Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University presents Japanese tea and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University is hosting Japanese tea and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies in its Main Gallery Thursday, Nov. 21, from 12:40-2 p.m. This event is held in conjunction with the folk arts exhibition "(Almost) Too Good to Eat: Marking Life Transitions with Food" (on display through Dec. 8). Light refreshments will be served, including offerings from Lucy Ethiopian Cuisine. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Chanoyu: Japanese Tea Ceremony: Chanoyu (tea ceremony) is an important component of Japanese hospitality in which high-quality green tea powder (matcha) is ritually prepared and presented to honored guests in a choreographed performance using specialized equipment. Tea masters Dr. Takako Michii and Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell will lead a discussion and demonstration of chanoyu. The presentation will include traditional Shakuhachi flute music performed by Josh Smith of Serene Gardens on Grand Island.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony: The traditional saying "buna dabo naw" ("coffee is our bread") suggests the deep significance that coffee cultivation and consumption play in Ethiopian culture. Performed daily within the family, as well as used to welcome visitors into the home, the ceremony highlights the aesthetic pleasures of preparing, serving and drinking coffee. Naima Tesfu and Helen Gebrmariam will lead a discussion and demonstration of traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

This event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information, call Dr. Carrie Hertz at 716-286-8290.