Camellia Teas of Ottawa

NEW WEBSITE!

2008-04-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

Camellia Teas of Ottawa is pleased to introduce you to our new website:

http://www.camelliateas.net/

Visit us at CamelliaTeas.net for updated information on our Group!

Best regards,

Rebecca Cragg
Founder, Camellia Teas of Ottawa
"Experience the Tranquility"
http://www.camelliateas.net/
info[at]camelliateas.net

Next Camellia Tea: October 14, 2007

2007-09-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Photo: Tsubaki-an, the new Camellia Teas of Ottawa Tearoom.

Sunday, October 14th, 2007

As we move indoors to our Winter and Summer Tearooms, Camellia Guests will enjoy Tea of two Tea schools. Tea reservations are ongoing and we offer sittings at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 as usual.

TEA RESERVATIONS:

Tea sittings fill quickly, so email info@camelliateas.net to reserve your place. Upon confirmation, directions to our Mooney's Bay location will be sent. Please specify if you require seating on the bench, or whether it is possible to kneel on the tatami.

ART EXHIBITION:

Photographer Dr. Paul R. Benoit, Haiku Poet Terry Ann Carter and Calligrapher Peter V. Quenter join us in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery for reflections on Canada's seasons.

WORKSHOPS: Haiku and Painting!

Award-winning Haiku poet, Ms. Terry Ann Carter also joins with a workshop on this Japanese poetic form on Saturday, October 13th from 1:00 - 3:00 and again on Sunday, October 14th from 1:00 - 3:00. Each class costs $10 per student, with a minimum of 10 students required for the course.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Calligrapher Peter Quenter will offer brush workshops from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Contact info[at]exploringculture.net to reserve for these events. *Workshops fill quickly and are limited to 10 participants each with a cost of $10 per student).

Summer Evening Tea: August 14th, 2007

2007-08-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

TSUBAKI-AN is Open!

After several months, our new Tea House, outdoors in the Zen Garden at Camellia House, received its first guests on Tuesday evening, August 14th, 2007. (photo at right of Tsubaki-an)

Our next Camellia Tea will be on Saturday, October 13th, 2007. Reservations for the October 13th Tea are currently underway.

For those interested in holding a Private Tea, Camellia Teas of Ottawa can design an afternoon or evening for you and your guests.
For more information, contact us at info[at]camelliateas.net

Tsubaki-an, (Tsubaki = Camellia; An is the designation given to Tea Houses in the Japanese language) was built with the assistance of a wonderful Team including:

Main builder: Mr. Yousef Ghasemi of North Renovations
Designer: Mrs. Rebecca Cragg
Financers: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cragg

Door hanging: Mr. Will Bruce, Mr. Matthew Cragg (main door), Mr. Yousef Ghasemi, Mrs. Rebecca Cragg (sliding door)
Balcony: Mr. Mehrdad and Mr. Yousef Ghasemi (construction), Mrs. Rebecca Cragg (sanding)
Painting: Mr. Yousef Ghasemi, Mr. Matthew Cragg (exterior), Mrs. Rebecca Cragg (interior)
Interior Framing: Mr. Yousef Ghasemi, Mrs. Rebecca Cragg
Ceiling Installation: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cragg and Mr. Jawaid Ismail (bamboo finishing)
Roofing: Mr. Yousef Ghasemi (roof extention and shingling), Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cragg (decorative thatch)
Tatami installation and interior trim: Mrs. Rebecca Cragg
Moon Window: Mr. Yousef Ghasemi (cutting/glass), Mrs. Rebecca Cragg (decorative bamboo)
Interior Window framing: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cragg

Next Camellia Tea: June 2 - 3, 2007

2007-05-23T23:43:00.000-05:00

Saturday and Sunday, June 2 - 3, 2007

The Camellia Team has had a very busy May with our Temae (hosts) working at the Tulip Festival's Japanese Pavilion, and Founder on Asian Heritage Month, so this June Tea will be the final Tea until October, when we reopen after renovations on Camellia House.

We look forward to NODATE (weather permitting) of the summer Season!
(The Nodate is an outdoor Tea Ceremony).

TEA SITTINGS (send an email to info[at]camelliateas.net to register)

SATURDAY afternoon, JUNE 2, 2007 at:

2:00 - TEA CEREMONY

ALSO at 2:00 - ORIGAMI WORKSHOP
To register, send an email to info[at]camelliateas.net
We will collect $10 to give to the Origami instructor to cover the costs of the imported Japanese papers which participants will use to create their art (and bring home).

