For Sobella Loreto, artist and co-owner of Arteastic, it wasn’t much of a stretch to blend the concepts of a tea shop and art gallery, she said.

“Tea is an art,” Loreto said. “From the moment it's planted to the moment they pinch the baby tea leaves from the trees—the way each tea is processed is art.”

The tea sommelier displays her watercolor and acrylic paintings throughout the shop. She said it has always been a dream to combine her passion for teaching, tea and artistic expression into a business.

This dream was realized in May 2021, when Loreto and her husband opened the tea and art shop near their home in the Katy area.
Arteastic features an afternoon tea for groups, where they can select a pot of tea and enjoy small bites. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Arteastic offers an afternoon tea for groups, where they can select a pot of tea and enjoy small bites. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
The features

Nearly 70 different kinds of tea—from green and white to oolong and black—are arranged behind the counter at Arteastic.


The shop offers afternoon tea sessions for groups, starting at $45 for a tiered arrangement of crustless sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, fruit and desserts, plus a customer’s choice of a pot of tea.

“I consider Arteastic like an escape—like Shangri-La,” she said. “People can enjoy the conversations, the music, the art, the tea, and forget what happens outside. It’s a place you can go and relax.”
Loreto displays her art throughout the shop. The business owner has more than 50 years of experience as a painter and art enthusiast and is also a trained tea sommelier. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Loreto displays her art throughout the shop. The business owner has more than 50 years of experience as a painter and art enthusiast and is also a trained tea sommelier. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
The impact

With more than 50 years of experience, Loreto said she teaches students from ages 5 years old and up how to paint. She dedicates the space to this endeavor every Monday.

Arteastic is the site for many bridal parties, baby showers and youth gatherings, such as birthday parties and girl scouts outings, she said.


Loreto said she hopes to welcome more walk-in customers to enjoy the space and partake in the calm and healing atmosphere that’s synonymous with consuming tea and observing art.

“I love when people come in to just get tea, and end up staying for one or two hours,” Loreto said. “For me it's important that people come here to have a good time, [it’s important to me] to make people happy.”