John Rajtar

I am a Pisanki (Egg) Artist. The egg is my canvas, transforming the common elements of earth, water, air & fire into something precious and steeped in tradition. I’m a Folk Artist living in Minneapolis, where the Polish language, culture and traditions have always been a part of my life.

I have a Fine Arts degree from Winona State University. I have lived and attended two universities in Poland. In Krakow Poland, I studied Slavic Ethnography under Professor Roman Reinfuss at the Jagiellonian University.

I am involved with Polish Folk Art – demonstrating, teaching, exhibiting at the Festival of Nations, PolishFest Mpls., Polish Festival in Milwaukee,Carpathian Festival St. Paul, Polish Cultural Museum of Winona. In 2016 I was in a juried Folk Art show in Lublin Poland: Jarmark Jagiellonski. I received Best of Show at the 2016 Powderhorn Art Show and my Pisanki have been at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Museum Shop.

I expanded my horizons this year and attended a three week Iconography tour of Russia. I am a member of The Prosopon School of Iconography and just finished an intense week long workshop.

I cherish the old and I am fascinated with the new. It’s a gift to be able to combine one’s passion into reality, discovery and the ability to create, share and pass on. Plus, I love a good cup of espresso!

Feedback from Previous Classes…

“Talented, interesting, funny, and he really created a great atmosphere for learning.”

“He was so cool! Brought examples of his work, so knowledgeable, and also prepared a ‘lecture’ on polish culture. I’d love to take another class from him!”