3:30 - TEA CEREMONY
5:00 - TEA CEREMONY

***SPECIAL TEA LECTURE from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: details to be announced soon!***

SUNDAY afternoon, JUNE 3, 2007 at:

2:00 - TEA CEREMONY
3:30 - TEA CEREMONY

**SPECIAL TEA LECTURE from 5:00 - 7:00 pm: The Tea and Culture of Tibet, with a tasting of traditional butter Tea with Ms. Carrie Olivo. To reserve your place at this event, send a message to info[at]camelliateas.net by Friday, June 1.
We will collect contributions of $5 per attendee for the speaker's honorarium and materials.

Once your reservation is confirmed, directions will be sent to you.

If you would prefer to sit on a bench rather than kneel on tatami, please do let us know and we can make arrangements accordingly. We accept a $5 charge for the cost of sweets, brochure and Tea.

GRAND OPENING: The SSAG welcomes any and all to view the Zen White Garden and the works of our signature artist, Mr. Hans Blokpoel with a large installation piece entitled: "Sacred Circles: Releasing the Spirits".

This facinating abstract sculptor will work alongside the talented IKEBANA practitioners in the Ottawa area who will produce works in the same containers as the sculptor, and on the same theme. Those interested in participating in the Ikebana exhibition should send an email to steppingstonesartgallery[at]yahoo.ca to register.

March 31 - April 1 TEA & EVENTS: Fully Booked!

2007-03-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

Next Camellia Tea: March 31 April 1, 2007

2007-03-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

CAMELLIA TEAS of OTTAWA!
Spring Sakura Tea
March 31, April 1

This month we feature:

Tea, Workshops in Knot-tying '& Calligraphy and Moroccan Cooking Class!

UPDATED MARCH 25:
Saturday, March 31: Sitting at 3:30 (5 spaces remaining)
(Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 are already fully booked)

Sunday, April 1: Sitting at 3:30 (4 spaces remaining)
(Sunday at 2:00 is fully booked)

Spring is in the air! We are delighted to welcome guests back to Camellia House after a short winter, full of sunshine! Come and experience the tranquility of the Winter and Summer Tearooms with hosts from 5 different schools of Tea.
To reserve your place, send an email with preferred time to info@camelliateas.net

NEW WEBSITES! We are in the process of building sites and appreciate your patience..
Have a peek here!
www.camelliateas.net
www.steppingstonesgallery.net
www.exploringculture.net

IN STEPPING STONES ART GALLERY

WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 31, 2007
From 2:00 - 4:00

On Saturday Afternoon, Ms. Samantha Lee will be in the gallery to help us create intricate Asian knots that are commonly made throughout East Asia.
Ms. Lee will bring materials for you to try! Advanced registration for this event is required as it takes an hour or more to create these incredible knots. Send email to Rebecca at info@camelliateas.net to register for this event.

UPDATE March 25: ONLY 4 SPACES REMAINING
Saturday, March 31, 2007
EXPLORING CULTURE NETWORK RECEPTION (www.exploringculture.net)
March 20: Thank you for your interest,
this event is currently fully booked.
SCHEDULE:
7:00 - Potluck Dinner from Exploring Culture Members (recipes to be featured in the Exploring Culture Cookbook, released in January 2008)
Evening Entertainment from 8:00 pm
1. Mr. William Bruce with a short presentation on Investment Tips
2. Mr. Farahi, Iranian Opera Star will delight with three arias

SUNDAY, April 1, 2007
PERSIAN CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Experience the Calligraphy of Persia!
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
March 25: ONLY 4 SPACES REMAINING
Join us for a pre-tea Calligraphy experience with Master Farahi, Calligrapher from Persia in the Gallery from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm! Register early for this event as spaces are limited to 10 guests. Email Mr. Matthew Cragg at info@steppingstonesgallery.net to reserve your place!

APRIL 1, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Cuisine of Morocco with Professor Ming Tiampo!

UPDATE: only 9 spaces remaining - info@steppingstonesgallery.net to register.

Join us for a delightful afternoon of cooking and sampling the savoury couscous of Morocco!

February 3-4 Next Tea!

