‘Foundling’ Tea Ceremony

Committed to creating “healing work through the energy of [her] stitches”, Michele Karch-Ackerman’s solo exhibition 'Foundling' is a gift of acknowledgement and prayer for unwed mothers who were forced to give up their infants between the 1920s to 1960s in homes and institutions across Canada.  

An integral part of this exhibition involves the performance of tea ceremonies, conducted in silent memoriam to these unwed mothers and the infants they gave up. Five participants will be invited to sit at the 'tea tables' and drink blessed tea from one of the long line of vintage teacups. Listen to the story that inspired the exhibition and have a quiet moment to meditate and honour the girls 'who went away'. These domestic rituals will take place every Friday at 12:15 p.m. from March 28th to May 9th (excluding Good Friday, April 18th). Each ceremony will last roughly fifteen minutes.

If you are interested in participating in a tea ceremony, please contact jessica.vellenga@yac.ca. Participation will be determined on a first come first serve basis. Evening ceremonies will be organized if there is public interest.