Donata Kaczocha is a master of embroidery, lace-making, and traditional bonnet-making (czepkarstwo), crafts deeply rooted in the heritage of Southern Greater Poland.

Her journey began from a practical need: obtaining authentic bonnets for the “Głogowianie” Folk Dance Ensemble, where she performs. This led her to participate in intensive, multi-year courses organized by the Center for Culture and Art in Kalisz. Between 2017 and 2020, Donata apprenticed under three legendary masters: Stanisława Kowalska (bonnet-making), Zofia Talarowska (Golina embroidery/snutka), and Eugenia Wieczorek (shuttle lace/tatting).

Under their guidance, she not only mastered technical skills but also learned the strict ethnographic guidelines for traditional patterns. Today, while respecting these traditions, she also designs her own original patterns.

Beyond creating, Donata is a passionate educator. She leads workshops in English embroidery and snutka golińska in Lewków and has twice spearheaded the “Master of Tradition” project, focusing on the richness of Greater Poland’s embroidery and the specific bonnets of the Ostrów region.

At her stall, visitors can find exquisite examples of snutka golińska and tatting (shuttle lace) in various forms.

A member of the Association of Folk Artists, Donata was awarded the Culture Laurel of the Ostrów Starosta in 2022 for her work in providing authentic bonnets for folk ensembles.

The significance of her craft was officially recognized in 2022, when Snutka golińska—the embroidery of Southern Greater Poland—was inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.  

Contact e-mail: donatakaczocha@gmail.com