2007-01-30T15:20:00.000-06:00

Join us for a Special February Tea
Saturday and Sunday, February 3 - 4, 2007

SATURDAY, February 3, 2007
Sittings at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00

SUNDAY, February 4, 2007
Sittings at 2:00 and 3:30

Come and enjoy the Winter and Summer Tearooms with the Teas of Urasenke, Omote and Omote-Sei-Ha schools. Both have benches for those who prefer, and we will have plenty of room on the tatami for those who enjoy kneeling. This month we're delighted to announce the completion of our Mizuya (Tea Kitchen) thanks to the help of Mr. Yousef Ghasemi.

For more information on reservations, read below.

The Stepping Stones Art Gallery presents:
This month, our Tea Guests will enjoy the Abstract oil paintings of YANOOK (aka Yannick Fleury) who works on a theme inspired by Japan.

We thank The Preston Catalogue for its support of this exhibition.
http://prestoncatalogue.com/

For more on ART EXHIBITS, visit the Stepping Stones Art Gallery
http://steppingstonesart.blogspot.com/

RESERVATIONS FOR TEA:
mail to: ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca

Teas will be at our usual times: 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 (on Saturday, on Sunday, 2:00 and 3:30 only)

Send an email to ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca
Once your reservation is confirmed by email, directions will be sent to you.
No training, or materials are needed.

A $5.00 charge (per person) covers sweets, tea, brochures and admission to the Gallery and Children are welcome to attend our Camellia Teas.

Location: Once your reservation is confirmed, directions will be sent to you.
Attire: Comfortable pants for men; long (past knees) skirt for women (as they are more comfortable when kneeling; pants are of course welcome if preferred).
Clean white socks are also needed to enter the tea room (to protect the delicate tatami mats). No jeans please (these too can damage the tatami as they are rougher).

2007 Media Interview

2007-01-30T15:03:00.000-06:00

2007 MEDIA INTERVIEWS
WITH CAMELLIA TEAS

January 30, 2007 (11:40 am)

Daytime show hosts Terrilynn Radar and Derick Fage (Rogers TV - Cable 22) Interviews Rebecca Benoit about the Japanese Tea Ceremony and local Tea events. Visit: www.rogerstelevision.com/ and search for Daytime for more information.

January 29, 2007 (1:00 pm)
Aired on CBC TV's Living in Ottawa, the 4-minute segment done in May 2006 for Ottawa Asian Heritage Month was shown again. Click on the link below to view the segment (link will expire)

http://www.cbc.ca/livinginottawa/?page=segment&sid=530

Tea Report: January 13 - 14, 2007

2007-01-19T10:34:00.000-06:00

Camellia Teas of Ottawa:

EVENT REPORT FOR:

Saturday - Sunday, January 13-14, 2007

(2:00 - 6:00 pm)

On January 13-14, we celebrated the beginning of the New Year with a Kimono demonstration and tea for 54 guests over the weekend!

Over the course of the weekend, we held sittings of Tea at 2:00 and 5:00 in the Winter and Summer Tearooms. In the mid-afternoon, we invited guests to try on kimono from the Camellia Collection. Those who did went to Tea at 5:00 in kimono! This was such a popular event that we are sure to repeat it at least once or twice a year.

· January 13 (Saturday) Tea Photos here

· January 14 (Sunday) Tea Photos here

In the STEPPING STONES ART GALLERY
The Obi Exhibition “Walls of Gold and Silk” featured over two dozen gorgeous kimono sashes from the Camellia Teas of Ottawa private collection. Ms. Michiko Mizuno (Sagami School of Kimono dressing) and Ms. Yuki Kurimoto (a high-level kimono dresser) spent nearly 3 hours preparing five knots in the gallery.

To read the Exhibition Brochure and see this beautiful collection, click on the link below.

· Walls of Gold and Silk in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery

New Additions at Camellia House!

The MIZUYA (Tea kitchen)
Behind the scenes, our volunteer Camellia staff delighted in the renovations of the new Mizuya (Tea kitchen) which made preparing Tea for guests even easier than before. We have come a long way! In November of 2005, the main TEMAE (hosts) had to make all the Tea for guests in the Tearoom (a challenge as the cast-iron kettles have only so much water). By January 2006 we were preparing Tea in the mizuya, but needed to perfect our timing. Having a proper Tea kitchen, with ample counter space for the preparing of sweets, the cleaning and drying of CHAWAN (tea bowls) makes the job of taking care of our guests so much easier.

