Lynn Potoff and Lou Ann Daly, owners of New Civilitea, a tea shop and art gallery in Salem, are dedicated to supporting the work of artists locally, nationally, and internationally.
When they met Jodee Hetzer at a World Tea Expo, their mission deepened. Hetzer represents Original T-Bag Designs, products made from recycled tea bags.
Potoff and Daly fell in love with the art painted on the tea bags. But it was the story of South African women supporting themselves through the work that was most compelling.
Tea bags collected by churches, hospitals, and women's groups around the world are flown to South Africa. When they are emptied of leaves and dried, a unique pattern develops. The artists - who have no formal training - paint the pattern in bronze and gold, silver and black. The bags are dried again and transformed into tea light holders, coasters, journals, holiday ornaments, and jewelry.
The art is sold at the artists' workshop, at Cape Town's waterfront market, in Europe, and the United States. Tea bag designs created by some of the more experienced artists were recently exhibited at the Garrison Art Center in New York.
Potoff and Daly are now helping Hetzer connect with the art community locally and in Boston. The public is invited to meet Hetzer and view the art at New Civilitea today, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 978-740-2832 or visit newcivilitea.com. For more, visit originaltbagdesigns.com.
DICKENS, IN AN HOUR: For the 21st year, the Mugford Street Players present, "A Little Dickens," in Marblehead next Sunday, for a single performance at 5 p.m.
The reading of a one-hour version of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" is produced by Bill Smalley and directed by Jim Robinson.
The cast includes Georgette Beck, Jim Butterfield, John Fogle, Rachel Palleschi, Pauline Wright, and Robinson. The actors play multiple roles. Musical accompaniment and special sound effects are provided by Chuck Scheffreen.
The performance is at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St. Tickets are $10; $8 for children and senior citizens. For reservations, call 781-631-9106. For more on the players, visit mugfordstreet.com.
AUTHOR'S CORNER: Martha Frick Symington Sanger discusses her new book, "Helen Clay Frick: Bittersweet Heiress," Wednesday at 7 p.m., at the John Cabot House in Beverly. The Frick family spent summers in the Prides Crossing section of Beverly in the first decade of the 20th century. In 1919, 31-year-old Helen Clay Frick inherited $38 million from her father, Henry Clay Frick, becoming the richest unmarried woman in America. Through extensive research, access to family archives, and Helen's personal writings, Sanger - Helen's great-niece - creates a multifaceted portrait of Frick's controversial personal life and philanthropic struggles. The event is presented by the Beverly Historical Society & Museum.
IN LOCAL GALLERIES: During the holidays, many galleries and art associations open their doors for special shows and sales. The Newburyport Art Association presents "Sleigh of Gifts," with paintings, prints, photographs, cards, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, and knitted items - all created by member artists - available in the association's three galleries through Dec. 28. Gift certificates for future purchases of art, studio classes, or association membership are also available. . . . LynnArts holds its "Fabulous Holiday Show & Sale" through Jan. 4. It includes paintings, handmade scarves, personal journals, holiday decorations, and more created by artists and crafters from Greater Boston. Many of the gifts are under $50. . . . The Society for the Encouragement of the Arts presents "A Collection of Wearable Art Created on Cape Ann," featuring the work of seven local jewelry designers, today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Tea Room in Gloucester. From solid gold to sea glass, polymer clay to pearls, the jewelry is made of a range of materials. The artists include Meredith Anderson, Lee Cunningham, Jacqueline Ganim-deFalco, Jade Gedeon, Candy Marshall, Marsha White, and Annabel Wildrick. Ten percent of the proceeds from sales benefits seARTS, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts on Cape Ann.
Send items to wdkilleen@comcast.net; photos, as jpeg attachments, to globenorth@globe.com.
