Inside the Tea and Art Lounge on NW Bond Street customers sip tea while sketchbooks, watercolor palettes and conversation spread across tables. The recently opened TEAL is more than a tea lounge—it is designed as a community-centered environment focused on creativity, connection and slowing down in the middle of downtown Bend.
TEAL was born from what owners Sarah Swoffer and her husband described as a growing gap in Bend for accessible places to make and explore art. A former teacher, she began offering art activities during the COVID-19 pandemic after noticing how many people were missing a gateway for imagination and in-person connection. “We needed more opportunities for hands-on creativity and curiosity,” Swoffer said.
TEAL was also shaped by what she saw as a lack of accessible creative spaces for adults as well as children: “Adults need it just as much, if not more than kids do,” she said. So, small art sessions eventually evolved into a larger vision for a place where creativity could be part of everyday life.
The goal, Swoffer said, was to build a setting that feels welcoming and safe for anyone who walks in. She described TEAL as a “home away from home,” where visitors can study, work, or take a break from the pace of everyday life. The space also provides free Wi-Fi and art supplies, encouraging guests to use the environment in whatever way fits their needs.
TEAL’s latest closing time is 9 p.m.—a convenient option for students in Bend. Its downtown location offers an alternative to crowded coffee shops and other typical study spots, particularly during peak evening hours.
The lounge also reflects its community focus through local collaboration. Teas and pastries are sourced from local vendors, while artwork displayed throughout the space is created by local artists. A community chalkboard near the craft supplies invites guests to share messages, ideas and reflections. Even the bathrooms feature murals, including a paint-by-number mural in the women’s restroom that visitors can contribute to over time.
TEAL additionally offers a founding member program. Swoffer said it gives early supporters a sense of connection and involvement as the spot continues to grow, helping people feel like they are part of something developing in real time.
The lounge is built around the idea that creativity should be shared. Rather than a traditional studio model, TEAL allows community members to lead workshops based on their own skills. Even young instructors have participated, including a 10-year-old who taught a resin earring workshop.
“If students are passionate about something, we want to help them share that with the community,” Swoffer said, hoping college students will lead their own workshops.
Amy Harris, a TEAL barista, said the space will shift during the summer months. “In the summer, we’re planning to open those sliding windows,” she said, pointing toward the front, “And have live music playing inside the lounge.” Harris described the goal as blending downtown energy with TEAL’s calmer atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Swoffer hopes TEAL will continue to grow as both a creative hub and familiar downtown stop for anyone, be it locals, students or visitors. “My hope is that we’re top of mind for people as a place to go to,” she said.
When asked to describe TEAL in three words, Harris referenced the lounge’s slogan: “Sip, connect, create.”
