Cedar Rapids makes egg decoration an art

Anyone who thinks Easter egg decoration is limited to dunking eggs in colored water needs to visit Cedar Rapids. A master folk artist is teaching a class today in traditional Slavic egg decoration, elevating the children’s holiday pastime to a true art form.Carmen Langel is curator of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids. She says adults who want to learn the art of batik and wax-style egg decorating are packing into the class. She says techniques and designs being taught date back centuries. A display called “Easter Customs and Traditions” is also now open, featuring many one-of-a-kind orbs.The egg played an important role in Slavic customs and traditions as it represents the embryo of future life. Langel says the eggs decorated in the traditional Slavic, Czech and Moravian styles are works of art.The adult class is today only. Children’s craft classes focusing on Easter will be held next Saturday, April 22nd. For details, call (319) 362-8500.