When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC
Why Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ashcan Studio of Art in New York City is a distinguished art school that specializes in university and art high school portfolio preparation, Scholastic Art Competition prep, and adult art classes. Located in midtown Manhattan and Queens, the studio is known for its individualized curriculum tailored to each student’s personal interests and artistic goals. This makes it an ideal place for friends and aspiring artists to meet up, learn, and grow creatively in a supportive and diverse environment. The studio’s experienced instructors are accomplished professionals in various fields of visual art, including drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, animation, design, and architecture, offering expertise to beginners and advanced artists alike. Whether preparing for top art colleges or simply exploring art as a hobby, students receive personalized guidance that helps them excel, many earning admittance to prestigious BFA and MFA programs with scholarships. Ashcan’s commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging artistic expression in a collaborative setting makes it a great venue for creative gatherings and meaningful artistic development in NYC.
Here's what people think of Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC
As of recent, Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC holds a 4.8-star rating based on 41 reviews.
Reviews of Ashcan Studio of Art consistently highlight the studio's excellent reputation, with a strong rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 41 reviews. Users appreciate the personalized approach where instructors support individual student strengths rather than a one-size-fits-all method, fostering personal growth and creative confidence. Positive reviews praise the friendly, talented instructors and the nurturing atmosphere that prepares students effectively for competitive art programs and portfolio submission. Many note the studio’s success in helping students gain admission to top art schools, attributing this to the tailored curriculum and dedicated mentorship. On the other hand, some negative comments focus on aspects like pricing or scheduling challenges, but these are relatively rare and less emphasized. Overall, reviews conclude that Ashcan Studio of Art offers a uniquely supportive, professional environment that motivates and equips students to achieve their artistic aspirations, making it a highly recommended choice for portfolio prep and art education in NYC.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Carolina Correa-Quatela
Ashcan is a gem of an art studio in a sea of many art studios in the city. We visited several before landing at Ashcan. Once we met Mr. Kim and the rest of the staff we knew we were in the right hands. The instructors are all talented and kind and know how to lead while letting the students shine. They have the experience necessary to prepare their students to get to the next level. Ashcan truly cares to see their students grow and help them reach their goals in a manner that caters to the individual and not a one size fits all which is imperative when working with creatives and artists whether they’re just starting out or advanced. This to me is one of the aspects that sets them apart and contributes to their student’s success. I highly recommend Ashcan without hesitation.
Sabina Chun
So many helpful teachers and resources helped me get into a lot of prestigious schools (FIT, Parsons, Pratt, etc) even with a low GPA, definitely would recommend!
Jihyun Moon
I studied in Ashcan for 8 months. Thanks to this school, I was able to improve my skills and knowledge a lot and make an amazing portfolio. The teachers are so professional and enthusiastic by giving their full attention to each students!! And the staffs are so nice and friendly. I’ve gotten into a school with a large amount of scholarship! Especially, director Kim, he contacted the school and helped me to get useful resources about application every time. I'm really grateful to Kim and teachers !!! I’ve studied in many other art schools, Ashcan is the best one ever. I strongly recommend this school!
Cassandra Li
Coming from a non-art background I went to Ashcan to get help with my portfolio. It was great working around other people with the same goals and with teachers that are knowledgable and passionate, and it was really helpful to have Mr. Kim there for advice and to always keep me on track with deadlines. After studying there 6 days a week for 8 months I was able to get into all the schools I applied to with very generous scholarships, including an MFA program with a fellowship offer. I feel that Ashcan definitely broadened my horizons in art, and I am extremely grateful to everyone at Ashcan!
ELLIE J
I studied in the Flushing and Manhattan campuses of Ashcan Studio of Art as transfer student. I was accepted to my school of choice with a generous scholarship. I didn’t really have good skills of drawing and painting when I first went to Ashcan. Ashcan is full of instructors who are knowledgeable, responsible and accommodating. They often check on every student in the class and always try their best to teach more and help more with the specific project. The entire atmosphere in Ashcan was comfortable, friendly and inspiring. I felt that I made more progress after each project. What I like most about Ashcan is that they don't strictly operate as a business chasing profits, but that they are really art lovers. It was really worthy to study and prepare my portfolio in Ashcan.
How to reach Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC
None
Website: None
Why Ashcan Studio of Art | Univ & Art High School Portfolio Prep NYC, Scholastic Art Competition Prep NYC, Adult Art Classes NYC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ashcan Studio of Art with your friends?
Ashcan Studio of Art offers far more than just a place to learn; it serves as an inspiring community hub for creatives of all ages and levels. Whether you are an art student preparing a portfolio for specialized high schools or universities, an adult wanting to explore new creative avenues, or a group of friends and family seeking a unique and stimulating environment for a meetup, Ashcan provides a welcoming atmosphere that nurtures artistic growth and collaboration. The studio fosters a sense of camaraderie where students encourage each other’s progress and share their passion for art, making it an ideal destination for a meaningful and memorable group gathering. With highly knowledgeable and supportive instructors, customized portfolio prep classes, and diverse offerings like Scholastic Art Competition prep and adult art classes, every visitor has the opportunity to engage with art deeply and personally. Rallying your friends here means immersing yourselves in a creative environment that sparks inspiration, supports growth, and, perhaps most importantly, allows shared moments of joy while creating artworks together. It is the perfect blend of education, social connection, and pure creative fun under one roof.
