If you haven’t checked out the Gardiner Museum it’s definitely worth a look, either by web or in person.
They’ve got quite the collection of historic ceramics including:
Ancient Americas
Chinese Porcelain
English Delftware
English Porcelain
European Porcelain
Italian Renaissance Maiolica
Japanese Porcelain & Its Influence
Modern & Contemporary Ceramics
They also host artist talks, have an extensive research library, teach classes, you name it.
Here’s a listing of some upcoming lectures:
Lecture: Fantasy or Fact? Images of Chinese Domestic Life in Qing Dynasty Export Art
Sept 11, 2007, 6pm
Using examples from the Made in China exhibition, the Gardiner’s new Curator, Charles Mason, will explore the portrayal of Chinese domestic life in Qing-dynasty export art. Mason will look at ceramics, paintings, enamel wares and figural carvings made for western buyers who viewed life in China as exotic. The mix of fact and fantasy in these images make them both valuable and challenging for historians to use and are only now receiving the scholarly attention they deserve.
From the Ground Up: Nurturing the Art of Sustainable Living
Inaugural Annual Lecture
Tues Sept 25, 2007, 6 pm, doors open at 5:30pm
Don’t miss a lively discussion between urban chef Jamie Kennedy, innkeeper Sinclair Philip of the world-renowned Sooke Harbour House on Vancouver Island, and farmer-chef Michael Stadtlander of Ontario’s Eigensinn Farm on the issues affecting the safety and sustainability of our food supply. Pioneers in the food sustainability movement, Kennedy, Philip and Stadtlander have all successfully incorporated sustainable food practices into their businesses. This is a rare opportunity to hear about their experiences and perspectives and for you to talk with these experts. Moderated by Lori Stahlbrand, founder of Local Flavour Plus and author of the best-selling book Real Food for a Change.
