Creative Date Ideas in Beacon, NY

How to Spend a Creative and Memorable Weekend in Beacon

Beacon is known for its charm — scenic views, great food, and a vibrant art scene — but some of the most memorable experiences happen when you step into a local space and spend time doing something hands-on.Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, planning a date, or carving out time for yourself, creative experiences offer a way to slow down, connect, and feel part of the place you’re in.

Why Creative Experiences Make the Best Dates (and Travel Days)

When I was designing That Creative Space, I kept thinking about all the times I traveled — often solo — and sought out a local experience to ground my day. An art class, a cooking workshop, a biking tour through a city.

Spending time in a local space — meeting people who live there as well as others passing through — gives you a real sense of place and culture beyond restaurants and shopping. It turns a visit into a memory.

That way of traveling, and connecting, is at the heart of the studio.

Creative Workshops to Build Your Beacon Weekend Around

Workshops at That Creative Space are designed to be welcoming, beginner-friendly, and rooted in curiosity rather than perfection. You don’t need prior experience — just an openness to try something new.

Here are a few February highlights that pair beautifully with a Beacon day or weekend:

🎨 Galantine’s Day Party: Painted Candles

Design and paint your own candles in a relaxed, social setting that’s perfect for celebrating friendship. You’ll leave with a handmade candle — a small reminder of time well spent together.

Great for:
Galentine’s Day • Friend dates • Group outings • Creative celebrations

🌿 Herbs for the Winter Blues

Sometimes the most meaningful kind of love is taking care of yourself.

This gentle workshop focuses on herbs that support mood, rest, and resilience during the winter months. You’ll learn about seasonal plants, create your own herbal blends, and leave with something you can return to again and again.

Great for:
Self-care dates • Solo travelers • Friends seeking a calming experience • Anyone feeling the winter blues.

✂️ Polaroid Lift Workshop

Learn the Polaroid lift technique and create dreamy, one-of-a-kind images you can frame or gift. The process is hands-on and intuitive, inviting experimentation without pressure.

Great for:
Creative dates • Memory-makers • Photography lovers

🧶 Weaving in the Round

A calm, meditative fiber workshop that encourages slowing down and working with your hands. This class is as much about the process as it is the finished piece.

Great for:
Quiet dates • Mindful weekends • Craft-curious creatives

Before Class

• Grab a coffee or light breakfast at Kitchen and Coffee, a longtime local favorite (especially good for anyone seeking out gluten free spots)

• Fully enjoy a trip to Britain without getting out your passport at Moreish for a delightful English inspired lunch (and yes, they have tea service on Sundays).

• If contemporary art is on your list, visit Dia Beacon earlier in the day

After Class

• Stroll along Main Street and explore Beacon’s many wonderful independent shops

• Head to Quinn’s for an evening meal — Japanese-inspired comfort food, a lively bar, and often live music make it a great post-workshop stop

• Make your way down to Savage Wonder, a veteran-run performing arts space with live theater, music, and events happening regularly

• If you’re looking to add a bit of fancy to your night out, the restaurant at the Roundhouse is known for seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and beautiful waterfall views

• If The Moth, Poetry Slams and Storytelling is your thing check out Holland Cultural Center for their popular events (Nerd Night, Hudson Valley, and Artichoke.

Creative energy has a way of carrying you through the rest of the evening.

Why That Creative Space

That Creative Space was created for people who want to explore creativity in a way that feels accessible, human, and connected.

What you’ll find here:

• Small, welcoming workshop groups

• A thoughtfully designed studio environment

• Programs led by local artists and practitioners

• A focus on experience over outcome

Whether you’re here for a date, a solo afternoon, or a weekend visit, the studio is meant to feel like a place you can drop into — and feel part of.

Planning a Creative Weekend in Beacon?

Workshops run year-round and often fill quickly, especially on weekends. If a class fits into your visit, booking ahead is recommended.

👉 View Upcoming Workshops
👉 Interested in a private creative experience or group booking? Reach out to learn more

The Studio Is Becoming the Place I Imagined It Could Be

The studio is becoming the place I imagined it could be — a vibrant space filled with creativity, connection, and people showing up to make together.

