy, breakfast included, new queen beds, free parking & Wi-Fi)
• Group rates available 3 days before/after retreat dates
• Reserve by June 16, 2026, to guarantee the rate
• [Online booking link coming soon]
• Or call 905-842-5000 and use group code UEC

Getting Here

• Venue: St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre, Oakville, ON
• Air Travel: Toronto Pearson International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.
• Parking: Free at both venue and hotel.

COVID Safety

We will follow all government health guidelines in effect at the time of the retreat. Masks are optional, and we ask anyone feeling unwell to stay home.

Stay Connected

Join our vibrant community in the UE Pysanky Retreat Facebook Group for updates, Q&A, and to meet fellow attendees before the retreat.

Ready to Register?

Spaces fill quickly! Registration opens soon—watch this page and our Facebook group for updates and workshop sign-up details.

Questions? Contact us here or reach out via our Facebook group.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Oakville for an unforgettable “Tree of Life” retreat!