February in NYC: Feeling February's Creative Chill ☁️

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 own creative community.

What's New?

Baby It's Cold Outside (But We've Been Busy!)

February may be the shortest month, but we've packed it with inspiration to fuel your creative journey. From cozy hideouts to thought-provoking conversations, we're exploring what happens when we create spaces - both physical and mental - that truly welcome everyone.

🤫 Nobody cares, and that’s liberating!: In this month's musings, Connie explores why letting go of others' opinions might be your ticket to creative freedom.

❄️ Your Creative Hideouts for NYC Winter: We've mapped the coziest spots to keep your creative spark alive while escaping the cold. From hidden cafes to warm studios, find your new winter sanctuary.

🏠 Meet Third Space: Where Community Doesn't Come With a Price Tag: Step into this Bushwick gem where co-working meets genuine connection (plus a resident Dalmatian!). See how they're flipping the script on creative spaces in NYC.

Check out our past Creative Changemakers interviews to learn about the amazing community builders in NYC who are using creativity as a tool for connection!

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Creative Happenings

Spark your creativity with a workshop:

February 2nd: Reconnect with your creative spark at this playful Inner Child Art Date! Through guided exercises and open art-making time, rediscover the joy of uninhibited creative expression in a supportive community setting. Perfect for anyone craving artistic inspiration. ($30-$35). Inner Child Art Date at Thread Studio in Brooklyn

February 6th: Join this free creative writing workshop designed to rekindle your creative spark through playful prompts and collaborative storytelling. Perfect for writers at any level looking to break through blocks and rediscover the joy of writing! (FREE). Meetat951 in The Bronx

February 6th: Celebrate Valentine's Day early with this cozy mosaic clay night! Create a unique air-dry clay piece decorated with shells, beads, sea glass, and other trinkets. Perfect for a date night or solo creative session. Ticket includes materials and one drink. ($35). Land to Sea in East Williamsburg

February 8th: Explore sustainable jewelry-making with materials researcher Anastasiya Yatsuk! Learn to craft unique pieces using DIY, compostable bioplastics in this hands-on workshop. Perfect for eco-conscious creators interested in innovative materials. ($78). Bioplastic Jewelry Workshop at Index Space in NYC

February 10th: Celebrate the launch of Craft Club NYC with a special Galentine's craft night! Join fellow creators to decorate heart-shaped cups while mingling with new friends. Come early to mix and mingle before the crafting begins. ($23 Early Bird, $29 General). Craft Club NYC at The Living Gallery in Bushwick

February 23rd: Join local songwriters for an intimate evening of original music and storytelling, followed by an open mic where you can share your own songs! Early bird tickets available. ($7 RSVP, $10 at door). Houghton Hall Arts Community in Murray Hill

February 25th: Join Collage Club for a cozy evening of creative journaling! Design a custom sketchbook cover using found art and collage techniques while connecting with fellow artists. All materials provided (or bring your own journal), plus inspiration session and gallery walk. Perfect for both beginner and experienced collage artists. ($35). RecCreate Collective in Clinton Hill

Up-level your creativity with a class series:

February Workshop Series: The Secret Riso Club presents a month of print-making adventures! Start with a cozy Valentine's card-making session (Feb 6), explore poster design basics (Feb 8), learn street poster techniques with visiting artist Hector Mosko (Feb 15), or dive into Riso 101 for fundamentals (Feb 22). Each workshop includes take-home prints and all materials. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, go on a risograph adventure this month! (Various prices, check bio for details). Secret Riso Club Workshop Series in NYC

Starting February 9th: Kickstart your creative journey with this 6-week digital workshop based on Julia Cameron's The Artists Way. Through Morning Pages, Artist Dates, and weekly exercises, unblock your creativity and establish lasting artistic habits. Limited to 12 participants for an intimate experience. ($449). The Artist's Way Workshop at Craft and Release Online

February 17th - March 24th: Learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing in this six-week course with instructor Anna! Perfect for complete beginners who want to explore the art of ceramics. Classes meet on Monday evenings to develop your skills at the potter's wheel. ($490). Bushwick Ceramics in Bushwick

Attend a fun creative event:

February 4th: Join The Quitting Factory for their first Creatives Hangout of 2025 at their new home! Mingle with fellow artists while enjoying $2 hot dogs and special Valentine's Day tarot readings. Non-alcoholic options available. Same welcoming vibes, new cozy location. (FREE entry). Heart of Gold in Astoria

February 5th: Join this intimate storytelling night where brave souls share funny, heartfelt, and delightfully awkward stories about love, heartbreak, and everything cringe in between. Theme: "Love is a Battlefield" - come ready to laugh, cry, and cringe together! (~$28). Written in Brooklyn Storytelling Series at Farm.One in Prospect Heights

February 8th: Discover independent artists and zine makers at 8 Ball Community's Valentine's Day Zine Fair! Browse handmade publications, meet local creators, and find unique printed treasures to share with your loved ones. Third annual event with masks required from 12-1pm. (FREE). Sixth Street Community Center in East Village

***February 13th: ***Join architect Cassiopea for a fun concrete crafting workshop! Learn to create unique home decor pieces like a colorful trinket tray and a glass and concrete bud vase. Perfect for a cozy Thursday with friends! Wear clothes that can get dirty– it's going to be a messy, creative adventure! ($45). A Third Place at Happy Creative Dig in Williamsburg

February 14th: Treat yourself, your bestie, or your special someone to a unique Valentine's experience! This Sound Bath & Intuitive Art Night combines gentle movement, sound healing, and creative expression to help you celebrate your inner magic. A perfect self-care evening. ($50, 20% off for members). Art Gurl x WhitFit at 155 Rivington Street in Lower East Side

February 21st: Join the newly relaunched Bookland Book Club for their first in-person meetup in two years! This month's pick celebrates both Black History Month and the season of love with Bell Hooks' "All About Love." Come ready to discuss or just listen over drinks and tapas - no pressure to finish the book. (FREE, RSVP required). Bookland Book Club at Lakou Cafe in Crown Heights

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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!

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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 👨‍🎨