With everything going on in the world, finding small joys — and making space for creativity and connection — feels more important than ever. What’s been unfolding inside the studio this winter has been a reminder of how powerful it can be when people gather with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to try.

Here’s what that’s looked like recently at That Creative Space.

Starting the Year by Slowing Down and Looking Ahead

We kicked off the new year by sharpening our vision and making space to reflect.

Through vision board and bucket list zine workshops, people took time to think about what they want more of — and what they’re ready to leave behind. These sessions weren’t about rigid goals or resolutions. They were about pausing, looking ahead, and giving form to what matters right now using images, words, and conversation.

It felt like a thoughtful, grounded way to begin the year together.

Creating Space for Professional Connection

We also hosted a Hudson Valley Women in Business Coffee at the studio.

It was an opportunity to connect with women who have been where I am — or who are just beginning to figure out their next steps. It was inspiring to hear about their experiences and to expand my network with people working across marketing, design, health and wellness, and local entrepreneurship — including business owners who are deeply invested in the Beacon community.

The Joy of Making (and Making Together)

One of the highlights this winter has been watching people discover — or return to — creative practices together.

We learned the joys of weaving in a room full of people sharing stories and realizing how interconnected they already were. A mother and her daughters chose to celebrate one daughter’s birthday in the studio — a moment that felt both joyful and meaningful.

Another weaving workshop is scheduled for February, and if the last one is any indication, it won’t stay open for long.

Exploring Inner Wisdom Through SoulCollage®

Our first SoulCollage® workshop was another powerful moment.

Participants traveled from up to three hours away to spend the evening exploring the juxtaposition of imagery, intuition, and meaning-making. Watching people engage deeply with images, reflect inward, and share insights — all with curiosity, smiles and laughter was incredibly affirming.

We’ll be offering another SoulCollage workshop in the spring.

Sharing Work, Stories, and Creative Journeys

Our first Show & Share of the new year brought new artists into the studio and highlighted just how wide the creative spectrum can be.

One participant shared his experience recovering from corporate burnout and his desire to bring more art back into his life, showing examples of his leather work. Another was a budding young artist who shared one of his pipe cleaner creations — just one of more than 300 he’s made so far.

That’s the point of our Show & Share gatherings: to create a non-judgmental space for exploration, listening, and being together around creative work. Sharing is always optional — people are welcome to show their work, talk through ideas, or simply be present and listen. It’s an opportunity to experience creativity IRL, alongside others, without pressure or expectations.

Returning to Drawing (and to Ourselves)

We also started back our popular Classic Drawing series for adults this winter.

The class is geared toward adults who’ve always wanted to learn how to draw, or who are looking to return to a regular drawing practice after time away.

When I show up toward the end of class to help clean up the room, I always walk into a space filled with smiles, light conversation, and often laughter — a testament to both the room itself and the instructor’s engaging approach to teaching.

The Importance of Third Spaces

Listening to the connection, joy, and laughter across workshops and events has been a powerful confirmation that the studio is becoming a true third space — a place outside of home and work where people can show up, make, and connect.

That Creative Space is being shaped every day by the people who show up and the passionate teaching artists who lead with approachability. Seeing that happen in real time feels like the clearest sign that the studio is doing exactly what it was meant to do.

new Year. More You.

What If 2026 Wasn’t About Change, But About Being More You?

January is often framed as a time to reinvent yourself. New habits. New goals. New routines.

But what if 2026 wasn’t about change—what if it was about reconnecting with who you already are?

At That Creative Space, our winter workshops are designed to offer space for creativity, reflection, and hands-on exploration—whether you’re returning to a practice or simply looking for something meaningful to do during the winter months.

If you’re looking for creative workshops in Beacon, NY this season, here are five ways to start the year by being more you.

1. Visualize What You Want

Sometimes clarity comes from slowing down long enough to ask the right questions.

These workshops invite you to reflect on what you want more of in your life—clarity, connection, joy, adventure, and to explore those ideas through hands-on making.

Our Vision Board and Bucket List Zine Making workshops create space to pause, look ahead, and give form to what matters most, using imagery, words, and collage.

