20 Cheap Art Classes in NYC

If you’re looking to get your creative juices flowing, but your cash isn’t really flowing like you’d want, this list of  20 cheap art classes in NYC will give you a chance at having some fun without breaking the bank.

Artistic is not (and will probably never be) a word I use to describe myself. I can’t draw, I can’t paint, and I definitely cannot sculpt. Though I have attended a few classes where you bring wine and paint pre-selected landscape, it’s not something I excel at by any means. Even though I don’t have many skills in art, I have found those classes to be pretty fun. Luckily for people, like me, who have a lot to learn, there are classes where you don’t have to have received a degree in art and you’re not on your way to becoming the next Picasso. Because New York City is so big, and has such an influential art community, you can find everything from beginner art classes to advanced programs of study. If you’re looking to just have some fun with friends, or just do something different, there are a number of cheap art classes in NYC.

If you’re really trying to save money, this list of 6 free art classes in NYC for Adults might be more beneficial to you.

Obviously, there are many known benefits for people, associated with art, whether you’re participating in it for fun, or you make a career out of it. In all ages, art promotes creativity, but it can also be extremely relaxing for some people. That’s probably why we hear many artists refer to “expressing their emotions through their art.” According to the American Public Health Association (AJPH), art has also been shown to reduce hospital stays and improve the mood and health of those suffering from an illness. Seeing the health benefits of art doesn’t mean you have to know what you’re doing or be extremely talented at it. We decided to come up with our own list of cheap art classes that can be found around the Big Apple, in hopes to help you relieve some unnecessary stresses in your life.

In our list, art is not only limited to drawing and painting. It is much more. In our list you’ll find everything from painting to drawing, to sculpting and acting. These are great classes that allow you to have some fun, while also enhancing your skills. Our list is based on the results on Google Trends and data from Class Curious. You can attend some of the classes for free and even below $10 in some cases. No prior experience is necessary, so all you need to do it sign up.

Let’s take a look at 20 cheap art classes in NYC.

20. Queensborough Community College

Art History Series at Queensborough is a five-series class where each series is different and new.  The registration costs $30 for each and $125 for all of five series.  You will be able to learn both urban and rural works, conceptual arts and much more.

19. Sip ‘n Sculpt

Sip ‘n Sculpt classes are usually held at bars and restaurants, and obviously their classes include a drink. Their clay class price starts at $30, which includes the sculpting kit.  They describe their class as “whimsical, creative, and fun.”

18. Painting Lounge

For $30, you’ll be able to attend a painting class with Painting Lounge’s events.  They host a painting workshop with all the materials provided.  Once you finish your masterpiece, it’s yours to keep. Painting Lounge also has BYOB classes, which are some of their most popular ones.  They use acrylic paint so it is advisable you wear something you don’t mind getting paint stains on.

17. The Paint Place

The Family Painting Day event at The Paint Place is the perfect family bonding activity. They offer a variety of inexpensive classes (around $45). You can take a look at their schedule beforehand to pick out what you’re most interested in painting.

16. Baked in Brooklyn

Baked in Brooklyn may sound like a pastry shop, but it is actually a pottery and craft studio. For their Learn to Silkscreen class, you’ll learn how to transfer art to a ceramic. They provide the needed material, except for the ceramic, which you’ll have to buy yourself. It all comes in at a low cost of $20. They offer classes for both adults, and children.

15. Brooklyn Art Space & Trestle

Brooklyn Art Space & Trestle conducts drop-in figure drawing sessions.  These are held on Mondays for a series of short poses, Wednesdays for one, three-hour pose, and Saturdays for another three-hour pose.  You can BYOB for any of the sessions as long as you clean up afterward. There are guidelines to follow like minimal talking and no electronic devices (like a camera).  Your $20 admission doesn’t include the materials so you have to bring your own materials like paper, pencil, charcoal, and eraser.

14. Drawing New York

If you’re interested in where you can practice figure drawing, we’ve added another to the list. This Weeknight Figure Drawing at Drawing New York is a two-hour, uninstructed class working with a live nude model.  You also have to bring your own materials, but oil, acrylic paint and sprays are not allowed.

13. Eckford Street Studio

Another Figure Drawing class is offered by Eckford Street Studio for only $17. Like the others, admission is pretty inexpensive, but you’ll need to bring your own materials. They also have an event called Artlab Storytime for $18 and his class is for students six to eighteen months to take together with their parents or guardian.

12. The Jewish Museum

Next up on the list of cheap art classes in NYC is the Jewish Museum that offers a variety of family-focused events and programs, including a writing and art activity with a tour of Florine Stettheimer’s artworks at museum. The art and writing activity teaches both the kids and the parents about the exhibition and costs $12.

11. Abrons Art Center

Unique Drink and Draw class will are hosted by Abrons Art Center. A guest host will be there to discuss the project that you will be making, while you enjoy your preferred beverage. Other classes such as dance class, theater class, and music class are also available at Abrons Art Center, just take a look at the schedule to see what works for you.

10. Irish Arts Center

Coming in at the halfway point on our list of 20 cheap art classes in NYC is an art and literature-focused class. The Irish Arts Center along with the with the Children’s Museum of the Arts, teaches young ones Irish literature and culture, with music and dancing as well as craft workshops and storytelling performances.

9. Brooklyn Brainery

Art and history go hand-in-hand at this art history class at Brooklyn Brainery.  The program is called Thoreau’s Wildflowers & Thoreau’s Animals and cost $7.  Here, you will learn interesting facts about Henry David Thoreau.

8. Q.E.D

You will be amazed at what you could turn a simple piece of paper into.  The number 8 on our list, the Q.E.D. has an Origami class where the materials are provided, but you also have the option to bring your own paper.  They even provide food and drink for purchase (you can’t bring your own) if you need a snack to boost your creativity.

7. AbelCine Training

Quick Start for VariCam will not only teach those who have no experience with camera operation, but also to those who know the basics.  This half-day hands-on class will equip and prepare you for your next projects that require a camera.

6. AND Theatre Company

Anything Goes Open Rehearsal at AND Theater Company is a gathering of all types of artists where they will perform a monolog and later on receive feedback.  The presenter will have ten minutes to perform and five minutes for the feedback.

5. Resobox

In order to join the Crocheting and Amigurumi Making Group at Resobox, the next one on the list of cheap art classes in NYC, your group just has to purchase a drink from their cafe. That’s pretty inexpensive if you ask me. You can work on your own project, but instructors can also provide ideas if you’re stuck.

4. Museum of the City of New York

If drawing and painting aren’t your thing, you might like creating your own jewelry and decorative pieces.  Museum of the City of New York offers a family oriented jewelry making course that even provides snacks.

3. Brooklyn Public Library

Enjoy a crocheting class with your friends or family, or make new friends at Brooklyn Public Library, the number three on our list of cheap art classes in NYC. Instructors will be on hand to help guide you through the projects.

2. Noble Maritime Collection

A knitting class at Noble Maritime Collection not only teaches, but it donates the finished projects to members in need and local families.  Materials and snacks are provided in this class.

1. Cook’s Arts & Crafts Shoppe

Learn the art of crocheting and knitting in the backyard of Cook’s Arts & Crafts Shoppe.  You’ll learn together alongside other crafters in the class. From beginner to advanced, they offer programs for ages five and up.

Next time you’re looking for a way to relieve some stress, just take a look at this list of 20 cheap art classes in NYC, pick one, and maybe even start a new hobby.