The TSUBO-NIWA (pocket/mini-Zen garden)
Each month, we enjoy surprising guests with a little change or addition at Camellia House. This month’s project was the mini-Zen garden! With rocks from Home Depot and from around our property, Camellia founder created this echo of the outdoors in an unused closet. Tranquility corners like this add so much to our homes! Likely we all have a little closet we could make use of in this way!

Thank you to all who helped to make this such a special event!

Next Camellia Tea: January 13-14, 2007

2006-12-05T20:23:00.000-06:00

2007

Join us for HATSUGAMA: The First Tea of the New Year!
NEXT Camellia Tea Ceremony:

Saturday, January 13 and

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Sittings both days at 2:00 and 5:00 pm (for reservations, read below for contact information).

BOOKING UPDATE: (Saturday, January 6th: Saturday at 5:00 is now full. For those interested in attending on Saturday, there are 5 places remaining at 2:00 and Sunday at 5:00 is still open.

(Photo at right: handpainted candle by Majka Broulik; Handmade card in frame by Mrs. Naomi Tarahara).

Come and enjoy the Winter and Summer Tearooms with the Teas of Urasenke, Omote and Omote-Sei-Ha schools. Both have benches for those who prefer, and we will have plenty of room on the tatami for those who enjoy kneeling.

Hatsugama: The first Tea of the New Year is always an important ceremony. At Camellia House, we will begin 2007 by offering our guests the experience of the CHAJI (Tea for guests who have visited the House at least 5 times) and the CHAKAI (The Tea Ceremony for those who are taking Tea for the first few times).

We are delighted to begin offering KOICHA, the thick, or shared Tea to our experienced guests.

ART EXHIBITS: Stepping Stones Art Gallery

http://steppingstonesart.blogspot.com/

Obi (Kimono Sash) Exhibit: Walls of Gold and Silk – the Beauty of the Japanese Obi

A Collection of antique silk sashes from Japan (permanent collection of the SSAG) Workshop: This month will also feature dressing demonstrations for those who are intrigued by the Japanese Kimono. Do you have a kimono? Unsure of how to wear it? Bring it along and we’ll assist you in dressing.

Ceramic Exhibit:

JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY BOWLS

Due to popular demand at the December Tea, the exhibition of Original Tea Ceremony Bowls crafted local potter, Carrie Lynn Leavoy (http://mudpiespottery.ca/) and hand-painted painted by Rebecca Benoit will also be on sale for a modest price.

Each bowl was hand-crafted for Camellia Teas of Ottawa over a 3-week period in November, 2006.

RESERVATIONS FOR TEA: ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca Teas will be at our usual times: 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00.

Send an email to ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca Once your reservation is confirmed by email, directions will be sent to you.

No training, or materials are needed.

A $5.00 charge (per person) covers sweets, tea, brochures and admission to the Gallery and Children are welcome to attend our Camellia Teas.

Location: Once your reservation is confirmed, directions will be sent to you.

Attire: Comfortable pants for men; long (past knees) skirt for women (as they are more comfortable when kneeling; pants are of course welcome if preferred). Clean white socks are also needed to enter the tea room. No jeans please.

Nov. 18 - 19, 2006: CMC Children's Museum Tea

2006-11-16T15:49:00.000-06:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For immediate release

Celebrate Japanese culture at the Canadian Children’s Museum

Gatineau, Quebec, November 9, 2006 — The Canadian Children’s Museum, located in the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC), is taking part in the Japanese festivities held throughout the month of November at the CMC.

On the weekend of November 18 and 19, join in the fun by building your own carp-shaped kite, sampling tea made during a traditional tea ceremony led by Camellia Teas of Ottawa, and have your name written in Japanese katakana. These activities will be ongoing throughout the weekend. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Passport to Japan
Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, 2006
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bilingual)
In the Canadian Children’s Museum
Free with Museum admission
In partnership with the Embassy of Japan

More information is available at www.civilization.ca
or by calling (819) 776-7000 or 1 800 555-5621.
Information (media):
Anouk Hoedeman
Chief, Media Relations
Tel.: 819 776-7167
anouk.hoedeman@civilization.ca

Melissa Hart
Media Relations Officer
Tel.: 819 776-7169
melissa.hart@civilization.ca

