Student Spotlight: Valentina

When did you start creating at The Art Studio NY? 

I started taking classes at The Art Studio NY in August 2015.

How has ART helped you in your life?

Art helps me relax, and it helps me to get to know myself better every day. I try to be spontaneous every time I start a piece, and I think that is how I let my soul and my feelings speak up!

What’s your favorite medium?

My favorite medium is acrylic, but I really enjoy working with collage and watercolor too.

What is your most memorable ART experience?

A few years ago, some friends and I made this HUGE painting. I really enjoyed working as a group. We had an idea that we wanted to communicate trough the final piece and the process was really interesting, as we had to put all our creativity together and be patient with each other, but the result was great and we had a lot of fun doing it.

What artist inspires you?

One painter that inspires me is Matisse, I enjoy the way he uses colors and shapes by making them the essential parts of his paintings.  Another one is Frida Kahlo, I really like her story, all though it is a tough one!

What inspires your artwork?

Mostly what inspires me is nature, flowers and leaves.

Where would you love to travel to with a brush and a canvas?

I would love to go to Bali or to an Island in Greece with my brushes, my acrylics and a really big canvas!

Instructor Spotlight: Mitchell Siegel – Why Art for Aspergers Kids Matters?

Q & A with Mitchell Siegel 

Why did you decide to teach art to the Aspergers Community?

My son, Ryan, was born with autism. As he was growing up, I quickly learned that there was an unmet need for creative services after the teenage years end. After graduating high school, families are left with no services at all. It is a huge problem.

Many people with Aspergers are gifted with visual talent.  One of my current students has extreme drawing talent and wants to one day become an animation artist.  I am nurturing the self-esteem, creativity and self-expression of the Aspergers Community so that they, too, can have successful futures and have their dreams become reality.

Why is art important for those with Aspergers?
Art gives people with Aspergers another way to communicate beyond the traditional speech and language.  People with Aspergers have communication difficulties. Art allows them to use another form of communication to help them express themselves, and to be understood, more effectively.

Why is ART important to you?
Painting is the easiest way for me to communicate my feelings, hopes and dreams.  Art also allows me to communicate things that words could never express. 

Why is art vital for personal wellness?
To stay healthy, we all need to express our emotions, values and ideas. Art generates personal exploration through self-expression, relaxation and self-empowerment. 

Who inspires you?
Mary Temple Grandin (b.1947) is an American professor of animal science at Colorado State University, best-selling author, autism activist and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. She is the inventor of the “hug box”, a device to calm those on the autism spectrum. In 2010 Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, she was listed as a “hero”. She was also the subject of the award-winning, biographical film, Temple Grandin.

View art classes for kids and adults at The Art Studio NY. 

Student Spotlight – Jan Kliger

1. What is your favorite medium?

I enjoy using lots of different materials…pencil, colored pencils, pastels, acrylics and collage and any combination of those.

2. What is your most memorable ART experience?

Years ago I had a show at my house in Westchester. There were 6 other artists and myself whose work I hung in my house…Lots of friends and neighbors came. We all sold some of our work, it was so much fun!

3. What inspires your artwork?

Everything from a color to a shape. I use my phone to grab a picture of something.

4. What is your favorite quote or song at the moment?

The definition of “Fear” is ”False Evidence Appearing Real.”

5. Name one spot you’d love to travel to with a brush and a canvas!

Any place with an ocean or a lake.

11 REASONS to CELEBRATE THE ART STUDIO NY

 11 REASONS TO CELEBRATE!

11 years ago, Rebecca Schweiger had a dream to promote creativity and authentic self-expression through art. In 2004, she started The Art Studio NY in her 1-bedroom apartment with 5 students. Now, with hundreds of weekly students and over 50 classes every week… HOW FAR WE’VE COME!

Here are 11 reasons to CELEBRATE TASNY and the thousands of artists that have been inspired throughout the years!

1. PASSION: When you follow your PASSION in life, you feel alive. Take the risk and do more of what makes you feel alive.

2. CREATIVITY: The more you use, the more you have! Never stop creating! EVERYONE is creative. Carve out 5 minutes a day to flex your creativity muscles.

