Member artists Robin L. and Sarah S. enjoying the interactive fiber exhibit at the Arts Center.

The Hooker Tea Company Presents:
Tea Inspired Art

A tea-rific collaboration between The Hooker Tea Company and Creative Clay

Opening Reception May 23, 2008 at the Hooker Tea Company

“The Hooker Tea Company’s Co-Owner Kendra Rodriquez and Creative Clay’s accomplished staff and member artists have joined their love for tea and artistic talents to create very unique tea inspired artwork,” said Alicia Loomis, Creative Clay curator. “Member artists will be displaying both their individual tea inspired artwork and a group mandala that features the essence of the tea experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see great artwork, enjoy a cup of tea, and witness the unveiling of a new Chari-tea, a special blend of tea that will benefit Creative Clay.”
The public is invited to the opening reception of Tea Inspired Art at The Hooker Tea Company May 23rd, 6-9pm.

Kendra Rodriquez, The Hooker Tea Company’s Co- Owner states, “We offer over 100 varieties of premium loose tea from around the world. Once you visit, you will see that the atmosphere in our store is very relaxing and scenic. Our staff is friendly and our customer service is excellent. Tea is the new coffee and we’ll get you hooked”. The Hooker Tea Company is located at 300 Beach Drive, Suite 124, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701. For more information visit www.hookertea.com or call 727-894-4832.

The Tea Garden by Creative Clay artist Arthur S.

Carolyn R.

Thor B.

Michael R.

On Wednesday, March 19, five Creative Clay Member Artists along with two staff members and four Eckerd College students, embarked on a unique trek that began at Fort Desoto Park and ended on Eckerd College soil. The journey: Create Environmental Art!

Environmental Art is eco-friendly art created from nature that does not posses any unnatural elements, giving cause to preserve earth’s natural ecosystem.

A very tough task to read on paper, however this task was greatly executed with the fullest and highest respect for the laws in the subject of environmental art. One Eckerd Student was paired with one Creative Clay Member Artist and was given the duty to create an environmental art piece at Fort Desoto Park using only available/found natural elements. One team created sand portraits, another team created a movable horticulture installation and two teams created music using found sticks/rocks/palm tree leaves on the surrounding environment. It was truly a remarkable learning experience for all the Creative Clay staff, Creative Clay Member Artists, and Eckerd Students. Art isn’t only paint on canvas or wooden sticks to a drum or fired clay on a shelf; it exists in nature. This experiment has opened new possibilities and processes to both young and established artists, giving way to a prism haloed present for a golden-GREEN horizon in the future.

Steve, Kim, and John sketching the Eckerd College sailing class.

From left to right: Guest artist Jody Bikoff, member artists Sheryl, Gina, and Michael, guest artist Charlie Bachmann, member artists Yalanda, John and Stephanie.

Member artist Stephanie makes sure the Publix grocery store exhibit is clean for the children. Creative Clay volunteers at Great Explorations every Monday afternoon.

Member artists Robin (above), Carolyn, and Dolores helped to hang a Creative Clay art show at the main branch of the St. Petersburg Public Library on 3745 9th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Come check out our three display cases and hanging artwork!