Melissa Hart
Relationniste auprès des médias/Media Relations Officer
Affaires publiques et Édition/Public Affairs and Publishing
Musée canadien des civilisations/Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tél/Tel: (819) 776-7169 Téléc/Fax: (819) 776-7187
melissa.hart@civilisations.ca

Next Camellia Tea: December 2-3, 2006

2006-11-07T14:41:00.000-06:00

NEXT Camellia Tea Ceremony:
ARTS and CRAFT SALE!
Saturday, December 2 and
Sunday, December 3, 2006

Sittings both days at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 pm (for reservations, read below for contact information)

Come and enjoy the Winter and Summer Tearooms with the Teas of Urasenke, Omote and Omote-Sei-Ha schools as we close the 2006 season with a flourish! Both have benches for those who prefer, and we will have plenty of room on the tatami for those who enjoy kneeling.

Join us for this exciting end-of-year Tea! Our Camellia Members will all be dressed in special kimono to celebrate the closing of 2006.

ART EXHIBITS: Stepping Stone Art Gallery
Painting Exhibit: OILS AND WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPES OF JAPAN
Landscape of Hokkaido, Japan (permanent collection of the SSAG)
Beautiful oils and watercolours by Jeremie Bouchard (http://jeremiebouchard.com/) will be on display in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery (SSAG: http://steppingstonesart.blogspot.com/).

Ceramic Exhibit: JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY BOWLS
Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Over 40 Original Tea Ceremony Bowls crafted local potter, Carrie Lynn Leavoy of Mudpies Pottery (http://mudpiespottery.ca/) and hand-painted painted by Rebecca Benoit will also be on sale for a modest price.

Photography Exhibit by Tracey Pitman
In the SSAG Mezzanine, an exhibit by Tracey Pitman of Snapkat Photography will be on display. Over 20 of her poster prints and a variety of cards will be on sale.

See more of Tracey's work at: www.snapkatphotography.com

CRAFT SALE AND CARD WORKSHOP:
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Originally from Mongolian heritage, Anna Indra Fleming inherited her artistic passion from her grandfather, an accomplished artist, sculptor and scholar.

Inspired by Asian motifs and design, her unique hand-made greeting cards are an inspiration for any occasion. Her works will be on sale in the Mezzanine Craft Shop, along with Origami Artist Ms. Hiromi Iwamoto!
Ms. Fleming's use of Washi paper adds vibrant color and texture to her cards. She reveals a bit of herself in each of her creations, reflecting the fusion of her Asian descent and Canadian upbringing.

To see examples of Anna’s work, visit: http://ca.msnusers.com/CreationsIndra/shoebox.msnw

Join us for a WORKSHOP with Anna in the afternoon of Sunday, December 3rd! Contact ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca for more information.

RESERVATIONS FOR TEA: ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca

Teas will be at our usual times: 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00.
Send an email to ottawatea[at]yahoo.ca

Once your reservation is confirmed by email, directions will be sent to you.

No training, or materials are needed.

A $5.00 charge (per person) covers sweets, tea, brochures and admission to the Gallery and Children are welcome to attend.

Location: Once your reservation is confirmed, directions will be sent to you.
Attire: Comfortable pants for men; long (past knees) skirt for women (as they are more comfortable when kneeling; pants are of course welcome if preferred).

Clean white socks are also needed to enter the tea room. No jeans please.

TEA REPORT: November 4, 2006

2006-10-25T12:26:00.000-05:00

CAMELLIA TEA REPORT
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Sittings were held at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 pm

Over 30 guests enjoyed our 6 sittings in the Winter and Summer Tearooms! This Tea we celebrate the Debut of two new Camellia Hosts (TEMAE): Ms. Masae Sato and Ms. Seiko Goto, both of the Urasenke School of Tea.

Rebecca and Matthew (photo, far right)would like to express their gratitude to the Camellia Team as always for a smoothly-run event.

Special thanks to Ms. Roberta Dillon (pictured above, second from left with HAKOBI Ms. Saki Muto and Ms. Kyoko Kato) for her elegant and charming reception of guests!

Click here to see photos from The Nov 4, 2006 Tea!

ART EXHIBITS: Stepping Stones Art Gallery
The Photography Exhibit with Tracey Pitman of Snapkat Photography was a great success and we look forward to welcoming Tracey and husband Tari back to the Gallery in January 2007 for a Kimono Fashion Shoot!

