In The Beginning There Was Tea.

My earliest memories of going to the Worcester Art Museum go back to preschool years.  My mother kept a membership to the museum and on occasion attended a special gathering.  I remember when she was planning on taking me to the "tea" event.  My mother's goal was to make me into a "little lady" and this was the perfect opportunity to practice.  I remember the lectures of how to hold my plate of goodies and my cup, how to stand, etc, etc.  The day came, I put on my pretty dress, but I can't remember if I wore my white gloves, and off we went!  I was curious about the world of "tea" that I was entering, not knowing what a tea was, and found myself in complete amazement of the most wonderful place on earth! Experiencing the foyer of the WAM for the first time was fantastic!  As I walked past beautiful art work from centuries ago, we made our way to the large room filled with people and goodies.  I successfully carried myself in a ladylike way, holding my plate and cup properly, not spilling anything.  I don't believe I made any conversation, after all, I was only 3 or 4 years old, but I took in everything, and loved every bit of it!  That big room has been, for a long time, a changing exhibit room, but when I walk by it, I always become the little girl at the tea, I can see it, feel it, remember it.