Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Southern Table

Perhaps because the phrase is a bit hackneyed, it seems the perfect title for a new exhibit we are planning - The Southern Table. We are constantly aware that as the SOUTHERN Food and Beverage Museum, we have to represent the entire South, although we are located in New Orleans. One way to make that statement visually is to set a round table - just as King Arthur intended, we do not want a head at our table - with place settings furnished by each state and the District of Colomibia. The backs of the chairs will be formed in the shape of each state.

Just yesterday we received a place setting from the governor's office of South Carolina. It is so exciting to see this project proceed and develop. It makes me think of other tables that have been created as art, as well as all of the analogies of peace and communication that eating together represent. Your suggestions for the table are welcome and encouraged.

5 comments:

DK Crawford said...

I love this idea? but not sure how it's happening or if you need help? confused...

ginger said...

I'm with DK...

Have you requested official state place settings from all the governors? I was thinking that it might be nice to do something with a lot of personality (not that the other idea was bad), like have craftspeople from each state submit a place setting. For instance, McCarty Pottery from Mississippi would be perfect. For Alabama, I'm partial to Jerry Brown pottery (he's a 9th generation potter) and Earthborn Pottery (http://www.earthbornpottery.net/PR_tabletop.html).

Can you tell us a little more about what you're thinking? I'd be happy to help however I can.

WendysHomeEConomics! said...

I'm with DK... not sure what you're wanting and how I could help (from North Carolina)!

Liz Williams said...

Thanks for your questions. We have asked the governors of all the southern states to send place settings. We were hoping that residents could help us also add things to dress the table. Sort of in the vein of "what should go on the table from Virginia or Mississippi or wherever that really represents that state to you?"

Liz Williams said...

We have received a place setting from South Carolina and one from Kentucky is on the way. We are in conversations with other states.