Tracey’s poster prints and cards remain on sale in the gallery until December 31st, and a portion of all her sales will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

See more of Tracey's work at: www.snapkatphotography.com

EXCLUSIVE CONCERT! Ana Miura performed at The Stepping Stones Art Gallery on Saturday, November 4th from 7:30 - 9:30 pm.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Ana Miura performed 2 wonderful sets, entertaining us with her stories of Tea, and how she became involved with the Camellia Teas of Ottawa.

Camellia House hosts, Rebecca & Matthew were greatly surprised and delighted by the singing of Happy Birthday by Ana and all the gallery guests. Thanks to all for such wonderful gifts!

Ana’s CDs of beautiful folk music are on sale at $10 each. Contact steppingstonesartgallery[at]yahoo.ca for more information or visit http://www.anamiura.com/ for more information on Ana!

See you on December 2 - 3, 2006 for the next Camellia Tea.

Tea Report: October 14, 2006

2006-09-15T20:59:00.000-05:00

Camellia Teas of Ottawa:

EVENT REPORT FOR
Saturday, October 14, 2006
(2:00 - 6:00 pm)

PHOTO: On the left, Kyoko Tsunetomi, Tea host with the Camellia Teas of Ottawa sits in the Summer Tearoom.

October 14 Tea Photos here!

On October 14, we welcomed the Miyazaki Calligraphers from Japan!

In our largest Tea to date, over 60 guests enjoyed Tea Ceremony in the renovated Tea Ceremony Rooms. Our hardworking volunteer Camellia staff numbered over 15 (including Tea Hosts, servers, kitchen, reception, and translators). Over the course of the day, we held 6 sittings of Tea at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 in the Winter and Summer Tearooms.

Before and or after Tea, guests enjoyed the incredible Calligraphic Art from the Miyazaki Group. These 15 calligraphers who travelled to Ottawa for only a single day generously treated Camellia Guests to a free calligraphy workshop. For more information on the exhibit, to read the Event Report and see their amazing scrolls, click on the link below.

Calligraphers of Miyazaki in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery

A great thanks to our Camellia Team and to all the wonderful guests who helped to make this such a special event!

RADIO CANADA - August 14, 2006

2006-08-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

RADIO CANADA
(CBC - FRENCH - Regional Radio broadcast)
August 14, 2006

Rachel Gaullin of Radio Canada (Outaouais) interviewed Rebecca Benoit on "Le Monde Selon Mathieu" from 3:50 - 4:00 EST. Mme Gaullin heard about Tea Ceremony through CBC's Cory O'Kelly who'd interviewed our Camellia Teas of Ottawa in May 2006. Thanks Cory!

We sat down for this 10-min. interview on Monday over the lunch hour and discussed what brought me to Tea Ceremony, how long I studied and spent in Japan, the types of people who come to Tea Ceremony events in Ottawa and what is involved in learning this traditional artform.

Watch this page for a transcript of the interview to follow soon!

To listen to the interview, click on the link below:

Rachel Gaullin Site(link will expire by end of August 2006)

Ottawa Japanese Community Newsletter

2006-08-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

First published in the Ottawa Japanese Community Newsletter, July 2006.

The Camellia Teas of Ottawa celebrates is first anniversary this summer. Rebecca Benoit founded the group in June 2005, after her return from Japan where she lived from 1998 – 2005. A practitioner of the Omote Senke school, Rebecca is now in her 9th year of tea studies and is currently a student of Mrs. Kyoko Kosaki, of the Omote Sei Ha school. She holds monthly Tea Events at her Alta Vista home in one of two tatami chashitsu (tea rooms).

Camellia Teas of Ottawa: Celebrating One Year!
By Rebecca Benoit

When I returned from Japan last year, I was delighted to learn that there were a few people in Ottawa interested in Tea Ceremony, and even a teacher I could study with here! Over the months, our tea gatherings began attracting more and more curious Canadians and in a single year, to a membership of over 350 active subscribers to our monthly newsletter. We recently decided to name ourselves the ‘Camellia Teas of Ottawa’, which represents our interest in tea, despite the fact that we might come from different schools of Japanese Tea Ceremony. Our love of tea ceremony extends to other cultures which practice tea, such as Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese, Turkish and more! We look forward to celebrating these tea cultures at our events in the near future.

Over the last year, our group participated in nearly 70 Tea Ceremony Events in the National Capital Region, sharing Tea Ceremony culture with over 2,000 Ottawans!

