One of the first ideas Lara McIntosh and I had for experieces at The Orchard Room was a tea party. Lara refined that idea into a Summer Idyl to clarify the intention and to get away from any politcal references. An Idyl brings to mind a Victorian ideal of spending a Summer’s afternoon in the park, surrounded by comfort and friends.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. We brought tea both hot and cool, cucumber and radish sandwiches, tables, rugs, and pillows on which to recline.  The stars of the show were my friend Paul’s mom’s collection of bone china tea cups. The Victrola was a nice touch, too.

And our friends brought the rest. Stuart Zobel played Brazilian music on his guitar. Alan accompanied him and played a few songs, too. Three poets read their work. There was conversation and relaxation with old friends and new. As the sun travelled across the sky we we drank tea, drew deep sighs, and relaxed into the earth. It was idyllic.

Stuart

Vida

Anna and Paul

David Francis, curator and poet

Alan

Ian reads a poem

Sky and the Victrola