“Tea Toss for Political Favors,” a participatory work that explores the destruction of civility in public discourse, will debut at stARTup Fair (Hotel Icon, Houston, Texas) on October 12th. Using “tea” as a jumping off point, this work juxtaposes the ritual of afternoon tea with its use as a metaphor in politics. From the Boston Tea Party to the rise of the Tea Party, tea historically surfaces as a symbol for class, economy, and rebellion in both liberal and conservative leaning politics.

“Tea Party” is a collaboration with Houston artist/performer Joanna Ruth Smith.