Yearly Highlights
A highlight of our year was certainly the late January visit of the Grand Masters of the Urasenke School. Over the course of a weekend, our team served tea alongside Tea Masters from Kyoto at the Embassy of Japan. In late spring, we were also delighted to be interviewed by CBC’s Cory O’Kelly. Friends in across Canada, and even in Japan were able to see the 4-minute report on May 11, 2006!

Next Camellia Tea: September 9 – 10, 2006
Our Tea events usually draw over 50 guests a day. We cordially invite you to the next Camellia Tea, September 9th – 10th (Saturday and Sunday). Sittings are usually about 30 minutes and held at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00. For those with difficulty kneeling in the Japanese ‘seiza’ position, we do have a tatami tearoom surrounded with stools. Please check our website for more details: http://camelliateasottawa.blogspot.com/

The Stepping Stones Art Gallery: http://steppingstonesart.blogspot.com/
Each month, our Teas feature artists in the gallery space. We welcomed Mayumi Shepherd and her daughter Jennifer in late spring with their ‘Spring Breeze’ Sogetsu Ikebana exhibit of over 30 works. Shoko Shimamura’s oil paintings, and abstract sculptor Hans Blokpoel presented their work in March and June. We look forward to a brush painting exhibit with Majka Broulik in July. We welcome artists of any variety interested in sharing their work with us. Please feel free to forward suggestions to Rebecca.

Camellia Members: We always have 3 – 4 active Temae (hosts) and at least 2 skilled Mizuya helpers (those working behind the scenes). We have enjoyed training over 10 Hakobi (both Canadian and Japanese) and are always happy to have new members join us. Have you studied Tea Ceremony? Are you interested in learning or practicing? If so, we welcome you to our group!

Contact Rebecca Benoit: Email: ottawatea@yahoo.ca
Camellia Teas of Ottawa: http://camelliateasottawa.blogspot.com/

Alta Vista News: December 2005

2006-08-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

Japanese Tea Ceremony In Alta Vista
Over the last five centuries, The Japanese Tea Ceremony developed into a highly ritualized art form. Essentially, both host and guest(s) sit quietly together for about 30 minutes while enjoying the tranquility of a tatami (rush-mat) room and sharing a bowl of matcha (powdered (bitter) green tea) and some sweets.

Once a month, those who interested come to Rebecca Benoit’s home to experience participate in a ceremony of either the Omote or Omote-Sei-Ha Schools. No training, fee or materials are required. Before entering the tearoom, a short explanation is and brochure are given.

Rebecca Benoit lived in Japan from 1998 to 2005 as a licensed TESL instructor in both the public and private school systems. During her seven years in Japan, she trained intensively in Japanese arts: Sagagoryu Ikebana, Japanese Brush painting (landscape), Omote Senke Tea Ceremony in a Zen Temple and the Sodo school of Kimono dressing.

Saturday, December 17th, 2005: Tea, Art & Flowers
On Saturday, December 17th, over 60 people from the Japanese community, Canadians interested in Japanese arts, university students and neighbours attended tea served in one of Rebecca’s two tearooms. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to view an exhibit of 30 of her Japanese brush paintings and 20 works of Ikebana (floral arrangements).

Next Tea Ceremony
The next tea gathering will be held on January 21st, 2006. For more information contact Rebecca at: beccabenoit@yahoo.com or 739-4649
Visit this site to see photos of tea ceremony: Photos:http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/wakaotta/my_photos

2006 Media Interviews

2006-08-14T14:13:00.000-05:00

Camellia Teas of Ottawa in the News!

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATION
(Press Release - English/French)
November 18 - 19, 2006: Camellia Teas of Ottawa serves Tea Ceremony Tea in the Children's Museum in Canada's National Museum. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Click Here to read the press release on the CMC site (link will expire)

Click Here to read the press release

CONTACT JAPAN
(Rogers TV - ENGLISH- Regional Television broadcast)
October 8 and 14, 2006 Melisa Kamibayashi of Rogers TV (Ottawa) interviews Rebecca Benoit on "Contact Japan" from 9:10 - 9:30 am EST.

RADIO CANADA
(CBC - FRENCH - Regional Radio broadcast)
August 14, 2006
Rachel Gaullin of Radio Canada (Outaouais) interviews Rebecca Benoit on "Le Monde Selon Mathieu" from 3:50 - 4:00 EST.

