MAD POTTERS' TEA PARTY

Through the years, Tomé Gallery has featured various potters and types of pottery. This year we are focusing on a theme: tea. We'll have all kinds of tea...sweet tea, green tea, white tea, red tea, you name it, we've got it!

Our potters are busy making teapots , cups and mugs, sugars and creamers, pitchers, tea bowls, 3-tier plates and platters, tea bag holders, tea caddies and canisters, tea cozies, etc., etc.

In addition to the exciting show, there are several unusual events that will delight the whole family.

The opening reception on Sunday, May 4th will feature a sumptuous high tea with free refreshments such as scones, tea cakes, and strawberries and cream.

Nancy Deas will repeat her highly successful demonstration of horsehair firing on terra sigillata pots. The first 20 visitors will have a chance to apply horsehair to pots that Nancy prepares ahead of time and then you can take the pots home with you!

The closing reception on Sunday, May 25th will feature an abridged traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstrated by Dr. Tara Cunnings and Yayoi Tanida of Albuquerque, with an opportunity to ask questions. We are delighted to have both Dr. Cunnings and Ms. Tanida share this amazing ritual with us.

'In the Japanese tradition of the tea ceremony there are four precepts that are incorporated into the ritual of tea: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. In this context, the simple act of sharing tea creates a microcosm through which the energies of daily life can be transformed, focusing the entire moment into one of complete concentration, awareness and appreciation.'

Joan Prokopiak and Rob Drexel will demonstrate Japanese raku firing. Unglazed tea bowls made by our potters will be available for our visitors to glaze and fire, and also take home.

MAD POTTERS' TEA PARTY
Annual pottery show at the Tomé Gallery
May 2 through May 25, 2008
Opening reception: Sunday May 4, 2008, 2-4 PM
High Tea and horsehair firing

Closing reception: Sunday May 25, 2008, 2-4 PM
Japanese tea ceremony and raku firing