Why leave all the fun for the kids? Here are some ways to improve your skill set in the upcoming months, in or near the neighborhood.
DO IT YOURSELF
Stitch Therapy
Where: 72 Seventh Avenue between Lincoln & Berkeley Places (shared space with Noella Brew Bar)
When: Saturdays (January 5 & 12) or Sundays (January 20 & 27) from 2-4pm
What: Two 2-hour sessions of Continental Knitting Boot Camp for beginners, learning cast-ons, bind-off, and knit/purl rib stitch as you begin your very own ribbed hat.
Cost: $100 plus materials (approx. $50)
Additional Info: Knit stitches not your style? They also have a Boot Camp beginners’ circle for crochet.
Contact: Call (718) 398-2020 to register
Makeville Studio
Where: 119 8th St, Unit 208, between 2nd & 3rd Avenues
When: Sundays 4-7pm or Wednesdays 7-10pm, beginning February 10
What: The five-session class is designed for beginners with little to no woodworking experience, and covers wood physics, shop safety and etiquette, an introduction to joinery concepts, and hands-on experience with both hand tools and machinery. The project for this class is a small side table with tapered legs.
Cost: $435 plus $100 for materials for non-members, $472 (materials incl.) for members.
Additional Info: Completion of the class certifies you to rent studio time for your own projects.
Contact: Call (917) 873-5542 for more information, or email at hello@makeville.com
MAKE SOME FOOD
Ger-Nis Culinary & Herb Center
Where: 540 President #2E, between 3rd & 4th Avenues
When: One-time event! Saturday, January 12, 3-6pm
What: In “Let’s Make Dough: Pizza & Calzones, you’ll learn hands-on how to make homemade and healthy varieties of the cheesy favorite. Recipes include Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Basil Calzones; Mushroom, Herb, & Taleggio Pizza; Spring Greens Pizza Bianca with Goat Cheese; and Whole Wheat Broccoli Calzones.
Cost: $50
Additional Info: If you’re willing to trek to the East Village location, you can learn to celebrate the Super Bowl in true foodie style.
Contact: Email info@ger-nis.com for class information.
CREAT SOME ART
Brooklyn Museum
Where: 200 Eastern Parkway (check in at the Rubin Lobby on the first floor)
When: Every third Thursday of the month from 7:30-9:30pm. Next up is January 17.
What: Brooklyn Museum hosts New Ways of Seeing, a drop-in drawing workshop. Each workshop is led by a skilled teaching artist and focuses on a different object from the Museum’s collection, combining conversation with drawing to inspire engagement with art in new ways. No experience is necessary.
Cost: $8 materials fee; $7 for Museum Members. All materials are provided, and each person goes home with an original work on paper.
Additional Info: This month’s drop-in could also be a chance to check out Mickalene Thomas’ excellent exhibition “Origin of the Universe” before it closes on January 20.
Contact: Email gallery-studio@brooklynmuseum.org to RSVP.
Textile Arts Center
Where: 505 Carroll Street between 3rd & 4th Avenues
When: Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm, January 16 – February 6
What: In four sessions, you’ll learn the basics of block printing on paper and fabric, a technique that is a “very relevant and versatile art and textile practice.” You’ll carve your own designs or text into rubber blocks, linoleum plates and wood blocks and then work with a variety of inks to create multiple color prints.
Cost: $275, materials included
Additional Info: Registration for the class also signs you up for open studio time, where you can utilize those new skills.
Contact: Call (718) 369-0222 or email at info@textileartscenter.com for more information, or register here.
PUT ON A SHOW
The Dance Studio of Park Slope
Where: 630 Sackett Street between 3rd & 4th Avenues
When: Thursdays 7-8pm, January 10-January 31
What: The Dance Studio is offering an Introduction to Ballet for Adults series in a friendly, supportive, non-competitive environment. Students are given the option to perform in the Annual Recital Performance in June.
Cost: $60
Additional Info: Though their other adult classes (tap, jazz, and cardio) are pay-per-class, the ballet requires pre-registration and payment in full.
Contact: Call (718) 789-4419 or email TheDanceStudioPS@aol.com for information on class availability.
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Where: 58 Seventh Avenue at Lincoln Place
When: Saturdays 10-11am, February 13-June 17.
What: In the Intro to Piano class, join instructor Michael Brofman and other beginners to learn the basics of piano technique and music theory.
Cost: $325
Additional Info: The course description stipulates that students must be “at least 16 but less than 99 years.” Sorry 100+ year-olds!
Contact: Call (718) 622-3300 or email info@bqcm.org for more information, or register here.
SPICE THINGS UP
Babeland
Where: 462 Bergen Street between 5th & Flatbush Avenues
When: Thursday January 31, 7:00pm
What: In their Be Our Valentine customer appreciation party, the adult toy shop is providing food, drink, and tips on improving your [ahem] love life. Arrive early; the first twenty-five guests will receive free gifts, and everyone can get in on the raffles.
Cost: Free!
Additional Info: If you’re interested in the tips but not so interested in learning with strangers, you can also arrange a private workshop with friends. Think Tupperware party, but with a much different inventory.
Contact: Call (718) 638-3820 for more information, or register here.
Photo via Brooklyn Museum
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