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Many Ukrainians probably heard about this area, but few come here specifically to get acquainted with the artistic world of the region. This is due to the fact that exploring culture is not associated with relaxation on the weekend, in the minds of Ukrainians studying culture is a monotonous visit to a museum or, at best, watching a historical film. Our tour offers the live discovery of Kosiv artistic heritage through a direct acquaintance and rich communication with the authors, creators and entrepreneurs who actively use their artistic skills and ancestors’ traditions as the sustainable activity that brings delight and income. Visiting the workshops of Kosiv and its surroundings, you will feel a rush of inspiration and faith in your own strengths and capabilities.

Highlights of the tour:
Art from the very threshold: handmade works at the ‘U Liulky’ guesthouse + a sketch portrait from the owners as a keepsake;
Art that lives its own life: it is a sin not to meet masters Dutka and the Strynadiuks;
The experience of creating a lizhnyk (a thick woolen mostly patterned-woven plaid rug): an acquaintance with a new trend of world-famous Hutsul blankets;
Unknown lizhnykarstvo (the craft of making lizhnyks): delicious lunch, wellness bathing in the Hutsul Jacuzzi.

DAY 1. Arrival to the Liulkas

Arrival at Kosiv by own transport. Checking-in at the ‘U Liulky’ guesthouse. Dinner. Staying overnight. Plan your tomorrow’s journeys. Use rental bicycles.

DAY 2. The Charm of Local Masters

High-calorie breakfast for the active pastime during the day. Moving to the village of Rozhniv to Serhii Dutka’s workshop. Meeting a flamboyant and incredibly interesting master who creates “molochena” (“milky”) ceramics. The origin of the clay is kept secret by the master. The utensils made by him are applied and in demand of picky housewives. Learn how to distinguish ceramics by sound. Take part in the process of creating unusual clay objects. Pay attention to the classic and modern series created by the master, for example – Dynozavryky (small dinosaurs). Having gained aesthetic impressions, move to the workshop of the famous Kosiv artistic family, the Strynadiuks, to double them. The Strynadiuks’ home museum offers dozens of collections of ceramics and paintings (including 3D paintings) by Mykola Strynadiuk. Mykola’s workshop itself is closed to guests. However communicating with the interesting family, viewing the unique works of art they create and the stories associated with them compensate for the feeling of the unknown. Return to the manor house “U Liulky”. Dinner with the hosts. The Liulkas are a family of artists who will share their thoughts on the art world of Kosiv district. Free time.

DAY 3. Old and New Lizhnykarstvo (the craft of making lizhnyks – thick woolen mostly patterned-woven plaid rugs)

Breakfast and checking-out from the manor house. An excursion to the showroom “Gushka”. A walk to “Gushka” is a discovery of the Hutsul culture of weaving in a modern interpretation. Get acquainted with the process of making a traditional remedy, an object of warming up in winter and of decorating rooms. Viewing the collections of modern lizhnyks created on traditional looms. Each of the collectibles is for sale. There is a separate photo zone for Instagram sessions. Moving to the centre of lizhnykarstvo – the village of Yavoriv. Visit Svitlana Pavliuk’s manor house. Lunch. The hostess will demonstrate the elements of the process of creating a lizhnyk and will show you her own valylo (a fulling place), created by analogy with the traditional one. Unlike the ancient Hutsul authentic ones, this valylo is of a closed type, more advanced, it allows to process up to 12 lizhnyks at a time. Bathe in the valylo with nettles. Warm up with Carpathian tea or other homemade drinks. Returning home.

Artistic Kosiv