Monastic Pottery At The Abbey

BETHLEHEM — “Centering: Monastic Pottery at The Abbey of Regina Laudis” is on view at The Abbey Art Shop, on the grounds of The Abbey of Regina Laudis, 273 Flanders Road. The works will remain on view until December 30.

The show represents the abbey’s continued commitment to pottery as a monastic gift. It features the work of Brother Iain Highet and includes works that have been gas- and wood-fired in the pottery studios on the Abbey land. Among the items available for purchase are cups, bowls and vases, as well as hand-carved tea bowls, all with a variety of glazes.

The show takes its name from the process of centering, the search for the initial rhythm in the motion of throwing on the wheel that allows the pottery to establish the stable center of his or her pot. This concept, inherent with the craft itself, becomes even more compelling when seen by analogy in the context of the stable monastic center of an abbey, which offers an environment that is paradoxically gifted to foster personal centering and creative freedom.

The abbey’s Christmas event will begin on Thanksgiving Day.

The shop is generally open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 am to noon and 1:30 to 4 pm. Call ahead to confirm; 203-266-7637.