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IN ONE CHAWAN & TEA RITUAL - MAY 2025

Culture Cloths - Ind Skirts - by Isorine Marc5.jpeg
DISCOVERING
Tuesday
7 pm
Culture Conversations

IN ONE CHAWAN & TEA RITUAL

May 2025

May 13, 2025

Lead Artist: Heidi Chan

Slow down and savour the moment at Culture Cloths: In One Chawan, a tea gathering and conversation space led by tea practitioner and ceramic artist Helen Kong, with guest artist Heidi Chan and moderator Sabrine S. Hakam. Rooted in the theme "Small & Mighty," this workshop invites you to experience the simple yet profound act of making and drinking tea as a gateway to deeper reflection, connection, and presence.


In this hands-on gathering, you will participate in a traditional "grandfather" style tea ritual, selecting your own chawan (tea bowl), choosing tea leaves, and steeping tea at your own pace. As you watch the leaves unfurl and savour each sip, you will explore the rich history of the vessels, the origin of the teas, and your own reflections. Participants will have the chance to write and share thoughts, connecting the personal and communal experience of tea.


Helen Kong, founder of Secret Teatime in Scarborough, brings years of experience as a ceramic artist and tea practitioner, blending artistry, mindfulness, and tradition into every cup.


All are welcome, and no prior experience with tea ceremonies is needed. Non-caffeinated options will be available.


For those who want to take their experience further and share reflections, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on May 24, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey.


Spots are limited, so be sure to register today!


This Tuesday Discovering - Culture Cloths: In One Chawan workshop is part of Jamii's May cycle, guided by lead artist Heidi Chan, and centred around the theme of Small & Mighty. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing, singing, and creative writing, we will reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of Small & Mighty, finding the joy and value in doing one thing, but doing it well by slowing down and zooming in.” - Heidi Chan.

Photos by Afnan Yakot

Helen Kong


Helen Kong is an ongoing tea student/practitioner, ceramic artist, facilitator, and organizer of collaborative projects. She owns and facilitates Secret Teatime, a clay maker studio hidden in Scarborough where she and members play with clay and sip tea. She specializes in making tea vessels for ritual, daily life, and to enhance the multi sensory experience of tea. Tea (it’s philosophy, history, and daily practice) has helped Helen cope with her ongoing challenges with depression and anxiety. The practice of deep connection and reflection helps ground her and brings a sense of inner peace into her world.

Photo Credit: Unknown

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