Ideal for anyone who enjoys reflective, creative activities that combine thinking and making.

2. Connect With Your Inner Wisdom

Creativity can be a way of listening inward.

SoulCollage® offers a gentle, image-based process for exploring your inner landscape through personal symbolism and meaning-making. Using images and guided reflection, participants create cards that reflect different aspects of themselves and their experiences.

This workshop is open to a range of experience levels and doesn’t rely on traditional drawing or art skills—it’s about insight, not technique.

3. Move More (and Draw Differently)

If sitting still feels limiting, this one offers another way in.

Our Body-Led Movement Drawing workshop blends gentle movement with mark-making, helping participants loosen up, release tension, and approach drawing from a physical, embodied place. It’s less about “getting it right” and more about exploring how the body and hand work together.

A great option for anyone curious about movement, expression, and trying drawing in a new way.

4. Quiet the Mind Through Making

Some creative practices naturally slow everything down.

Workshops like Quilt Collage, Felt Mending, Hand Spinning, and Classic Drawing invite focused attention through repetition, texture, and observation. Whether working with soft fibers or charcoal and paper, these classes create a steady rhythm that many people find calming and grounding.

These workshops are well-suited for adults looking for screen-free, hands-on activities that allow the mind to settle while the hands stay busy.

5. Express Yourself Through Color, Shape, and Texture

For those who want to explore more freely, these workshops offer room to experiment.

Gelli Plate Printmaking and Still Life / Still Feeling: Scanner Collage invite participants to work with layers, color, movement, and form in ways that feel personal and open-ended. Each process encourages exploration and discovery, rather than a single “right” outcome.

These classes are open to all experience levels and tend to appeal to both practicing artists and creatively curious beginners.

A Winter Invitation

Winter is a natural time to turn inward—and also a great time to try something new indoors.

Our workshops and community events are designed to be welcoming, small in scale, and open to a wide range of creative backgrounds. If you’re searching for art classes for adults, creative workshops, or things to do in Beacon, NY this winter, we’d love to welcome you into the studio.

And because Hudson Valley weather can be unpredictable, we always plan for make-up dates if a class needs to be canceled due to weather—so you can register with confidence, knowing you won’t miss out.

5 Moments That Shaped 2025 at That Creative Space

When I opened That Creative Space in Beacon, NY in September, I didn’t have a full picture of what the studio would become. I had an intention—to create a welcoming place for people to explore creativity without pressure—but the rest unfolded through experience.

Looking back on 2025, a handful of moments stand out. Not because they were the biggest or loudest, but because they quietly shaped the studio’s direction, values, and community.

Here are five moments that shaped our first year.

1. Opening the Studio

Opening the doors was both exciting and grounding. After months of planning, searching for the right space, and imagining what could be, the studio finally became real.

What surprised me most was learning that there wasn’t just room for a creative studio in Beacon—people were finding us from surrounding towns, and even as far away as New York City and Albany. By the time we held our open house, the dedicated studio spaces were already full, and a waiting list had started.

That early response confirmed that what we were building wasn’t only meeting a local need, but tapping into a wider desire for intentional, in-person creative space

2. Selling Out Our First Workshops

Selling out our first two workshops—Classic Drawing and Felt Ornaments—was an early moment of affirmation.

At the same time, I quickly learned how ambitious our first season was. We launched the fall with nearly 25 workshops, and while 12 ran successfully, the experience taught me a lot about seasonality. Fall in the Hudson Valley is full—local events, apple picking, outdoor family activities, and packed school calendars all affect attendance.

That insight has been important. We’re actively rethinking how we plan seasonal programming for kids and families, and whether certain times of year are better suited to focusing more heavily on adult workshops. It’s been a valuable lesson in pacing and listening to the rhythms of the community.

3. The Holiday Market

The holiday market was one of those moments where the studio felt fully aligned with its purpose.

Being able to offer people a space to sell their work—some for the very first time—was exactly what I had hoped the studio could do. Seeing makers set up, connect with visitors, and share what they create reminded me that creative spaces can be powerful platforms, not just classrooms.