3. NURTURING: The Art Studio NY’s goal is to offer their creative oasis that is loving and non-judgmental. When we are loved, we grow to new heights.

4. SMILES: We’ve seen THOUSANDS of SMILES! There is nothing like seeing a child or an adult feel good about their artwork, and more importantly, about themselves.

5. FRIENDSHIP: Through ART,  friendships have blossomed off the canvas! Together, we have formed a wonderful community.

6. pARTies: Our BYOB Painting Parties became a hit because… who doesn’t like to paint with one hand and sip wine with another? Birthday parties, corporate events, bachelorette parties… You name it, we’ve celebrated it!

7. LOVE: We have had over 100 MARRIAGE PROPOSALS at The Art Studio NY! ALL SAID YES!

8. SELF-EXPRESSION: When you have the freedom to express who you truly are, you tap into your true power. Rebecca and our amazing instructors always strive for every artist to express themselves fully! Just be YOU!

9. FAMILY: We’ve formed bonds, networks, support systems….. We are a real family.

10. VACATION: Whether you joined The Art Studio NY on an art adventure to Costa Rica or Italy, or if you simply ESCAPED the concrete jungle weekly in our NYC art studio, we hope you enjoyed yourRELAXING ART vacation with us!

11. HOME: We all yearn for connection, and we all need a home where we can truly be ourselves. The Art Studio NY strives to be that place for YOU.

We look forward to MANY more years of ART & SOUL with YOU! 

An ART Class for Aspergers Syndrome in NYC

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CLASS: CREATIVE GROWTH & ACRYLIC PAINTING
For young adults with high functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome

Instructor: Mitchell Siegel

Saturdays, October 3 – November 21, 3:30pm – 5:30pm, 8 Sessions, 4 Students max, $799

SIGN UP NOW

Enjoy an inspiring acrylic and mixed-media painting class that will take your artwork to the next level. This class is designed for young adults who have transitioned to adulthood and are ready to move forward creatively and grow as an artist.

In this art class you will:

• Receive personal one-on-one instruction in acrylic painting based on your individual needs and learning style
• Express yourself in a safe and encouraging environment free from judgement and intimidation
• Learn through tailor-made art instruction on how to use your art supplies effectively
• Explore the use of the “color wheel” and deepen your knowledge of color mixing
• Learn new texture techniques including “Impasto”
• Explore self-expression through mixed-media techniques
• Complete two finished paintings from real life or reference material that inspires you
• Receive the lasting health benefits of art classes, such as relaxation, stress relief, and mental clarity

To insure a successful art class experience, please email a few samples of your artwork in jpeg format to info@theartstudiony.com. Students will be invited to The Art Studio NY to discuss your skill level so we can tailor the class according to your individual needs and learning style.

Materials not included. Purchase our discounted mixed-media painting kit or see our online materials list.

Top 5 Reasons Can ART Make You Happy!

TOP 5 REASONS ART IS ESSENTIAL: 

1. Art is a STRESS-RELIEVER. 

Life is stressful. After a full day of work, family, and city life,  sitting down with art supplies, even just a pencil and paper, allows you to let go and forget about your stresses. 

2. Art is a form of SELF-EXPRESSION. 
Use art to express and share your emotions and thoughts. When you want to express yourself, art can be even more effective than words.  

3. Art creates a feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT. 
Creating art gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Making something from start to finish provides fulfillment because you have done something new. 

4. Art helps you THINK in DIFFERENT ways. 
In ART CLASSES, you have a chance to be creative and think outside of the box- something which most people do not do in their daily lives. 
5. Art makes you a HAPPIER PERSON. Experts say there is a strong connection between creative expression and overall wellbeing. Getting into a state of creative flow produces substantial happiness… the kind that lasts. 

Why ART is Important!

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for. Georgia O’Keeffe

Why is ART Important? SELF-EXPRESSION.

