How Art for Stress Sessions Will Boost Your Mental Wellbeing

Try Art classes in NYC as a way to unwind and restore your mental wellbeing. It's a proven strategy that many people find helpful for stress management. If you're in New York City, there are plenty of art classes available that can provide you with a much-needed escape from the fast-paced city life. Taking a break from your daily routine and immersing yourself in the creative process will not only help you relax and unwind, but also give you the chance to regain a sense of focus and control over your emotions and reactions to life's challenges. So why not give it a try? Take some time for yourself and let art bring you peace and balance.

Whether you’re based in Williamsburg, West Village, Alphabet City, or Harlem, there’s an art for stress workshop for you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to watercolor paint, or perhaps snapping amateur photos is more your scene, in which case a photography course that takes in New York’s top sights is the dream. With so many art workshops to choose from, you could even mix and match different sessions, taking a more casual approach to the way you learn art and trialing different practices.

Either way, your art for stress classes will be taught by experienced local artists who are there to guide you through your journey – whatever that may be. So, whether it’s mastering life drawing, or learning how to take better photos you know that you’re in good hands. You’ll leave these NYC art workshops with an improved sense of balance, enthusiasm, and confidence, feeling better able to take on whatever gets thrown your way.

Don’t forget that art classes in NYC also make great gift experiences. If one of your nearest and dearest would benefit from a mindful art session, why not go with them? You’ll make memories together and both leave with a piece of handmade art that will always remind you of time spent together. Plus, you may even find yourself a new community of like-minded creatives with whom you can continue to share your art.

Below, we detail the different kinds of New York art classes that you could take part in, and what you can expect from these art for stress workshops.

Find community in a paint and sip class

Two students in a paint and sip class are sat behind easels, a beer sits on the table next to one student.

For some, being around others can give you an energy boost. Simply interacting with peers can make you feel more confident and supported. Whether you're looking for fun things to do with friends or you're looking to meet new people, a paint and sip class provides a social, friendly, and creative environment. This is also a much more low-key and engaging alternative to going to a local bar. You can still enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage, but also unleash your creativity and try something new! While you're chatting with your neighboring artists, you will enjoy an easy and relaxing painting lesson. By the end of class, with a hand-painted canvas and new memories in tow, you'll have much to feel proud of!

Snap photographs to share with your friends and family

Now that pretty much everyone has a portable device, taking incredible photos has become easier than ever. However, there’s a real skill to mastering perspective and really capturing the subject of your photo. That’s where a photography course comes in. New York City is undoubtedly one of the best-shot cities in the world, so it’s literally your playground.

Whether you have a DSLR and are keen to use it during your photo classes, or want to take part in iPhone photography, you’ll be taught by an expert photographer who’ll help you snap some shots to make your pals jealous. Use these art classes with a twist to take up a weekend afternoon and find yourself seeing the world anew.

Loosen up with fluid art

A student in a fluid art class smiles as she pours clear resin into a red mold.

Fluid art – also known as acrylic pouring art – will have you creating truly unique creative pieces. You essentially pour acrylic paints over a canvas, allowing them to spread, mix, and mingle in funky, abstract, kaleidoscopic ways. Fluid art is one of the best kinds of art for stress as it requires your full concentration, and you’ll be so entranced in the shapes and textures made by the paint, your tension will melt away before you know it. Discover your creativity at NYC art for beginners classes this weekend!

These classes are beginner friendly, so there will be no added stress when you book one of these workshops. You'll be painting like a pro in no time! In fact, we even offer beginner friendly art classes modeled after some of the great artists of our time. Check out this soak stain painting class in NYC inspired by Helen Frakenthaler!

However, be warned – these art classes aren’t for trying at home. They can get messy and for first-timers, it’s handy to have some guidance which is why they’re amongst the most popular art workshops to take in NYC. You’ll come away with pieces that no one else can replicate, and will have restored a sense of mental balance and relaxation.

Get the girls together for a bachelorette or birthday party

A group of women at a paint and sip bachelorette party sit around a table behind easels as their teacher stands over them to instruct.

Okay, bachelorette or birthday parties are usually the opposite of a calming environment. But did you know that art classes actually make great birthday party ideas, or bachelorette party ideas?

If the bride-to-be or birthday girl (or boy!) is tired of the same old booze-heavy night, why not take them to NYC art workshops? Everyone will be able to reconnect and catch up in a peaceful, relaxed environment.

You could even book everyone into a sip & paint class in Manhattan. These are perfect sessions of organized fun, even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before. With a glass of something tasty in one hand and a brush in the other, everyone will be able to get creative in a laidback art studio.

Alternatively, you could take a workshop where you’ll make your own candles. Your group will leave with homemade candles to burn at home, bringing the class’s uplifting atmosphere into their own domestic space. You could even coordinate a jewelry making workshop, or encourage everyone to get hands-on with pottery making.

Take a step back with art for stress sessions

A woman in a fluid art class mixes a cup of paint with a wooden stick.

If you’re after fun things to do in New York City that are neither chaotic nor stressful, art for stress classes should go to the top of your list. Be as social as you like and take a friend, or just book yourself into a session and disconnect for a while. Invest in yourself with NYC art workshops and your brain and body will thank you.