4. Community Events: Small but Meaningful

Our community events began simply: a Collage Party, Bring Your Own Craft nights, Show & Share gatherings, and eventually the holiday market.

New people discovered the studio through these events—even when they were small. Sometimes very small. (Two people showed up to our first BYOC.) And yet, those evenings still felt meaningful. Conversations happened. Connections formed. Familiar faces returned.

Slowly, these moments are shaping how the studio can serve as a third space—a place people can come not just to take a class, but to feel part of something more.

5. Teaching Artists Who Shape the Studio

Without our teaching artists, That Creative Space wouldn’t be what it is.

Our teaching artists came from Beacon, Ellenville, Warwick, Brooklyn, and Queens, each bringing their own voice, practice, and way of working into the studio. Their generosity and care helped shape a space that extends beyond any single discipline.

From drawing and painting to cozy crafts and wellness-based creativity, the studio reflects many ways people like to make. We’re not interested in being defined by labels. The goal has always been to create a studio for all—for artists, dabblers, beginners, and anyone curious enough to try.

Beginner-Friendly Art Workshops in Beacon, NY: What To Expect at Your First Class

Trying a new creative workshop can feel exciting… and a little intimidating. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not an artist,” or “What if I’m not good at it?”, you’re in good company.

At That Creative Space in Beacon, NY, our workshops are designed for absolute beginners, the creatively curious, and anyone with experience looking for a supportive place to try something new or reconnect with their practice. Everyone is welcome here.

Here’s what you can expect at your first class, plus a few great beginner-friendly workshops to try this winter.

What To Expect When You Arrive

We recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early so you can settle in. Many of our workshops are 2–3 hours, and we want you to enjoy every minute. If a few students are running late, we typically begin about five minutes after the scheduled start time.

When you walk into the studio, you’ll be greeted by a teaching artist who genuinely loves sharing their craft. Our classes are intentionally small, which means you’ll receive plenty of support, gentle guidance, and one-on-one help throughout the session.The vibe: relaxed, encouraging, and never rushed.

Do I Need Any Experience? (Spoiler: No.)

Our workshops are intentionally beginner-friendly, but they’re also flexible enough to meet you where you are. Whether you’re brand new, returning to art after years away, or already creative, you’ll learn foundational skills and leave with something you’re proud to take home.

What’s Included in the Class Fee?

Most of the time, all you need to bring is yourself.
We include materials and tools for all one-day workshops.

For multi-week or series classes, we’ll send a materials list to purchase ahead of time so you know exactly what to bring. We normally have an extra set of materials in case anyone needs to use ours for the first session.

5 Beginner-Friendly Creative Workshops To Try This Winter in Beacon, NY

These workshops are perfect for first-timers and experienced creatives looking for something fun, inspiring, and low-pressure.

1. Cold-Process Soap Making

A hands-on introduction to making natural soap from scratch. You’ll learn how to safely mix oils, lye, and scents, then pour your own bars to cure at home.
Perfect for anyone curious about the science of soap, DIY skincare, or functional crafts.

2. Vision Board: Out With the Old, In With the New

A cozy, reflective workshop where you’ll design your year using images, words, and intuitive creative play. No crafting or drawing experience needed, just bring your imagination and an openness to explore. Great for both deep intention-setting and light creative fun.

3. Body-Led Movement Drawing

A beautiful blend of gentle movement and expressive drawing. No drawing experience required, this class is all about letting your body guide you. It’s a great way to loosen up, experiment, and create expressive abstract drawings.

4. Intro to SoulCollage®

A calm, introspective collage workshop using imagery, intuition, and guided prompts to create meaningful SoulCollage® cards.Perfect for beginners, journalers, or anyone looking for a reflective creative practice.

5. Decoden Handheld Mirrors

Playful, tactile, and pure joy. This Japanese-inspired craft uses charms, gems, and whipped-cream-like embellishments to decorate handheld mirrors.
Great for ages 10+ and anyone wanting a fun, low-pressure creative session.