The first evidence of art dates back to almost 40,000 years ago with cave paintings found in Asia and Europe. The need for humans to express themselves using art has not stopped, even if the medium has changed! Art has been used to share information, impose ideas on a society, criticize society, capture memories, and inspire a culture, at the same time there is always the artists point of view and “touch” to every artwork.

Humans need an outlet to express themselves! Self-expression can come through music, painting, drawing, or literature. Just as children thrive with creative play, and with the space to fully express themselves, adults require the same creative space to fuel their minds and nurture their souls.

Spain, Altamira Bison

When taking an ART class it is important to let go of the rules, and free your mind from everyday worries. It is an incredible feeling to tap into the creative soul and the emotions that are deep inside, and let them spill onto the canvas. It’s best to use a medium you feel comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to try something new! Have fun, relax, and create!

Learn more about upcoming art classes and workshops in NYC at www.TheArtStudioNY.com

Art Class Schedule in NYC

Nurture Your Creative Soul!

 

FLASH SALE – Limited Time ONLY Mega Discounts on Art Classes in NYC

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” – Swami Shiva nanda

Want to try out an art class in our UWS studio without signing up for the full 7 weeks? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! This week we are offering MEGA discounts on our popular oil painting and mixed media art classes. For only $175 you can try out 4 sessions of an ART CLASS! Offer expires April 24th, so don’t miss out!

Learn more at www.TheArtStudioNY.com.

What ART Teaches Adults & Children

Eating your veggies, exercising, and good hygiene are all very important for a healthy lifestyle, but in our hustle bustle world we often forget about nurturing our soul! ART is healthy, and there have been multiple studies that have proven the tremendous benefits to art classes and creativity. We often encourage children to express themselves through art because it teaches them many valuable skills, but we cannot ignore the importance art has in our adult life!  What has ART taught you?

We’ve compiled a few reasons ART is important & what creativity can teach you!

1. Problem Solving:

Art nurtures you creative and problem solving abilities. Turn that canvas upside down, give your brain a break, and BAM you can find solutions. Also, when you make beautiful mistakes in paintings you start to find creative ways to fix that big blotch of spilled paint on your beautiful flower you just spent hours painting!

2. Patience:

These days we are used to getting that instant gratification. With art, when you develop a painting, and put the time into your work, you begin to appreciate that patience it takes for something beautiful come together.

3. Communication:

Art can help express what cannot be said in words. As children we are often taught to use materials such as crayons to share our feelings, but even as adults using words is not always easy, and painting a picture can describe deep thoughts and emotions.

4. Making a Difference:

Learning to create can enforce the idea within ourselves, that we can create, and thus make a difference. It also shows that even a small difference can have a big impact. For instance, change the color of the background of a painting can change the entire mood!

5. Experience:

We are often using the same senses on a daily basis, but when we use untapped parts of our mind, or use our hands in new ways we are experiencing something different. Exploration gives courage to new experiences.

Start Creating at www.TheArtStudioNY.com. Find nurturing art classes to boost your soul and confidence!

What has art taught out? Share it with us!

The Art Studio NY offers art classes for kids and adults. Including – Summer Art Camp for Kids, oil painting classes, BYOB Painting Parties, drawing classes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, and MORE! Every level is welcome to explore and create!

 

Spring Break Art Camp for Kids and Teens in NYC

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

Do you want your child to feel free to express themselves? At The Art Studio NY, your child will flourish in our art classes. Our instructors are patient and caring, our materials are exciting, and the environment is nurturing. Our Summer Art Camp is always very popular, and offers kids and teens drawing, painting, mixed-media, and even YOGA! We thought, if kids LOVE our art summer camps, why not offer it for… SPRING BREAK!

Our creative oasis is now open to kids from ages 5-12 from Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10, 2015. We offer half day and full days, PLUS you can pick the days or pay for the full week! So while parents are busy still at work, and dreaming they were at art camp – kids can create, play, and make new friends!

For more details about our Spring Break Art Camp and Summer Art Camp, visit us at www.TheArtStudioNY.com.

Did you know that art is GOOD for kids? Yes! Art improves concentration, social skills, and test scores! Studies show that art helps with fine motor skills, gives children more confidence, and makes them smarter.