Brother Thomas fine art vase, NYS Labor-Religion Coalition

Potter's vase will benefit labor coalition

By LYRYSA SMITH, Staff writer
First published: Monday, January 26, 2004, Albany Times Union

Many artists believe the making of their art is not only creative expression but also a way to focus and inspire their convictions in life. For Brother Thomas Bezanson, the luminous ceramics he creates represent a significant spiritual journey.

"The beauty of the spider's web comes out of the beauty of the spider's spirit," says the Benedictine monk and renowned potter.

Brother Thomas has now brought the Albany-based New York State Labor-Religion Coalition into his path of purpose. He has donated a porcelain vase valued at $15,000 to benefit the not-for-profit organization that develops and supports campaigns addressing corporate accountability, human rights and living wages for workers everywhere. Recently, the coalition helped raise public awareness of sweatshop and child labor issues. The group began pushing for fair labor practices and reform in 1997, and didn't let up until a progression of "sweat-free" laws were passed.

In 2001, because of the coalition's efforts, the state's 720 school districts were allowed to consider worker and factory conditions when purchasing school apparel, regardless of cost (as opposed to being required to purchase only from the lowest-priced merchant). A new law in 2002 allowed the same labor standard criteria for apparel for the state's 84 public colleges. And in September 2003, the anti-sweatshop sports equipment law, for all state school districts and colleges, was signed into law by Gov. George Pataki.

Once Brother Thomas learned about these statewide initiatives and the coalition's international efforts, including its delegations to the border areas of Mexico, he wanted to make a unique contribution to help the group continue its work, says Brian O'Shaughnessy, the coalition's executive director.

"Brother Thomas and his agents, Bernie and Sue Pucker, chose to support the work of the coalition because they believe that sweatshops and child labor practices are unjust and need to stop," says O'Shaughnessy. "We feel very blessed by his support of our work. It brings together the arts and social justice in such a wonderful way."

Thomas' porcelain creations can be found in more than 50 museum collections worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Osaka Municipal Museum in Japan, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Thomas' work is also held in numerous private collections in the United States and abroad, and he is represented by the Pucker Gallery in Boston.

Last week, the Labor-Religion Coalition began a raffle for the Thomas vase, which will be on display Feb. 16-26 at the Albany International Airport's third floor Observation Area. The raffle winner will be chosen by a drawing from a maximum of 600 tickets sold at $50 each. A commemorative, full-color poster of the Brother Thomas vase will be sent to each person who purchases more than one ticket. The first 50 posters have been signed by the potter. The airport will host a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 for the coalition; the drawing for the vase will be at 6:30 p.m. Each raffle ticket holder will be notified in writing of the drawing results.

Raffle tickets may be purchased by contacting the coalition at 213-6000, Ext. 6294, or by e-mail at info@labor-religion.org. To learn more about the coalition's 24-year history and current programs, visit their Web site at http://www.labor-religion.org.