Marj Nejdl learned to decorate eggs in the traditional Czech style at an early age. Continuing the tradition was important because Nejdl knew egg decorating was a skill that had been passed down for more than 2,000 years. Nejdl was also a natural-born artist. She studied commercial art in Chicago before beginning her family. Beyond her work with egg decorating, she has kept busy over the years with various art forms including painting folk scenes on a variety of media including wood, ceramics, and stationery. She also illustrated many books published by the Museum Guild of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and designs an annual Christmas ornament for the Museum Store.

The exhibit features examples of Nejdl’s folk art including decorated eggs, a quirky birdhouse, aprons, book illustrations, paintings and Christmas ornaments.

Support is provided by: Betterlife, CRST, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Cedar Rapids Hotel Motel Tax, Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.