Pająki: Traditional Polish Paper Chandeliers | Fibers @ Riverside 

Welcome in the spring with Riverside!

In this 4-hour workshop, craft with instructor, Ruth Marks, as you make your very own Pająki!

This folk craft comes from old Slavic rituals performed for the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Traditionally, pająki were hung in the home to help ward off evil spirits during the hard winter season.

Every autumn, pająki from the previous year were burned in bonfire festivals, when the cottages were cleaned thoroughly before the arrival of winter.=

“Pająki” (plural) is pronounced “pah-yonk-ee”

“Pająk” (singular) is pronounced “pah-yonk”

Details:

Date and Time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1 – 5 pm.

Location: Off Center at Riverside Arts Center in Downtown Ypsilanti.

Supplies, tea, and snacks will be provided at this afternoon of craftmaking and joy!

See the Hours and Locations Page for more information about location and parking.

Age Range: 16+

Cost: $30 a student

Sign Up for the Workshop Here!

Meet your Instructor – Ruth Marks!

Ruth Marks (she/her) is a maker and educator based in Ypsilanti, MI. Before serving as the founding director of Fly Children’s Art Center, Ruth worked as a visual art educator in public and private elementary schools in Dearborn, Willow Run and Ann Arbor. She is a third generation graduate of EMU with a teaching certificate and BFA.  Her award winning sculptures have been shared in galleries around the country. To see her work, visit ruthmarks.com
 
As the granddaughter of Polish immigrants, Ruth is proud to share her heritage in the community with this traditional decorative paper craft.