Many classes and workshops, whether for writing or painting, tend to be expensive and out of reach for many students and younger artists. However, there are still many opportunities to delve into your craft locally this summer. Stay challenged and connected by signing up for workshops, classes, and events this summer. Check out these no-commitment, one session classes around NYC:
Drawing and Painting
A 1-session beginner’s course run by The Art Studio NY, the class is a nature walk workshop duo for creative minds inspired by nature. They meet Saturdays (check online schedule, as it is not every Saturday of the month) from 12pm-2pm in the Upper West Side of Central Park. Instructors are teachers from the studio, who will guide the lesson and provide feedback. The fee also includes all art supplies for the day.
2. MoMA – Artist Lead Classes (Free-$30 for Students)
Join artists currently exhibited by the MoMA for 1 session classes ranging from style, technique, to theory. With a student ID, register for classes at a discounted price of $30 such as “Political Printmaking: The 1960s and Today”, or look for their free events such as “Art and Practice with Carloine Woolord.” If you can’t make it to the MoMA, you can also utilize their online archives of classes at home.
3. Weekly Figure Drawing – $15
The Trestle Gallery in Gowanus, Brooklyn is a community studio that offers walk-in figure drawing classes three times a week -Monday and Wednesday Evening, along with Saturday afternoons. The session includes no instruction, only the space and the model where artists bring their own supplies and work on their figure drawing techniques.
4. First Fridays Art Social – $20
A laid back event designed for fun, the Brooklyn Craft Company meets every Friday evening at 7PM for drawing class and wine tasting to meet friends and improve your craft. The price includes all drawing materials and drinks for wine tasting.
Theatre and Performance
Introduction classes from improv to storytelling, the Magnet Theatre in Midtown, NY offers frequent tuition free classes where attendees are taught by theatre professionals for 1 class sessions. They also have shows, such as Premiere: The Improvised Musical debuting this month for only $10 a ticket.
The Artistic New Directions acting group (or, AND) hosts free events on Wednesdays. These include a Improv Workshop run by actors Scotty Watson and David Marx, or a Open Rehearsal for Anything Goes, where participants perform a 10-minute cold reading of the musical (there is only 6 spots available to make sure to RSVP for this event by emailing ANDReserve@aol.com)
3. Jalopy Jam Sessions & Workshops
The Jalopy theatre and studio in Brooklyn hosts a variety of jam sessions, free of charge, where musicians can gather and riff off each other in a group of talented musicians. They also provide workshops (ranging from $25-$30) where you can register to learn more about tuning and improving music for the instrument of your choice. Also check out their lists of Live Music Performances in addition to their classes.
Poetry and Writing
Named after the Walt Whitman’s famous line in Leaves of Grass, this local community is dedicated to inspiring and connecting with others. Orchestrated by Brooklyn poet, Jason Koo, the group invites poets to meet at 61 Local at 7PM every second Monday of the month for a workshop and open mic. Guest speakers frequently come in to lead the group, and participants receive feedback as well as an opportunity to share.
Alongside its premiere programs that require tuition, Gotham Writers also host a variety of events free of charge. From topics ranging from playwriting, to humor writing, even entry level creative writing, their free courses survey a variety of genres, meeting anywhere from Bryant Park to local bars and restaurants.
3. New York Public Library -FREE
Search for writing events such as Island Writers Creative Writing Group meeting every Tuesday at 1pm, or an autobiographical focused group Writing Circle meeting every Thursday at 10am, the library organizes a variety of free events in various locations.
Photography
The Art of Intuitive Photography, in addition to its many photography classes and sessions, will often offer a “pay as you wish” 1 hour photography session. These are lead by one of their instructors, and they focus on tapping into your intuition as well as offering basic tips and photographing skills.
2. PhotoManhattan’s Free and Affordable Photography Classes -FREE
PhotoManhattan school of photography offers free of cost workshops and photography sessions through their Meetup page. Here, photographers can gather for various walks or in studio for a courtesy course lead by instructors from the school.
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