July in NYC: Art, Markets & Summer Workshops

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.

*Akin turned one! *🥳

Hello friends! After a hectic May, we've been taking time to recharge, get organized, and celebrate our 1 year anniversary! Thank you all for the support over the last year, we’ve learned so much and we’re so excited to keep growing this community!

What else is new:

Easier event submissions: We've streamlined the process! Fill out this form to get your events featured in our weekly Instagram roundups and monthly newsletter. Please note the submission deadlines – they're important!

Perfect weather for plein air painting: Summer is here! Check out our guide to painting outdoors in NYC, with tips on locations and what to bring.

From content creator to community builder: Read our interview with David, founder of Thread Studio – a community space for creatives and the creatively curious. Learn how he's bringing creative people together in meaningful ways.

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Creative Happenings

Try something new with a workshop:

July 2: Join this hands-on incense making workshop in collaboration with the exhibition Bleu by Costanza Damiani, followed by breathing and sound meditation. ($90) Fugue Gallery in Lower East Side

July 2: Experience a mindful art, meditation and tea tasting at this event. Allow yourself to slow down, express yourself, and reconnect with community through guided exercises and breathwork. ($40) After Hours Club at CHA& in Lower East Side

July 9: Explore Love & Liberation poetry in this workshop for QTBIPOC participants examining topics like Palestine and modern-day legacies of colonialism. ($15+) Land to Sea in Bushwick

July 10 & 14: Build your watercolor practice with artist Kendall Gregory (July 10) or learn line drawing techniques with Genia Blaser (July 14) in these community workshops with all supplies included. ($30) The Analog Stationer in Prospect Heights

July 15: Taste Norie, a brand new elegant non-alcoholic wine alternative (FREE with RSVP) Third Place Bar at La Compagnie in Flatiron

July 17: Reconnect with your Inner Child through guided meditation, playful prompts, and curated art-making in this evening of creativity and connection. ($25-35) Nasimeh Be at Thread Studio in Bushwick

July 17: Join this 3-hour hands-on art workshop in Greenpoint where you'll transform a personal object using creative techniques, with wine, charcuterie, and a finished piece to take home. ($148) Haricot Vert Studio in Greenpoint

July 22: Want to brush up your artistic skills and hang with a community of fellow artists? Attend this social drawing event that focuses on figure drawing from a live model. ($15 Advance/ $20 Door) Q.E.D. in Astoria

July 24: Learn the basics of acrylic and collage in this gorgeous Moxy setting for a Mixed Media workshop by popular demand. ($45) A Third Place in Williamsburg

July 27: Create your own summer jewelry piece at an Alice in Wonderland themed picnic ($80). DM on instagram for tickets. Ptashka Agency in Central Park

July 31: Shake up and sip your own elevated non-alcoholic summer cocktails at this Zero-Proof Mixology Class. ($80) Fabrik in Tribeca

All Month: Explore more ways to learn, practice and play — with workshops, socials, music, and a creative respite from the summer heat and grind at Recess Grove. (Price Varies) Recess Grove in Williamsburg

Up-level with a class series:

July 13 - August 17: Join this 6-week Beginner Wheel pottery course on Sundays including studio clay, tool usage, glazing and kiln firings. ($490) Bushwick Ceramics in Bushwick

July 13 - August 2: Immerse yourself in this Saturday Intensive Drawing Workshop series with small group, all materials included, and outdoor sketching focus. ($150) Flo Giovanni Pacini in Brooklyn

July 7 - August: Keep the creativity flowing this summer with Tuesday and Thursday art classes at the New York School of the Arts. They offer a broad spectrum of classes across all mediums! (Prices Vary, $180-$220) New York School of the Arts in Lenox Hill

July 21-24: Transform your photography projects into a Riso printed photobook in this 3-session Sequence & Print workshop, leaving with 20 copies of your riso printed book. ($350) Secret Riso Club in Bushwick

July 21-24: Can’t commit to a whole month? Join the 1-Week Wheel Throwing Bootcamp with flexible morning or afternoon sessions, perfect for exploring that pottery hobby you've been eager to try. ($475, 20% off with code BYOFRIEND20) Dirtbag ArtHaus in Bushwick

Attend a fun creative event:

July 3: Watch Call Me By Your Name under the stars at this free outdoor movie screening, the first of four summer films. (FREE) Brooklyn Magazine in Fort Greene Park

July 4: Celebrate the Photodom NYC Grand Re-Opening with free giveaways, picture booth, DJ sets and exclusive discounts for film lovers. (FREE) Photodom NYC in Brooklyn

July 6: Celebrate the Teapotluck zine release and Perpetual Brew with free cold tea, giant communal pot brewing, and seven local artists. (FREE with suggested RSVP) The Tea Stand at Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick

July 7: Watch The Goonies at 5:30pm or Jaws at 7:45pm with 10% off your first drink and specialty cocktails at this movie night. ($30) Bibliotheque in SoHo

July 8: Meet author Ruth Ware at this FREE Hudson Yards Summer Series reading event and possibly leave with a signed copy of "The Woman in Suite 11." (FREE with RSVP) Reading Rhythms in Hudson Yards

July 12: Shop, eat and drink at the first AAPI Creators Market in SoHo featuring multiple local creators. (FREE) NABI Magazine in SoHo

July 12 & 29: Browse and shop at this monthly community-powered market featuring local growers and makers celebrating terroir as the architect behind every vibrant taste. (FREE entry) Hudson Wilder & The Libi Project in DUMBO

July 12: Experience The Great Goat Graze-Off, the first-ever competitive eating contest between goats featuring Romeo, Rufus, Mallomar, Kash, and Butterball. (FREE with RSVP) Riverside Park

July 12-13: Celebrate Poetopia at The New York City Poetry Festival with powerful performances, open mics, and literary joy in a stunning outdoor space. (FREE) Governors Island

July 13: Shop, eat and drink with Indian-inspired fits from Nazaraa’s new collection at this romantic Gulaabi Hour sip & shop experience. (FREE with RSVP)* Nazaraa at Ishq NYC in East Village*

July 14: Hear from food entrepreneurs about building a brick & mortar food business in this conversation series From The Ground Up. ($15) Driftaway Coffee & The Libi Project in East Williamsburg

July 19: Browse incredibly talented vendors offering sweets, beverages, art, jewelry, zines, live portraits, press-on nails, and flash tattoos at this outdoor block party. (FREE with RSVP) Joy Flower Pot in Lower East Side

July 23: Enjoy Mando Jazz Night with Mandarin jazz, soulful community, and delicious vegan food in a dreamy summer evening. ($25 Early Bird/$35 General) Veggie Chi at Spicy Moon Bowery in Chinatown

July 24: Hear the David Bixler Trio Incognito record release show featuring contemplative soundscaping and musical communion for those who listen beyond the obvious. ($20 Advance/$25 Door) DROM in East Village

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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 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.

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 👨‍🎨