by Greg Busceme, Sr.
Executive Director at The Art Studio, Inc.
A little history of TASI may be in order to explain the significance of the name “Gumbo Clayfest“. To begin with, most of “the locals” are familiar with Gumbo but for those who are not, it is a creole roux-based soup with onions, celery and green peppers also known as the Trinity which is the basis for many soups. Roux is flour and oil browned in a skillet or pot that is the heart and soul of the gumbo. There are vast variations on roux depending on the cook. In that mix goes some form of meat such as sausage, chicken, seafood or any wild game you might enjoy killing.
Now, why is gumbo tied to clay? The clay just below the soil layer is a black, thick clay that has been dubbed by geologists Beaumont Gumbo Clay for the resemblance to the creole concoction.
I like plays on words so combining clay with fest indicates a festival of ceramic artists presenting their skills and ideas with the community and gumbo, to me, is a term that is indigenous to our local culture which implies large gatherings of people indicative of how gumbo is served.
Yes, gumbo will be served to demonstrate the unity we have as artists in the spirit of gathering to share a meal.
Andouille Gumbo: photo by jeffreyw 
Credit: Getty Images/Ingram Publishing
