TEA & CONVERSATION: MARKETING FOR CREATIVES
Presented in collaboration with Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, join us around the table for an informal conversation about marketing, creativity, and building a creative business, led by artist and marketing pro Ben Latham. Over a pairing of tea and food, the conversation will explore how creatives can better tell their stories, find their audience, build visibility, and create meaningful connections around their work. Part roundtable, part tea experience, the gathering is designed to encourage an open exchange of ideas, questions, and experiences.
Tea tasting presented by tea sommelier Jorge Rizo.
Special teacups and plates made by ceramic artist Bettina Chow.
EVENT DETAILS
October 9, 2026
11:30am - 1pm
THE ANDAZ SCOTTSDALE RESORT & BUNGALOWS
6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Cost: $40
ticket includes tea and food pairings
A Shared Table - Tea, Ideas, Creative Exchange
BENJAMIN LATHAM
Benjamin Latham is an American painter whose work explores the vernacular culture and shifting landscapes of the South and Southwest. A self-taught artist, Benjamin's practice is rooted in the rich narrative traditions of his Southern origins. He is currently based between Portland, Oregon, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Benjamin's compositions navigate the intersection of memory and mythology, synthesizing the counter-cultural history of the West with the stark, enduring aesthetic of the high desert. His work interrogates the American West not as a static frontier, but as a living, evolving stage for contemporary stories, balancing the harsh realities of rural isolation with a distinct sense of magical realism.
Jorge Rizo is a Tea Sommelier specializing in the research and cultural diffusion of tea. His work explores the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped tea traditions around the world, as well as pairing, sensory evaluation, and gastronomic events. He advises restaurants and cultural institutions, including museums and private collections, on the development of tea programs. Giving lectures in Tea Festivals about the history of tea in Mexico.
He is certified by the Escuela Mexicana de Té and the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. He has completed a Master Class in Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, Japan; in harvesting and processing methods in Munnar, India; and in Gongfu Cha preparation in Hangzhou, China.
@Jorge.Rizo
JORGE RIZO
ANDAZ | SCOTTSDALE RESORT & BUNGALOWS
Nestled across 23 acres of lush desert gardens in the heart of Scottsdale, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows offers a luxury retreat set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain. Their mid-century inspired bungalows, suites, and villas showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of local makers, creating a relaxed yet refined desert escape. Guests can unwind by multiple pools, indulge at their full-service spa and apothecary, and savor modern Mediterranean cuisine at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen. From exploring the surrounding Sonoran landscape to discovering the charm of Old Town Scottsdale, the resort blends sophisticated design with an authentic sense of place rooted in the Southwest.
AndazScottsdale.com | @andazscottsdale
After many years working in healthcare, leading non-profits, conducting research, and raising a family, she felt the pull toward a creative outlet. The moment she sat at the potter’s wheel, she was hooked. Drawn to the difficulty, subtlety, and nuance of clay, she recognized it as a craft that would take a lifetime to explore.
Her creative process begins with a respect for tradition. She learned from those who studied under masters, carrying their lessons into her own work. As she evolved and committed fully to the craft, she began creating pieces that bring harmony and tranquility into the spaces we live. The world around her spoke to her need to infuse peace into our environments, and she creates to balance chaos with calm.
Ultimately, her work reflects both personal history and collective experience. Each piece is an expression of self, shaped by the interplay between discipline, curiosity, and the beauty of the everyday.
BETTINA CHOW
DDW SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
CULTURAL PARTNER
