May in NYC: Highlighting AAPI Creativity
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.
Join us at New York Asian Arts Festival this May!
Happy AAPI Heritage month! This month, we're partnering with the team at It Means Light to launch the inaugural New York Asian Arts Festival (NYAAF). As proud members of the AAPI community, Jane and I created this festival to spotlight the incredible AAPI businesses, studios, makers, artists, and brands that make NYC's creative scene so dynamic. The Festival features two main components:
Art Exhibition: "What Will People Think?" - An honest exploration of AAPI identity beyond stereotypes, showcasing works that navigate the complex perspectives of family expectations, cultural heritage, and societal perceptions.
Programming: We've connected with talented AAPI creative businesses and makers to offer a diverse calendar of workshops, events, and classes. Check out our schedule, follow the Luma Calendar, and sign up for something that interests you!
NYAAF is open to everyone - whether you're part of the AAPI community or simply appreciate the cultural contributions and creativity it brings to our city. Follow us on Instagram or join our email list for updates as we add more to our festival lineup.
Creative Happenings
Try something new with a workshop:
May 10: Get creative with collaborative recipe cards and explore print techniques in this fun Riso Potluck Workshop, with all materials provided. ($100). Lucky Risograph in DUMBO
May 12: Experience communal dining celebrating food cultures and connections at the Studio Bumi & Mama Lam's Just Dinner Series collaboration, as part of NYAAF. ($130). Kato Sake Works in Brooklyn
May 15: Learn authentic folding techniques and create delicious treats at this lively dumpling making class hosted by author & plant-based cook Christine Wong x NYAAF. ($50). Fabrik DUMBO in Brooklyn
May 17: Craft gorgeous jewelry inspired by floral elements in this creative Handcrafted Blooms & Pearls workshop presented by NUNCHI x NYAAF. ($95). NUNCHI in New York
May 20: Turn ordinary items into personalized treasures with wine, snacks, and good company at this beginner-friendly Decoupage Workshop. ($60). Craft & Mingle NYC in Midtown
May 21: Channel your inner artist with culturally-inspired painting prompts at this welcoming AAPI Dinner Party Paint Night hosted by Mojo HQ x NYAAF. ($20 suggested). Mojo HQ at 117 Grattan St
May 22: Disconnect from work mode and dive into creative expression at Off the Clock with Saddie Baddies through junk journaling and community connection. ($25). Saddie Baddies x The JUNK Edit at Recess Grove in Williamsburg
May 28: Shape clay into functional art with your own hands at this beginner-friendly Cup & Plate Set Workshop hosted by Studio Calmplex x NYAAF. ($85). Studio Calmplex in New York
May 29: Create mesmerizing patterns on paper using ancient Japanese techniques at the meditative Suminagashi Paper Marbling session by Call to Gather x NYAAF. ($85). Fabrik DUMBO in Brooklyn
May 29: Give artistic form to your subconscious mind through guided exercises at this Interpretive Dreams workshop by Call to Gather x NYAAF. ($85). Fabrik DUMBO in Brooklyn
May 29: Transform broken pottery into beautiful art using contemporary adaptations of traditional Japanese techniques at Modern Kintsugi hosted by Call to Gather x NYAAF. ($95). Fabrik DUMBO in Brooklyn
May 31: Design meaningful jewelry that celebrates heritage and identity at this hands-on AAPI Inspired Charm Necklaces workshop by Mojo HQ x NYAAF. ($40). 117 Grattan St in Brooklyn
May 31: Enjoy art-making in the fresh air with a relaxing paint-by-number session at Park 'n' Paint in Central Park. ($25). Here to Sunday in Upper East Side
Up-level with a class series:
May 10 & 17: Learn to design and carve your own prints with purpose in the two-session Print Pals Woodblock Printing Workshop focused on solidarity and community. ($20 newcomers/$10 returners). Land to Sea in East Williamsburg & Immigrant Social Services in Chinatown
May 20 - June 10: Learn zine-making fundamentals with experienced mentorship in the 4-session Self-Publishing Workshop Series treasure hunt for ideas and creativity. ($35-45 per class or $115 for all 4). Secret Riso Club in Bushwick
May 27 - June 24: Explore sound's relationship to identity and Black life through immersive listening practices at Sonic Imprints at Index NYC. ($250). Index Space in Lower East Side
May 31 - June 1: Connect with artists exploring memory and resonance in the two-day Echoes Spring Showcase featuring multidisciplinary works and performances. ($15-40). Work in Progress NYC in Bushwick
May - July: Break through blocks and rediscover your authentic voice in this 12-week The Artist's Way Accountability Workshop boot camp for creative souls. ($425). Written in Brooklyn in Brooklyn
Attend a fun creative event:
May 1 - August 1: Discover "Talk to the sky, seeking light" showcasing contemporary works by the celebrated Japanese-Swiss artist at the Leiko Ikemura Art Exhibition. (FREE). Lisson Gallery in Chelsea
May 9: Connect with fellow readers in a fun, interactive setting at Book Bingo Night with complimentary literary flash tattoos by Esther Shin. (FREE). Penguin Random House in East Williamsburg
May 9: Explore wellness practices rooted in Asian traditions at the mindful Inner Frequency Vol. 1 gathering hosted by Ri: Society x NYAAF. ($65). Brooklyn Grange at Brooklyn Navy Yard
May 10: Immerse yourself in performance, music, food and drinks at Mirror of Fate with Levon Kafafian celebrating "The Bride Has Gone to Pick Flowers" exhibition. ($30). CUE Art Foundation in Chelsea
May 10 - October 26: Explore the first major menswear exhibition in two decades at Superfine: Tailoring Black Style examining style across 12 thematic sections. (FREE). The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan
May 11: Discover the nuances of "The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street" through intimate, insightful conversation at Writers & Stories with Jianan Qian. ($25). Accent Sisters in Virtual
May 23: Move to the rhythm of carefully curated music at the Of The Sun: All-Vinyl Dance Party hosted by DJ Vikmatic x NYAAF. (FREE). Night Club 101 in New York
May 24: Immerse yourself in AAPI musicians' sounds at Pure Resonance: Live Music & Vinyl Community Listening Session featuring live performances and vinyl selections. (FREE). Commune Cafe + Wine Bar in Brooklyn
May 25: Connect with creators and their works at the Slant'd x Kato Sake Works Presents: Meet the Artists Art Fair festival event, in collaboration with NYAAF. ($25 suggested). Kato Sake Works in Brooklyn
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 space where people can discover new hobbies, develop skills, or connect through creative activities?
Fill out our form to get the business added to our directory! We're expanding our listings to include all kinds of places where curiosity and learning thrive—from pottery studios and art cafes to cooking schools, music spaces, dance studios, woodworking shops, and more.
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!
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 👨🎨
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