A Summer Afternoon of Tea, Art & Architecture (NYC)

Unwind this summer. Enjoy a curated modern tea ceremony paired with sweet treats, design dialogue, and mindful art.
About this Event

A Summer Day of Tea, Art & Architecture

Step into a contemporary sanctuary this summer. Join us for an exclusive, multi-sensory experience designed around the intersection of modern tea culture, spatial design, and fine art.

This isn't a traditional, rigid ceremony. Instead, it is a uniquely curated experience designed to let you slow down, connect, and experience tea through a completely modern lens. Whether you are a design enthusiast, an art lover, or a specialty tea explorer, your ticket grants you access to an intimate, inspiring weekend escape.

What You Will Experience:

• Architecture & Spatial Dialogue: Engage in an intimate conversation with Columbia University architectural professor and Japanese architecture expert Lynne Breslin. She will offer an intriguing look at how historical spatial design and the philosophy of the tea ritual intersect—revealing how structured spaces traditionally integrated unexpected pockets of mindfulness, presence, and connection to elevate our daily experiences.
• A New Approach to Tea Tasting: Join Candace Lee, founder of Okao Estates, as she introduces a modern perspective on tea culture. Savor our meticulously sourced, signature specialty estate collection, thoughtfully paired with exquisite modern sweet treats.

• Mindful Live Art: Experience the creative process up close with a live floral sketch experience by contemporary artist Lesya Verba.

Please Note: To accommodate more guests while preserving an intimate experience, this program will be offered in two identical sessions: 11:00AM and 3:00PM. Each session presents the same agenda, content, and tea experience. Please purchase a ticket for your preferred session time, as admission is valid only for the selected session. Space is limited.

To learn more about our modern specialty collection, visit .

Session 1

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Tea & Architecture Talk
Host: Lynne Breslin, Founder of LBA, Columbia Univ. Professor

Info: An intimate dialogue exploring the unexpected historical relationship between spatial design and tea culture. Professor Breslin will offer an intriguing look at how even historical fortresses and monumental architecture were subtly shaped by the philosophy of the tea ritual—revealing how grand, structured spaces traditionally integrated unexpected pockets of mindfulness, presence, and connection.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Modern Tea Ceremony Experience
Host: Candace Lee, Founder of OKAO, a tea & coffee company

Info: A contemporary lifestyle tasting showcasing Okao Estates' specialty micro-lot collection, paired thoughtfully with exquisite sweet treats.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Mindful Live Art Session: Floral Sketch by Artist
Host: Lesya Verba, Floral Sketch Artist

Info: Featuring Artist Lesya Verba. Immerse yourself in the creative process during this 45-minute concurrent session. Experience a live, contemporary floral sketch experience designed to evoke presence and mindfulness as you enjoy the gallery atmosphere.

Session 2

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Tea & Architecture Talk
Host: Lynne Breslin, AIA, Founder of LBA, Columbia University

Info: An intimate dialogue exploring the unexpected historical relationship between spatial design and tea culture. Professor Breslin will offer an intriguing look at how even historical fortresses and monumental architecture were subtly shaped by the philosophy of the tea ritual—revealing how grand, structured spaces traditionally integrated unexpected pockets of mindfulness, presence, and connection.

🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Modern Tea Ceremony Experience
Host: Candace Lee, Founder of OKAO, a tea & coffee company

Info: A contemporary lifestyle tasting showcasing Okao Estates' specialty micro-lot collection, paired thoughtfully with exquisite sweet treats.

🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Mindful Live Art Session: Floral Sketch by Artist
Host: Lesya Verba, Floral Sketch Artist

Info: Featuring Artist Lesya Verba. Immerse yourself in the creative process during this 45-minute concurrent session. Experience a live, contemporary floral sketch experience designed to evoke presence and mindfulness as you enjoy the gallery atmosphere.