If you every have questions about whether a workshop or class is a good fit for you, just send us an email at hello@thatcreativespace.org

Top 5 Creative Workshops to Try This Winter in Beacon, NY

Winter in the Hudson Valley is the perfect time to slow down, get cozy, and make something with your hands. Whether you live locally or you're planning a weekend trip to Beacon, our beginner-friendly art classes and one-day workshops offer a warm, welcoming place to create.

If you’re searching for art classes in Beacon NY, creative workshops near me, or indoor winter activities in the Hudson Valley, here are five inspiring workshops happening at That Creative Space.

1. Mini Abstracts: Painting with Melanie Delgado

A few years ago, I took a weekend printmaking workshop at the Woodstock School of Art. When I mentioned that I work in collage and mixed media, several students immediately said, “If you come back, you have to take a class with Melanie Delgado!” I never made it back for that class — so I invited Melanie to teach with us instead. I’m really looking forward to having her in the studio this winter.

In her workshop, you’ll explore color, movement, and playful mark-making in a relaxed, one-day session. Melanie’s gentle, encouraging teaching style makes this class perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to reconnect with their creative instincts. You’ll leave with a set of small abstract paintings you’ll love displaying at home.

2. Gelli Plate Printmaking

When we first ran this workshop in the fall, we had someone who works in the medical field join us. She told me she doesn’t consider herself creative but loves making things with her hands. By the end of class, she was completely immersed in the process, experimenting with textures, pulling print after print, and making the most fun and unique pieces. Watching that shift happen is exactly why I love offering this printmaking workshop in Beacon.

Gelli Plate Printmaking is a joyful, beginner-friendly printmaking class where you’ll explore layering, texture, and color using simple techniques that create beautiful results. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a playful, low-pressure way to make art this winter. Whether you’re new to creative workshops or searching for an easy entry point into art making, this one is always a favorite in the Hudson Valley

3. Felt Mending & Embellishments

This fall we had Jenny Torino join us for not one but two sold-out Needle Felting workshops, and both were such a hit. She’s back this winter with a new offering that’s perfect for anyone who wants to mend a favorite sweater with a hole or add a little personality to a denim jacket. I love how this workshop blends creativity with sustainability — and how excited people get when they realize how simple and beautiful visible mending can be.

In this hands-on fiber arts workshop, you’ll learn visible mending techniques, wool felt appliqué, and decorative embroidery stitches. You can bring a garment to repair or work on a sample in class. It’s a cozy, beginner-friendly project for winter, and a great way to breathe new life into clothing you already love. A perfect choice if you’re looking for fiber arts workshops in Beacon NY or want to explore creative, sustainable crafting this season.

4. Intro to Chinese Calligraphy

I first met Louisa Wah during our Botanical Ink Making workshop this past September. As students began painting with their inks, I noticed she was creating the prettiest little flowers with such ease. After class, I asked about her background, and she shared her experience as an artist and writer. When I asked if she might be interested in teaching with us, she suggested an Intro to Chinese Calligraphy, a beautiful blend of culture, brushwork, and meditative practice. I knew right away it would be a meaningful addition to our winter schedule.

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the foundational strokes, brush techniques, and structure behind traditional Chinese characters. Louisa will guide you through writing simple forms using brush and ink, helping you experience the calming, intentional rhythm of this centuries-old art form. It’s a wonderful class for anyone interested in cultural arts, mindful creative practices, or trying a new form of artistic expression here in Beacon, NY.

5. Frame Loom Weaving

I first saw Courtney Salerno’s weaving artwork at the Beacon Open Studios Winter Show at The Yard. I was completely mesmerized by the size and beauty of her woven pieces — the textures, the colors, the detail. When I later discovered she was teaching weaving here in the Hudson Valley, I reached out right away to see if she’d be interested in teaching with us. I’m thrilled to have her leading a workshop this winter.

In this beginner-friendly frame loom weaving workshop, you’ll learn the foundations of weaving on a simple loom, explore texture and color, and create a small woven piece to take home. Courtney’s approach is both accessible and inspiring, making it a great class for anyone curious about fiber arts, slow crafting, or hands-on creative workshops in Beacon NY. It’s a grounding, tactile way to spend a winter afternoon — and a perfect introduction to weaving