Portrait & Pour

Jun 5
1 min read

May 30, 2026

Some events leave you a little more informed. Others leave you thoroughly entertained. Portrait & Pour somehow managed both, offering a unique blend of tea education, art history, and engaging storytelling that made it a memorable event for tea lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Terri Michaelson captivated us with her deep tea knowledge and cheeky take on etiquette. We learned "pinkies up" is a faux pas and that stirring tea should be nearly silent. For authentic tea etiquette: Place your spoon at 6 o’clock, gently fold it toward 12 o’clock, and avoid clinking—quiet elegance for anyone interested in tea culture or in authentically hosting.

Then James A. Welu—Gentleman Jim—regaled us with stories of art, history, acquisitions, and some well-researched gossip. We discovered Lady Warwick was more than a portrait: she was a political force and women's suffrage advocate whose influence reached far beyond the canvas. The event illuminated art history, famous portraits, and women's roles.

Outside, rain fell steadily. Inside, cups were filled, and stories shared, transporting us to another time and place.

It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon—a reminder that the best experiences happen when good food, great conversation, and curiosity come together.