What activities does Ashcan Studio of Art offer to make it perfect for a group meetup?
Ashcan Studio of Art caters to a wide range of artistic needs and interests, making it an excellent venue for group activities. The studio offers university and specialized art high school portfolio preparation classes designed to help young artists refine their skills and develop strong, compelling portfolios that stand out in the competitive admissions process. These classes include personalized feedback from professional teachers who work closely with each student to highlight strengths and improve areas needing development, offering an intimate learning experience rarely found in larger programs.
For groups with high school students, the Scholastic Art Competition prep classes provide targeted instruction to help participants excel in this prestigious contest. The coaching techniques focus on mastery of various mediums and conceptual development, preparing students to produce works worthy of recognition. This shared goal can foster motivation and team spirit among friends aiming for artistic achievements together.
Adult art classes create a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere where friends or family members can come to enjoy creative expression without pressure. These sessions introduce new art techniques and mediums, stimulate creative thinking, and invite everyone to experiment and have fun with art regardless of experience level. Because Ashcan Studio of Art emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention, groups can feel comfortable and engaged through diverse class offerings tailored to their artistic interests.
How does Ashcan Studio’s environment enhance the group experience?
The physical and cultural environment at Ashcan Studio of Art is meticulously crafted to inspire and engage. Located in New York City, the studio offers a bright, open space filled with quality art supplies, natural light, and an atmosphere that encourages creativity and focus. This setting helps groups feel energized and connected while working on collaborative or individual projects.
The community spirit at Ashcan greatly enhances the group experience. Students and adult learners describe the staff as caring, talented, and invested in each person’s success. This supportive culture means groups receive warm, individualized guidance and build friendships that extend beyond the classroom. The studio's dedication to nurturing individual artistic voices ensures that even within a group setting, each person’s creativity is valued and developed.
Furthermore, Ashcan encourages collaboration, enabling groups to inspire and learn from one another. Whether friends are preparing portfolios together, competing in art contests, or simply taking adult art classes for fun, the shared experience fosters mutual support and motivation. The studio’s reputation as a “second home” for many students speaks to the unique sense of belonging it cultivates, making it a perfect meetup spot that combines education, connection, and creativity.
Why is Ashcan Studio’s expert instruction ideal for art students preparing college portfolios?
Ashcan Studio of Art stands out for its expert-led, personalized portfolio preparation programs, highly regarded among New York City’s most competitive art-focused schools and colleges. The instructors are not only accomplished artists and educators but also deeply knowledgeable about the specific requirements and preferences of art admissions committees at top institutions. This inside knowledge is invaluable for students who need to tailor their portfolios strategically.
At Ashcan, the teaching approach goes beyond technical skills. Students receive critical feedback that challenges their creative thinking and conceptual development. The teachers guide them through the entire portfolio-building process — from brainstorming ideas to mastering a variety of mediums and enhancing visual storytelling — helping students discover and refine their unique artistic style. Many former students credit Ashcan with the confidence and skill development that led to their successful college admissions and awards in competitive contests.
This level of personalized mentoring is particularly beneficial for group meetups involving art students, as each can progress at their own pace while benefiting from collective motivation and shared learning. Groups preparing portfolios together find encouragement and inspiration in Ashcan’s supportive, expert guidance, which can make the demanding application process much more manageable and satisfying.
What makes Ashcan Studio’s adult art classes a great option for friends or family to explore creativity?
Ashcan Studio’s adult art classes offer a welcoming and enriching space where people of all skill levels can enjoy creating art. These classes are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, focusing on technique-building and creative exploration rather than intensive critique, making them ideal for casual or serious adult learners.
Friends or family members meeting here can engage in a variety of artistic activities such as drawing, painting, and mixed media, helping them unwind, connect, and express themselves in a fresh and joyful way. The small class sizes ensure that everyone receives meaningful attention from instructors, whose expertise and friendly approach create a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Participating in these art sessions as a group enables shared accomplishment and bonding through collective creativity. Making art together often sparks conversation, laughter, and a sense of shared discovery, turning a simple meetup into a memorable and inspiring social outing. Ashcan Studio’s commitment to nurturing a fun, stress-free atmosphere means adults can relax and focus on the pleasure of making art regardless of experience, making it a perfect choice for events ranging from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
How does Ashcan Studio’s track record of success and community impact enhance its appeal for hosting meetups?
Ashcan Studio of Art boasts an exceptional reputation grounded in the real success stories of its students. The studio’s portfolio prep classes have helped numerous high school and college applicants gain acceptance to prestigious programs, including NYU and specialized high schools like LaGuardia. Many students have earned top honors in the Scholastic Art Competition, further demonstrating the quality of instruction and preparation they receive.
This demonstrated excellence builds trust and excitement for groups considering Ashcan as a meetup venue, as participants know they are engaging with a community that values artistic achievement and personal growth. The availability of diverse classes and the personalized attention offered at Ashcan means that each group can tailor their experience to their goals, whether skill development, portfolio work, or simply enjoying creative time together.
Moreover, the studio's impact goes beyond art instruction; it fosters friendships and a supportive network that lasts. Many students call Ashcan their second home, reflecting how the studio serves as a cultural and creative anchor in their lives. Bringing your friends or family to Ashcan means immersing yourself in a vibrant, proven community that uplifts individuals while celebrating shared creative adventure — a truly unique place to host your next social gathering.