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December 3 @ 6:00 pm 8:30 pm

Test Kitchen Highlight Tour & Herbal Tea Blending Workshop



Tuesday December 3, 2024
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

The Helen E. Gardiner Lecture

Join us for a tour of Test Kitchen: A Museum Project led by Senior Curator Dr. Karine Tsoumis, highlighting the theme of “Connected Worlds.” Explore the profound role of ceramics in connecting cultures and shaping human experiences.

Following the tour, engage in a hands-on herbal tea workshop inspired by the albarelli, or pharmacy jars, in the exhibition. These jars, once used to store medicinal herbs, reveal a rich cross-cultural history. Explore the practical uses of these historical ceramics guided by Maria Solakofski, herbalist and educator from Wild By Nature Botanicals.

Sip different herbal tea blends, explore brewing and blending techniques, and create your own small bottle of herbal tea to take home using a selection of organic, locally grown herbs. We’ll also discuss the value of creating your own herbal apothecary and have a lively Q&A period.

  • General : $65
  • Gardiner Friends : $55

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*Discounts on programs and classes do not apply to ‘Get Acquainted’ level.

Maria Solakofski smiling at the camera

About Maria Solakofski


Maria Solakofski infuses calm and curiosity into the lives of busy urbanites to help them rediscover their own rhythm through connection to the regenerative cycles of nature. For 25 years, she has been passionate about gathering and creating community to serve as an herbalist, a mentor, and an urban agriculture champion. She is the founder of Wild By Nature Botanicals, an Urban Herb Farm in East Toronto, which specializes in herbal products and hands-on learning experiences including mentorship and retreats.  They produce a seasonal, limited edition of botanical skincare, herbal tisanes, culinary seasonings, and herbal remedies.

About the Exhibition

Test Kitchen: A Museum Project is part exhibition, part workshop, and part ideas generator. As we reimagine our collections galleries, we’re asking ourselves how we can better explore ceramics of the past and present and tell new stories. Test Kitchen opens up this process, which usually happens behind closed doors, making museum work more transparent and inviting visitors to collaborate through a series of hands-on activities. Throughout, visitors are encouraged to observe closely, make, discuss, and offer feedback while exploring the nature of museum work. Learn more

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The Gardiner Museum will close at 6 pm on Wednesday May 22 for the International Ceramic Art Fair Preview Gala.