Chado

Create Art and Tea recently had the pleasure of housing a series of two Matcha tea demonstrations. Attending the event first hand was both an honor and a pleasant surprise. Before attending, I used my Sherlock-like detective skills and googled matcha ceremonies in hopes of gaining an understanding of what I would be getting myself into. Nothing could have prepared me for the sense of connection, honesty, and respect experienced here. Our small intimate group gathered around our sensei, who wore traditional Japanese tea ceremony attire. Behind her was a table with all that is necessary for a tea ceremony. Every item there had a significant role in the process of Chado. As the evening progressed, we shared details about our lives, learned the history and intricacies of matcha ceremonies, and of course, enjoyed a cup of tea. Our sensei shared stories of the origins and importance of tea ceremonies. Followed by the opportunity to make our own tea, for which I was completely unprepared. The hands-on experience was elating. Learning the steps involved in making and serving the tea was both relaxing and meditative. As I whisked my tea methodically, watching the green liquid move around the bowl and breathing in the distinct aroma of the Matcha the world around me dissolved. I had a moment of complete clarity and calmness. For me, this night was full of moments like this one. At times I had the feeling that I had heard exactly what I needed to hear. In other moments, I noticed the importance and value of each person in the room. Which is hard to do in the age of social media. Instead of trying to capture my experience and to document how much fun I was having. I turned my phone off, slowed down, and shared a real experience with the people around me. Perhaps that is the magic of a tea ceremony. I can’t say that you will have the same experience as I did, but I can say that going to a matcha demonstration is well worth it.

High Tea

It was a midsummer afternoon at the end of July at Create Art and Tea, on Main Ave in Durango Colorado, the breeze softly blew through the open door as the excited guests arrived. As you stepped off the bustling sidewalk and into the inviting gallery, the aroma of tea and pastries filled the air. You were greeted with a warm welcome and a choice of a fancy hat (if you didn’t bring your own). Guests made their way up the stairs to the loft, where a table was beautifully set. The sandwiches and pastries were made by, local chef, Amoun Kirk. The tea was brewed, in-house, by Caprice Fox, the owner of the gallery, and the hostess of this event. The small, intimate group Gathered around the table to enjoy the spread, each other’s company, and of course, tea. Sounds of laughter and light-hearted conversation trickled down to the lower half of the gallery as curious customers gazed up at the group above. It truly was the perfect afternoon for High Tea.