Rachel Gaullin Site(link will expire by end of August 2006)

OTTAWA JAPANESE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
(Regional - Newspaper - English)
July 2006
Camellia Teas founder Rebecca Benoit reports on the groups first anniversary in this short article.

OJCC/OJCA Newsletter July 2006 Article on Camellia Teas

CBC CANADA TV
(Nationally broadcast - English)
May 11, 2006
Cory O'Kelly visits the Camellia Teas of Ottawa to record a 4 min. segment aired nationally on the 6:00 pm News.

Asian Heritage Month Listings for 2006, including Tea Ceremony

CARLETON UNIVERSITY
(Midweek - English)
February 8, 2006: Carleton University MidWeek Interview with Nate Kim aired Feb. 8, 2006. Click on the link below, and select the show for Feb. 8th, 2006 to listen to this 5 min. interview featuring Mrs. Kyoko Kosaki, Kyoko Tsunetomi, Shoko Shimamura and Rebecca Benoit of the Camellia Teas of Ottawa.

Carleton University MidWeek Interview with Nate Kim aired Feb. 8, 2006 (5 min.)

ALTA VISTA NEWS
(Regional Newspaper - English)
December, 2005

Short Article in the Alta Vista Times Newspaper

2007 Tea Schedule

2006-08-14T10:01:00.000-05:00

Camellia Teas of Ottawa

Sunday, October 14, 2007

As we move indoors to our Winter and Summer Tearooms, Camellia Guests will enjoy Tea of two Tea schools.

Photographer Dr. Paul R. Benoit, Haiku Poet Terry Ann Carter and Calligrapher Peter V. Quenter join us in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery for reflections on Canada's seasons.

WORKSHOPS:

Saturday and Sunday, November 3 - 4, 2007

With Winter on its way, we welcome guests to warmth and peace of the Camellia Tearooms as always...

In the Stepping Stones Art Gallery, Ingo Hessel and Hans Blokpoel will be working on the theme of "A Roundness of Circles".

Saturday and Sunday, December 1 - 2, 2007

For our final Tea of the year, we welcome a talented textile artist to the Stepping Stones Art Gallery. Ms. Karen Goetzinger brings her own interpretation to the Japanese kimono through quilting and embroidery. A Christmas Craft sale and workshops will also be announced shortly.

Tea Report: September 9-10, 2006

2006-06-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

CAMELLIA TEA REPORT

Saturday and Sunday,
SEPTEMBER 9 -10, 2006
Ochakai (Tea gatherings)
in Ottawa (a private home in Mooney's Bay)

September 9 – 10 Tea:
Over 60 guests join us for Tea!

Over the September 9 – 10 weekend, we enjoyed serving Tea for the first time at the new Camellia House location. On Saturday, we held 6 Tea Session for over 40 guests, while other enjoyed visiting the Stepping Stones Art Gallery

Click here to see photos from Saturday’s Tea!

On Sunday, the weather was beautiful enough to enjoy a NODATE, or Outdoor Tea in the back garden. Guests sat under red umbrellas and watched the Tea demonstration on the stage, with a background of gold screen, brilliant in the sunshine. Behind the scenes, the smaller Tea Team worked quickly to serve tea to over 20 guests beside the miniature Zen Garden.

Click here to see photos from Sunday's Tea!

Majka Broulik and Rebecca Benoit were the September Artists in the Stepping Stones Art Gallery, and you’ll find more information and photos on their exhibit below.

Click here to see photos of the Benoit-Broulik Exhibit

Rebecca, lived in Japan from 1998 – 2005 as a TESL instructor and studied Tea Ceremony of the Omote Senke School at Sangoji, a Zen temple in Wakayama City.

TEA STUDY in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Contact Rebecca Benoit if you’d like to host or attend a private tea ceremony and for information on lessons at: beccabenoit[at]yahoo.com

TEA CEREMONY SUPPLIES
Both Zenteriors and Kaedeya have a few tea bowls, tea scoops and bamboo whisks. Matcha (powdered green tea) and books on tea ceremony are also available at both stores. The Tea Party also sells matcha and tea sets.

Zenteriors: 459 Sussex Drive - (613) 241-0699
Kaedeya: 210 Slater Street - (613) 236-7979
The Tea Party: 119 York Street – (613) 562-0352