Tea wear exhibition, Tea tasting, and conversation | GO ART!

When

Where

GO ART!
201 E. Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020

Contact

info@goart.org
585-343-9313

Batavia, NY — February 20, 2026 — In memory of the historic African American Tea Ceremony, the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) ends 2026 Black History Month with a special tea wear exhibition, tea, and conversation on Saturday, February 28 at 4:00 PM.
The public is invited to an intimate afternoon of tea and conversation, hosted by Jacqueline Swaby, to honor the African American Tea Ceremony, which dates back to the mid-19th century in New Orleans. The event and accompanying tea-wear installation celebrate Black History Month and help bring attention to the history and cultural significance of the African American tea ceremony.
This tea installation pairs visual storytelling with conversation. The use of medicinal tea and tea drinking have been an integral part of Host Swaby’s life since childhood. Swaby, the curator of this exhibition, will briefly discuss how tea consumption and her family’s heritage have shaped her continued passion for tea, including growing and sharing her own blends with friends.
Participants will be invited to taste different teas and will hear brief historical insights or stories connected with each tasting. It is also highly likely that participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for tea as a vessel for community, resilience, and conversations.
As noted by Host Swaby, “Tea has always been a vessel for conversation and care. I’m honored to host this tea as a way to celebrate our stories and create a space for connection.”