Pottery on Display at the Rotunda

Where to Move Your Spirit

Standing at the balcony’s circular brass railing, we look down at the lower level. Pillars frame the reception area, temple-like. I still can’t explain why the Institute displays so much pottery. I doubt that Egyptian pottery lends credence to the Institute. Do these artifacts bring value-added sophistication? Is the Director a would-be historian, still inspired by a freshman Art Appreciation course? It doesn’t matter. Over-sized clay jugs add authenticity to the scene—great pharaohs used to smash beautiful pottery to celebrate broken records of the non-vinyl kind. Times certainly change. No pharaohs, no slaves, only survivors—directors, keyboard jockeys, every underling in between. This pottery remains intact. If you want broken pottery, try an archeological dig. If you like beautiful pottery, visit the Institute. To move your spirit, find a place somewhere in between.