In honor of Joan Mondale’s life, and in admiration for the many ways she championed the arts—and artists—of Japan, the United States, and Minnesota, we salute her: her passion, generosity, and contributions as an educator and docent at the MIA. Here, we reprint her words, published in Arts magazine, about one of her favorite places in the museum.
Art Inspires
The Zenshin-in Teahouse, a gift from many donors. Teahouses like this became a source of inspiration for Joan Mondale, a ceramist, while living in Japan. The Mondales donated their collection of Japanese ceramics to the MIA.
When I come across the Japanese teahouse and garden in the museum, it feels as though I am passing through time, to an ancient house, ingeniously built of natural materials, where peace and tranquility reign.
I imagine that something is going to happen inside. All is in readiness. The curving garden path leads past the stone basin where you wash your mouth and hands to purify them. Then, removing your shoes, you step up and through an undersized doorway, crouching down in humility as you enter.
Once inside, everything is present to perform the tea ceremony, the oldest and most revered hospitality still universally practiced by the Japanese today.
As you look around the room, you are struck by the uncluttered simplicity achieved with care and attention. Everything has a meaning, purpose, and function.
There is a scroll in the tokonoma (alcove) for you to contemplate. The iron kettle holds hot water; the whisk blends tea and water; the powdered green tea is stored in a small prized caddy; and the most honored of all, the tea bowl, awaits its admiring user.
There is a sense of order, harmony, and respect for all the participants in the tea ceremony. Only the host and guests are missing. They would be kneeling down on the tatami mats, quietly waiting for the tea ceremony to begin.
—Joan Mondale, Artist and Arts Supporter
Arts, May/June 2004