May 5 – June 10

Opening Reception Saturday, May 5 5-7pm

Traditional Tea Ceremonies, May 6 at 1pm and at 2pm

Participating Artists:

Tom ODell

Donna Knight

Lois Hirshberg

Denny Howard

Hollis Engley

Jean Mangiafico

Ruth Bleakley

Hope Grossman

Paul Wisotzky

Sara Ringler

Andrea Favret

Richard Johnson

Tom OConnell

Yukimi Matsumoto

Yoko Kawashima Watkins

Ko Kawashima Patten

A Taste of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony, or Cha-no-yu, meaning “hot water for tea”, is is a special event in Japanese Culture. It is an interlude in which one leads oneself for the moment to the spirit of beauty, and quietude. It’s a way to detach from the daily routine and to attain inner peace. To help people turn away from the hustle and bustle of the world around us and to reach serenity, to feel that everything in the universe in it’s unity with the whole

There are 4 principles: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.  Every aspect of the ritual is aesthetics.  Everything from the utensils used, the environment of the tea room, the actual making of the tea, have a specific purpose in creating an atmosphere that teaches us to see the beauty in the ordinary, simple and small things. The tea ceremony itself is an art form that uses a whole spectrum of Japanese culture: architecture, ceramics, brush painting, textiles, flower arranging, and  more.

On May 6 at 1pm and again at 2pm Yoko Kawashima Watkins will be demonstrating how a traditional tea ceremony is performed.  The Japanese Tea Ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a ritual involving ceremonial preparation and presentation of a powdered green tea, matcha.  There are specific utensils that are used, as well as movements and handling of the utensils.  Admission $10

In this exhibit, we have asked several artists to create images and forms that show how they have been influenced by the Japanese aesthetic. There will be traditional as well as non-traditional arts that will be represented.

Come experience the essence of the Japanese Culture through this ancient tradition introduced from China to Japan 700 years ago, when Zen Monks started to develop this art form.

Also in the galleries: Portraits – An Open Call Juried Exhibition

The first of three juried exhibits.  The subject is portraits and the work submitted will be juried by Jon Friedman and Maggie Van Sciver

July 28 – September 2

Opening Reception Saturday, July 28 5-7 pm

The Big Picture will be an  open juried photography exhibit, specifically showing works that are 24″ x 30″ or larger. Photographs from all over the country will be evaluated and the jury will choose the best collection for this exciting new exhibit.

September 8 – October 13

Opening Reception Saturday, September 8 5-7pm

This exhibit will serve as the backdrop for thematic programming at the Center during the show.  Theatrical productions of all male and all female casts will run concurrently and there will be male vs. female poetry slams.  All in good fun, of course!

“People and things are in a never-ending condition of pulling together and breaking apart and I have tried in my work to reflect some element of that continual state of flux.” – Richard Neal.

“Memories and imaginings are the driving forces behind my work. I’m interested in  the connection between what we see and what we invent in our minds.  If I’m the creator of my imagined world then why not be the inventor of my waking days. “ – Jackie Reeves

October 17 – November 17

Opening Reception Saturday, October 20 5-7 pm

While this work explores the mystery of natural phenomena, it communicates a vastness of air, water and space that suggests something is going to happen, or has just happened. Few elements are solid. Most are fugitive, completely contrived yet completely believable. The imposing shapes suggest an infinity which is both elegant and overwhelming, and though one might lose a sense of equilibrium, this is my personal experiment after all.

I think of my work as a traveling experience, the destination of which is a place that transcends ordinary visual experience, a place that I believe in and am awed by. I rarely know how a piece will end up and I don’t want to, though I trust that I will learn as I go.  – Jennifer Day

Shades of Grey – Open Juried Exhibition

The third of four juried exhibits.  Painter Jennifer Day will serve as the juror for this show.

November 21 – December 30

Opening Reception Saturday, December 1 5-7 pm

This is one of our favorite annual exhibits in the galleries. During the festive holiday period, we invite our members, students and teachers to display work at the Center. It’s our way of saying thanks to all the visual artists who support the Center through their memberships and through participation in our classes.

This exhibit illustrates one of the benefits of membership at Cotuit Center for the Arts. We are thrilled to fill our walls with work exemplifying the many talented visual artists we call our family.

Inspired by Wonka

Food and chocolate inspired by Willy Wonka will be the focus of this final open call juried exhibit for the year.

October 27 8:00pm

One of the best masquerade balls on Cape Cod, this party, now in it’s 12^th year, features great music, bone-chilling refreshments, beer, wine and a scary-tini and costume prizes.  “Only the DEAD may enter without a costume!  Best of all, it’s only $10 to get in!