Surreal Paint & Sip

Step into a world where imagination knows no limits. In this two-hour guided Paint & Sip experience, you'll create your own surreal-inspired painting using an inspiration image personally selected by artist Ruthy Valdez. Through step-by-step instruction, you'll explore color, composition, and creative expression while adding your own unique interpretation to the artwork.

Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or have years of artistic experience, this workshop is designed for all skill levels. Relax, sip your favorite beverage, and enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere where creativity takes center stage.

No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and an open mind. By the end of the session, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind painting and the confidence to continue exploring your artistic side.

Materials not Included

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

Celebrate yourself through art in this engaging three-hour guided Paint & Sip experience. Using one of your favorite photographs as a reference, you'll create a painted self-portrait with step-by-step instruction from artist Ruthy Valdez. Along the way, you'll learn fundamental painting techniques, including color mixing, shading, proportions, and expressive brushwork, while transforming your photo into a unique work of art.

This workshop is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike. No prior painting experience is necessary—just bring a printed or digital copy of a favorite photo of yourself and a willingness to have fun. Enjoy a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, sip your favorite beverage, and discover the joy of capturing your personality on canvas.

By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a finished self-portrait, new painting skills, and a meaningful keepsake that reflects your individuality.

Materials Included Photo Must be Provided

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

Grow your creative career by learning how to use social media with purpose and confidence. This interactive workshop is designed for artists who want to strengthen their online presence, expand their audience, and turn meaningful engagement into new opportunities.

Together, we'll explore best practices for today's leading platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. You'll learn how to optimize your profiles, create engaging and shareable content, use hashtags strategically, leverage Stories and short-form video, and build authentic connections with collectors, curators, galleries, and fellow creatives.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your digital strategy, this workshop will provide practical tools and actionable techniques to help you showcase your work, grow your community, and confidently promote your artistic practice in today's digital landscape.

Perfect for: Emerging and established artists, creatives, makers, and arts professionals looking to elevate their online presence.

No marketing experience is required.

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

Experience creativity in a whole new way during this immersive 2.5-hour sculpting workshop. By temporarily removing the sense of sight, you'll discover how touch, intuition, and imagination can guide the creative process. Working with clay while blindfolded, you'll explore texture, form, and movement without the pressure of creating something "perfect."

Through guided prompts and hands-on exploration, you'll learn to trust your instincts, embrace imperfection, and connect more deeply with your artistic intuition. This unique experience encourages mindfulness, play, and self-discovery while challenging the way we perceive art and ourselves.

No sculpting experience is necessary. This workshop is open to all skill levels and offers a welcoming, judgment-free environment where curiosity and experimentation are celebrated. At the end of the session, participants will remove their blindfolds, reflect on their creative journey, and reveal their one-of-a-kind sculptures.

Materials Included

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

A Professional Development Workshop for Artists & Emerging Curators

Take your work beyond the studio and into the gallery. This hands-on workshop is designed for artists, emerging curators, and creative professionals who want to learn the fundamentals of planning, curating, and installing a successful exhibition.

Participants will explore the complete exhibition process—from developing a compelling curatorial vision and selecting artwork to creating an engaging gallery layout, writing exhibition text, and professionally installing an art show. You'll also gain practical insights into exhibition planning, artist communication, installation techniques, and presenting your work with confidence.

Whether you're preparing for your first exhibition or looking to expand your curatorial skills, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to transform your creative vision into a polished, gallery-ready experience.

Perfect for: Artists, arts administrators, educators, students, and emerging curators.

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

Reconnect with yourself through the power of words in this two-hour creative writing workshop designed to help you celebrate your story, your voice, and your unique identity. Through guided writing prompts, reflection exercises, and a supportive environment, you'll craft your own original "I AM" poem—a powerful piece that honors who you are, where you've been, and who you're becoming.

This workshop invites you to romanticize yourself by embracing your strengths, dreams, memories, and the beauty found in your everyday life. Whether your poem is bold, tender, joyful, or deeply personal, you'll discover that your voice is worthy of being heard.

No writing experience is necessary. This workshop is open to all levels and is designed to inspire creativity, self-expression, and confidence. By the end of the session, you'll leave with a completed poem, fresh inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for your own story.

NYC Only - Outside of the area subject to travel fees and accommodations

Build your artistic confidence one sketch at a time in this engaging 90-minute drawing workshop led by surrealist artist and educator Ruthy Valdez. Whether you're new to drawing or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, this hands-on experience introduces the essential techniques needed to create expressive and accurate sketches.

Through guided instruction, participants will explore the fundamentals of line, shape, proportion, perspective, light, and shadow while working from a thoughtfully arranged still life. Ruthy will share practical tips and techniques to help you observe more closely, draw with intention, and develop your own creative style.

This workshop offers a relaxed and supportive environment where participants are encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and enjoy the process of learning.

You'll learn how to:

• Observe and sketch objects with greater accuracy

• Understand proportion, composition, and perspective

• Create depth using light, shadow, and value

• Build confidence through foundational drawing techniques

• Develop a strong artistic foundation for future creative projects

Perfect for: Beginners, aspiring artists, students, and anyone looking to strengthen their drawing skills.

No drawing experience is necessary—all skill levels are welcome.