Nestled in the Dnipropetrovsk region of eastern Ukraine, the village of Petrykivka is not just a geographical location — it is a vibrant, breathing canvas. Recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage, this living village offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an art form that has survived centuries of political change and industrialization.
The Hub of Heritage: Folk Art Center “Petrykivka”
Your first stop should be the Folk Art Center “Petrykivka”, often considered the nucleus of the modern style. Led by master Andriy Pikush, the center brings together approximately 40 leading artists, many of whom are officially recognized as Masters of Folk Art.
At the center, visitors can:
- Talk to traditional artisans and witness the creation of unique patterns in real-time
- Explore a large gallery that demonstrates the historical development of the craft — from humble mural beginnings to sophisticated gallery pieces
- Purchase authentic, handmade souvenirs ranging from traditional wooden chests (skryni) to modern items like hand-painted jewelry and kitchenware
Museums and History
To truly understand the soul of the village, a visit to its local museums is essential. The village boasts two independent folk art museums, where you can see historical masterpieces on canvas, wood, and even 18th-century icons that influenced the style.
Key historical landmarks include:
- The Petrykivka Museum of Ethnography, Household, and Folk Art — a treasure trove of local life and decorative masterpieces.
- The Museum of Fedir Panko — dedicated to one of the village’s most influential managers and masters, who helped save the craft during the Soviet era.
- The remnants of the “Druzhba” Factory — while the factory itself was liquidated in 2006 and now lies in ruins, its history of exporting souvenirs to 80 countries remains a major part of the village’s narrative.
Hands-on Experience: Paint with the Masters
Petrykivka is meant to be felt, not just seen. Many of the resident artists offer educational workshops where tourists can try their hand at the traditional techniques.
During a workshop, you might learn to use the village’s signature tools:
- The kotyachka: a brush made from soft, elastic cat hair (taken from under the paw or the neck) that allows for “weightless” and “airy” lines.
- Finger painting: a fundamental technique used to create berries and flower centers by dipping your finger directly into the paint and leaving a print.
- The four basic strokes: masters will guide you through the hrebinets (comb), zerniatko (seed), horishok (nut), and the magical perekhidnyi mazok (transitional stroke), where a single brush is dipped into two colors to create a perfect gradient.
Symbols to Look For
As you walk through the village, keep an eye out for the fantastic imagery that defines the Petrykivka fairytale:
- The tsybulka — an imaginary flower resembling a cut onion bulb; there is even a monument to it in the village center.
- Birds of happiness — symbolic creatures like the Firebird or the rooster, representing spiritual awakening, light, and harmony.
- Cossack Mamai — a legendary figure often depicted in folk paintings as a symbol of national pride and resilience.
Plan Your Trip
If you can, time your visit for September to catch the Petrykivskyi Dyvotsvit (Wonder-Flower of Petrykivka), an annual regional festival featuring massive markets, concerts, and workshops.
Whether you are looking for a deep dive into Ukrainian history or simply want to find “vitamin-like” inspiration in the bright, positive colors of the flowers, a day in Petrykivka proves that folk art is not a relic of the past — it is a thriving improvisation of the present.