Get your Woolly Mammoth on when we host various events such as tea tastings at 136 E. Broadway, downstairs in the historic Masonic Hall, and at our various vendors.
This month we delve into three rituals of tea making: Gong Fu, Chanoyu (or sometimes called Chado), and Afternoon Tea. Learn about intimate Chinese tea sharing, Japanese matcha preparation, and British cultural traditions around tea, while we explore the flavor components of three teas.
Our monthly tea tastings are intimate and engaging information sessions in addition to tastings. Arrive by 6pm to hear it all and get a seat. Free and open to the public. 6-7 pm on every last Thursday of the month.
First Friday: Local Pottery, Matteo Hunter & Friends, free tea!
This month, we’re bringing in the New Year with our local tea ware potters! UM ceramics students, Esme Olive Brudie-Janigo and Kelly Seitz will be here to chat about their wonderful handmade tea ware. Joining them is local hand drummer Matteo Hunter and his crew of talented musicians. Free tea too!
Art Talk & Tasting: Esme Olive Brodie-Janigo & Kelly Seitz
UM ceramics students, Esme and Kelly, talk to us about delving into the world of functional ceramics, Friday, Dec. 14th, from 6-7 pm. We will taste a featured tea as well.
This is part of the Art Talk series, which consists of open and public interviews with local ceramicists making tea ware. Free.
Mugs by Esme and Kelly
Kelly Seitz-
“Sculpture was the first thing I loved when I began working as a ceramic artist: I loved to make representative objects and play with wild surfaces. I moved to pottery in an attempt to make my work more accessible to a wider range of people, but my affinity for sculptural elements shows up in my work regardless of whether it is utilitarian.” Kelly’s artistic focus is in ceramics, but Kelly also enjoys assemblage sculpture, digital art, drawing, and printmaking.
Esme Olive Brodie-Janigo-
“I enjoy adding something individual and handmade into our daily lives, as we tend to have a connection to the things we use most often. In my opinion, functional artwork is an intimate way of adding art to the world.” Esme is from Anchorage, Alaska and studies ceramics and Russian studies at UM. Esme’s ceramic focus is cups, bowls, and other kitchen items.
Photos, tunes, and tea, oh my! Photojournalist students, Madeline Broom and Eli Imadali, join forces for a photographic tour of Algeria and Vietnam. Expect well-crafted, story-filled photography from these two talents.
In addition, the night starts with the captivating vocalist, Kristie Speck of the Missoula Symphony Chorale. After her, Gary Kiggins, John Kratz, and Mark Kersting continue with holiday music and originals.
Eli Imadali, First Friday photojournalist
“This work is from a January 2018 trip to Algeria with my family to celebrate my cousin’s wedding. This was the second time I had spent time with any family there, the first time being when I was 9 years old. Throughout the trip, I got know my family there better, as well as my dad, and therefore, myself better. I observed the city of Algiers, the culture, the food and more and finally understood certain aspects of my dad and my upbringing. It made me think a lot about my identity, and I think that’s reflected in the photographs.” – Eli Imadali
Madeline Broom, First Friday photojournalist
Madeline hopes her photography makes people want to learn more about the story behind the image. Her photography is driven, in large part, by the feelings they evoke and she hopes that comes across to the viewers.
Do you know the origin of chai or why those spices are added? Learn the answers and more about this delicious South Asian drink, Thursday, November 15, from 6-7pm.
These tasting events are a fun way to learn about tea and try new varieties. Look for them every fourth Thursday of the month, from 6-7pm. Free and open to the public.
First Friday: Woodblock Prints by David Miles Lusk
Join us for woodblock prints by David Miles Lusk, pie, and an eclectic set of acoustic, singer-songwriter tunes by Kevin Christensen! Friday, 5-8pm.
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David Miles Lusk is an artist living and working out of Missoula, Montana. David received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Montana in 2014. He is inspired by the intersection of science and mythology, and nature & humanity.
Did you know that Kenya is the 3rd largest exporter of tea? This special country is also home to the innovative purple tea! Come taste it and learn about this region’s world of tea, Thursday, Oct 25th from 6-7pm.
Free and open to the public at our tea bar in Missoula (136 E. Broadway).
Sculptor and collage maker, August Christian is returning to Lake Missoula Tea Company with this year’s new work. His art is highly detailed and rich with story. We’re excited to see what he’s been making!
Mother Dear, Did You Hear, How They’re Teaching Me To Do The Goose Step?”
Lil House Pies will have hand-made and delicious tea-infused pie slices for sale as well!
Free and open to the public, 5-8pm at our tea bar in Missoula, MT at 136 E. Broadway.
Monthly Tea Talk & Tasting: Ancient Tea Trees of China
Ancient tea tree
Deep into the most biologically and culturally diverse area of China live forests of ancient tea trees, some of which have been producing tea for over 1000 years. Come taste delicious tea from these trees and hear about our experience with the incredible region of Yunnan.
Free and open to the public at our tea bar in Missoula (136 E. Broadway) from 6-7pm.
Michael McCollough explores surface variation while searching for the right feel that keeps one reaching for a certain mug day-after-day. During this art talk conversation, McCollough will give us an intimate view into his work and process. We will also sample a well-suited green tea, Heritage Green! Free and open to the public.
