There is a unique magic that happens when you pair a warm cup of tea with the spoken word. It invites us to slow down, lean in, and truly listen.
This summer, the White Horse Community Hub is bringing that exact sense of warmth and connection to Black Mountain with the launch of its new Poetry & Tea Social Series. The inaugural event kicks off on Tuesday, July 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., finding its perfect seasonal home at Quietude.
Designed as a recurring quarterly gathering, this series is built around a simple but powerful idea: blending literature, conversation, and authentic community engagement to create a space where everyone feels they belong.
Connection First: What to Expect
The afternoon will begin with a half-hour tea social. This dedicated time allows neighbors, writers, longtime poetry enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike to connect over fresh tea and refreshments before the literary program begins. Following the social, attendees will enjoy readings and deep discussions led by two exceptional voices from our regional and national literary communities.
Meet the Featured Artists
The series will be facilitated by acclaimed poet, educator, photographer, and creativity coach Tracey Schmidt. Widely recognized throughout Western North Carolina, Tracey specializes in helping people tap into their innate curiosity and creative expression through reflective practice. Her workshops are celebrated for their ability to foster genuine human connection.
Joining Tracey for the inaugural event is featured poet Lee Stockdale, who brings a remarkably decorated literary resume to the table. Lee will be reading from his newest chapbook, Bronxville, a collection that boasts poems recognized by the United Kingdom National Poetry Prize, the Montana Prize for Humor, and the Atlanta Review International Merit Award. Celebrated for his wit, insight, and deeply human perspective, Lee’s reading promises an enriching, inspiring afternoon.
As a brand-new initiative, the Poetry & Tea Social perfectly reflects the White Horse Community Hub’s mission to provide daytime programming that fosters lifelong learning, wellness, and local connection.
Our community projects are funded in part by a grant from the American Red Cross and a grant from the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. These critical investments allow White Horse to continue developing programs that strengthen community resilience, recovery, and authentic connection across the Swannanoa Valley.
Whether you have a notebook full of your own stanzas or have never read a line of poetry in your life, you are welcome here. Come for the tea, stay for the inspiration, and leave with a renewed sense of community.