Third places are increasingly rare, but greatly needed.
There’s a magic that happens when you engage IRL – serendipitous conversations, learnings, joy – that brings our city to life. We think that’s worth investing in.
It all started with a small NYC apartment and a desire to build more community through creativity.
Angela (our founder!) started hosting claydates, playdates with clay, from her small studio apartment and now we call Chelsea our home. When choosing a new name for the space, it was important to capture the essence of a cozy space to meet up, create, or just be amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Did you know the drawing room used to be an alternative name for a living room?
A drawing room used to be a space for people to sit and relax, or entertain. For example after dinner, people would withdraw to their drawing room from the dining room, to feel more comfortable and relaxed after a big meal. At NYC Drawing Room, we hope you get comfy and relax, and yes! of course draw (among many other creative activities).
Drawing Room is your home away from home… a second living room in the city. A space to spark creativity, joy, and new connections.
Why is creativity the foundation at Drawing Room?
Working with our hands to create something out of nothing is grounding. Disarming. Nostalgic. It eases connection with our ourselves and others. We were built on a foundation of creativity, learning, and expression – we think it is an amazing way to get out of our heads and approach the world with a bit of childlike open-mindedness. Gather around the table with new friends and we think you’ll surprise yourself!
Meet the team
Angela Lee, founder and instructor for events at Drawing Room, has been a ceramicist for the past 10 years and is passionate about community-building and creating inclusive third spaces.
Kristin Allton is our studio manager and hosts our Open Hours. She also creates our amazing social media content! Come hang out with her Wednesdays and Fridays 😊
Gina Darnaud is our Community Operations Manager. She loves a good spreadsheet to make sure the details don’t get lost in the sauce. She also believes in the power of community care so cultivating spaces for community + creativity is her jam!
Aubrey Aiese (EYE-AYE-SEE), instructor of Claydates at Drawing Room, is an illustrator and ceramic artist from Brooklyn, New York. She makes handmade, one of a kind ceramics with playfully illustrated faces and feelings.
Meiying Thai, instructor and host at Drawing Room, is a multidisciplinary artist who leads our drawing and painting workshops. She is passionate about helping people nurture their creativity and approaches art making with a sense of play and joy. She also has a background in dance, so you can be sure to get moving and flowing in her workshops!
HOURS & LOCATION &
HOURS & LOCATION &
Our location is in Chelsea, Manhattan.
Our address is
247 W 30th St (lobby code 1223),
Unit #9R (9th floor, right door),
New York, NY 10001.
There is elevator access to the 9th floor.
Please refer to our events page for the most accurate opening and closing hours, as they may vary depending on holidays. We also recommend you follow us and refer to our Instagram for any time-sensitive announcements.
Great experience design extends beyond any single medium – music, ambiance, food, drinks, conversation, and purpose.
Gatherings at Drawing Room embody countless elements of thoughtful curation for your enjoyment. Stretch your creative brain, relax, connect with people, and share an experience – the vibes, the laughs, the present moment – to make new memories.