NYC is a cultural mecca that attracts artists and thinkers from all over the world. There are a plethora of adult art classes available for those curious about expressing their creative side.
We’ve put together a list of the best art classes in NYC for every style and method, ranging from sculpting and painting to screen printing and ceramics. Here are the best adult art classes in NYC:
1. Painting Salon
Painting Lounge is exactly what it sounds like: a laid-back place that exudes a laid-back vibe. The establishment allows BYOB, with the exception of liquor, and even provides corkscrews, cups, and a refrigerator to ensure your drinks stay cold. Each evening, professional artists will guide you step-by-step in replicating a featured painting.
In addition to regular classes, Painting Lounge also offers private parties and events. This is a great option for birthdays, bachelorette parties, corporate team building events and other special occasions.
The studio can accommodate groups of all sizes and offers a fun and unique way to celebrate and create memories with friends and family. You will find a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere in which you can unleash your inner artist.
2. 92nd Street Y
Known for its lectures, concerts and discussions, New York’s most prominent community center also offers a range of art classes ranging from art appreciation to watercolor painting.
Even if you’re a complete beginner, there are beginner classes that start with the basics. The 92nd Street Y is a great choice if you want to rekindle your creativity with an experienced teacher.
3. New York School of the Arts
At the New York School of the Arts, the emphasis is on the evolution of contemporary art. The school delves into visual arts, music, architecture, and design studies, offering a wide variety of creative options to explore.
With classes covering a variety of media – from graphic techniques to portraiture to an introduction to Adobe Photoshop – there’s something for everyone to experiment with.
4. The Decorus Atelier of figurative art
Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art allows students to learn classical drawing, painting and even sculpting methods if desired. The school offers classes that lay the foundation for these mediums.
For example, students can take the « Intro to Anatomy » course, which covers the architecture of the human body and the techniques for capturing its shape in drawing.
Alternatively, they can enroll in the « Accelerated Portraiture Drawing » course, where they learn to master portrait drawing and related techniques. To ensure an intimate, hands-on experience, classes have limited enrollment.
5.STUDIO
Whether you’re an avid ceramics enthusiast or looking for a creative outlet, visit this community center in Bushwick. It is known for its pottery classes, where you can learn how to use a plate machine to roll out clay and learn the basics of molding.
At the venue, check out the meditation room, the lower level for millwork and carpentry, and the café, which hosts gallery exhibitions, pop-up dinners, and other events.
6. School of Visual Arts
SVA, one of the country’s leading professional art schools, offers many continuing education courses on almost every topic imaginable related to contemporary art.
These courses go beyond the typical « how-to » classes in painting and include art history, critical studies, video production, and even creating art using genetic engineering. You’ll have the chance to learn from instructors around the world in a variety of classes ranging from conceptual debates to advanced research.
7. Secret Rice Club
There is a significant resurgence of interest in the 1980s style risograph print in recent years as it is a fast and efficient method of screen printing layers of ink to produce vibrant designs for posters, comics and illustrations.
Gonzalo Guerrero started a riso studio in his apartment in 2011 to introduce people to this underrated printing technique. Guerrero believes that working with riso helps you focus and gain inspiration, and it can even ease feelings of being stuck in other areas of your life.
You can give it a try by signing up for the three-hour introductory workshop, which includes a personal one-on-one session with Guerrero. After that, you can reserve studio time to work on your designs.
8. Dirty hands
Art workshops for adults of all skill levels can be found at Dirty Hands, a studio in Brooklyn. The studio has been around since 2010 and its emphasis on risk-taking, originality and individuality in the classroom has made it a pioneer in the field of art education. Painting, sketching, printmaking, and sculpting are just some of the mediums covered in Dirty Hands’ many courses.
All skill levels are welcome, but if you’re hoping to paint a sunset, that’s not what you’re going to do here. Dirty Hands’ painting classes for adults are notable for their encouragement of experimentation and breaking of norms.
Participants are encouraged to try new things, both in terms of materials and production methods, so they can find what works best for them and what helps them grow as an artist. For example, participants in the « Painting with spatulas » workshop learn to use only spatulas and acrylic paints to create complex, textured paintings.
In short, Dirty Hands is a great choice for adults looking to broaden their creative horizons and learn new methods. Those who want to challenge themselves creatively and find their own voice will find a welcoming environment at Dirty Hands.
9. The Art Students League of New York
Founded in 1875, the Art Students League of New York is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of its kind. Alumni include renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell, Jackson Pollock, and Georgia O’Keeffe, and you can join them by taking classes in sculpture, painting, and drawing.
Classes cover everything from sketching live models to the intricacies of color theory, providing a strong foundation in art fundamentals.
10. A/D/O
With its artistic flair, Greenpoint is home to a design haven that offers a variety of creative classes for hands-on experiences. What sets A/D/O art programs apart is the way they prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
Many of the studio’s programs use salvaged or repurposed materials in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, in the « Found Item Sculpture » course, students repurpose everyday objects to create one-of-a-kind works of art. A/D/O offers more than just art classes; it also offers a variety of free workshops, seminars and other activities.
Opportunities to interact with other creative minds and learn from industry experts are just some of the benefits of attending these gatherings. Every month the studio hosts exciting workshops for different interests, such as riso printing, screen printing and ceramics.
Conclusion
New York City is a hive of artistic and cultural activity, with many opportunities for individuals to develop their artistic skills. Classes are offered in a wide variety of media, from painting and drawing to ceramics and sculpture.
You can find a new interest, gain valuable skills or just have fun while developing as a person by checking out the many art studios available.
Some of the best places in town to take an art class as an adult include the Painting Lounge, which offers a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for painters of all skill levels, and A/D/O, which offers a variety of uniquely fun classes and workshops with an emphasis on environmental awareness and social justice.
Adult art classes in New York City are a great way for artists of all experience levels to hone their craft, explore new avenues of expression, and meet like-minded people.