March in NYC: A Change Is In The Air!

Welcome to The Creativity Digest, a monthly newsletter series from Akin! We’re bringing you some of the most interesting creative classes, workshops, events, and pop-ups around New York City every month so that you can find your creative community.

Photo by USGS on Unsplash

New Look, Same Vibes: We're Glowing-Up!

We are thrilled to announce that Akin is evolving! Your enthusiasm and support have been the driving force behind our growth. We've been amazed to see how many people share our passion for creativity, connection, and community. It's because of this incredible response that we're taking the next step in our journey.

The community you know and love isn't changing—just getting a new look and name that better represents who we are and what we do. In the coming week, we'll unveil our new name and refreshed visual identity, keep an eye on our Instagram this Thursday for the big reveal!

What's New?

In case you missed it…

🌿 Making space for something new: In this month's musings, Jane explores what happens when you clear out the clutter, both mental and physical. Hint: it’s magical!

💞Creative experiences to explore with a date: In this Valentine’s Day inspired guide, we round up the best places to transform date night into a memorable creative adventure together.

🌟Meet The WonderMart: Creating Wonder Through Community: In Greenpoint, The WonderMart transcends typical retail—Perri has created a vibrant sanctuary where local makers thrive and genuine community connections flourish alongside thoughtfully curated treasures. Check out our conversation with her!

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Creative Happenings

Try something new with a workshop:

March 9th: Rediscover your creative spark at Inner Child Art Dayte! Experience an afternoon of creativity, connection, and playful delight that fuses art exercises, community building, and mindfulness practices. Perfect for anyone seeking to reconnect with joy and tap into their inner artist. Give yourself permission to PLAY! ($30). Thread Studio in Bushwick

March 16th: Express your creativity at this Ceramic Tile Painting workshop with illustrator, animator and ceramicist Rama Duwaji! Design and paint your own set of 4 ceramic tiles after learning about inspiration, process, and techniques. Perfect for both beginners and those looking to enhance their ceramics practice. All materials, firing, and warm beverages by Drink Dona included! ($105). RecCreate Collective in Clinton Hill

March 16: Join JUICEBOX for a Fabric Painting workshop with talented artist and photographer Danielle Simone! Learn to paint and personalize your clothing while sipping wine. Bring a jacket, jeans, tote, hat, sweatshirt, or any fabric piece ready for a creative glow-up. Materials included, just BYO fabrics and inspiration. ($65) Bon Studio in Williamsburg.

March 22: CHROMATIC ALCHEMY: Craft your own underglaze crayons with ceramic artist Camila Ruiz! Explore materials, chemistry, and color theory while making handmade tools for your ceramics practice. Workshop includes a guided color exploration inspired by Hilma af Klint. ($100) Artshack Lab in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

March 23rd: Celebrate the first weekend of Spring at the inaugural Craft & Chat jewelry-making event! Join Two of Cups Events for casual jewelry creation while enjoying friendly conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. Each ticket includes one delicious drink and all supplies needed to craft your own unique pieces. Perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! ($23.18). Mottley Kitchen in the Bronx

March 26th: Transform trinkets into treasures at the Tiny Treasures Workshop! Trade and upcycle charms to create unique keychains and bag accessories during this hands on swap. Perfect for crafters and upcycling enthusiasts. Bring your own treasures and tools will be supplied to create your own small treasures. (FREE entry). Drawing Room in Midtown

March 28th: Indulge your senses at Uncorked Narratives, a writing workshop thoughtfully paired with wine and food tasting! Experience this creative sensory journey taught by Rachel Herron (@rachelherron_). ($120). Drawing Room in Midtown

Every Thursday in March: Join the March Mendness weekly mending club at From Here to Sunday! Give some TLC to your pile of well-worn socks and sweater holes during these stitch sessions. Perfect for crafters and sustainability enthusiasts of all skill levels. BYO tools & supplies, with some swap options available. (FREE entry, RSVP required). From Here to Sunday in Gowanus

Up-level with a class series:

March 24-April 28: Join Writers Club NY's inaugural Spring Writing Salon! This six-week in-person workshop series invites BIPOC prose writers across all genres with 5-15 pages ready to be workshopped. Sessions meet weekly on Mondays from 7:00-9:30 PM EST. Sliding scale cost helps cover program expenses. Applications close February 22! Perfect for writers looking to develop their craft in a supportive community. ($100-$150) Index NYC in Tribeca.

March 18-May 6: Fear-Free Beginners Drawing Class with Hung Chang welcomes total beginners in this supportive 8-session course. Learn foundational techniques in a non-judgmental environment while exploring still life, portraiture, and more. Perfect for anyone who thinks they "can't draw." Discover the joy and health benefits of artistic expression. ($324). The Art Studio in Upper West Side.

March 12-April 16: Printmaking on Paper and Fabric offers a 6-week course exploring block printing and screen printing techniques. Learn to carve linoleum blocks, create stencils, and print on various surfaces to transform your designs into bold, repeatable prints. Suitable for all levels and includes 24/7 studio access and a supportive community. ($500). Dirtbag Arthaus in East Williamsburg.

Attend a fun creative event:

March 6th: Get your swing on with Astoria Swing at The Last Word! Come dance the night away or simply relax and enjoy excellent music and cocktails in this cozy Astoria venue. Perfect for dancers of all levels and those who just want to soak in the atmosphere. (FREE event). The Last Word, Astoria, Queens.

March 13: StoryTell presents "The Unplanned" - an evening of personal storytelling about life's unexpected turns. Share or listen to stories of chance encounters and spontaneous decisions that became meaningful moments. Connect with your community through shared experiences. ($25) Storytell at ThirdSpace in Bushwick.

March 15: Daylight Audio launches its first curated daytime music discovery session! Join this social-driven event featuring three up-and-coming DJs spinning chill house, neo-soul, and deep grooves. Enjoy coffee and matcha while connecting with others in a relaxed atmosphere. Come for the music, stay for the connections. (FREE) Land to Sea in East Williamsburg.

March 19th: Laugh and think at a Comedy Book Club featuring George Orwell's 1984! Your favorite comedians will discuss this classic dystopian novel with their unique humorous perspective. Perfect for literature lovers and comedy fans alike. A fresh take on the traditional book club format. ($15) Recess Grove in Williamsburg

Multiple Dates: MakeTime hosts evening sessions for creatives to work on their personal projects alongside other artists. Join fellow creatives working on drawings, poems, and paintings while reclaiming your creative energy. Upcoming dates: March 4, March 18, April 1, and April 22, from 6:30-8:30pm. Perfect for anyone looking to dedicate more time to their creative practice. (FREE) Maketime in Lower East Side.

March 27-30: Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair debuts at Powerhouse Arts! Experience this celebration of printmaking featuring 41 international galleries, 27 self-representing artists, and 6 academic print departments. This new addition to NYC's art fair circuit aims to expand opportunities for collectors, artists, printers, and publishers while establishing Brooklyn as a hub for esteemed print fairs. ($15) Powerhouse Arts in Gowanus.

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Support Us!

Do you know of a community-driven creative studio, art cafe, third place, or maker space that isn’t on our directory? Are you a business owner of a community-driven space?

Fill out our form to get the business added to Akin!

Submit a Business here!

Follow us on instagram @discoverakin for the most up to date news & exclusive content. Tag us whenever you do something creative to be featured on our page!

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Happy creating and thank you for joining us on this creative journey!

Visit Akin to access the directory and learn more about us.

Until next time,

Your Creativity Guides 👨‍🎨