From Figure Drawing to Printmaking: A Boston Figure x Albertine Press Collab

In this 2-part workshop series, The Boston Figure and Albertine Press are teaming up for an epic collaboration! Working with two different mediums, from two different instructors, in two different locations, you will leave this workshop with new figure drawing skills and your very own Linocut prints. No prior experience in art or printmaking is necessary. All supplies will be provided to use during class - just bring yourself and an excitement to learn! For Day 1 (January 23rd) of the workshop, join artist and instructor Halle Cooper at the Boston Figure to learn how to create simple but expressive figurative designs suitable for linocut prints! Sketching from a live model, Halle will guide you through some figure drawing basics and techniques for drawing dynamic poses. You’ll then pick your favorite sketches and, learning various techniques of shading and linework, turn them into print designs. Halle will provide individual guidance and tips to make sure you go home with the perfect design! Whether you’ve never drawn from a model or you draw with us weekly, you will leave Day 1 with a final design suitable for a 4 x 6” print. On Day 2 (January 30th) of the workshop, join artist and printmaker Alie Reilinger at Albertine Press and turn your design into a Linocut print. Linoleum block printing is a fun and accessible gateway into the wonderful world of relief printing. In this session, you will carve and hand print your own 4 x 6” artwork. By the end of the class, you will leave with up to 3 prints and your print block, and you’ll have all the skills needed to continue creating and printing at home! *NOTE: This workshop is at The Boston Figure ONLY on Thursday, January 23rd. The second day, Thursday January 30th, will take place at the Albertine Press. To register, please navigate to the Workshops tab on the Boston Figure website!

The Boston Figure

Woven Roots: Indigenous Latinx Art Fair

Welcome to Woven Roots: Indigenous Latinx Art Fair! Join us on Sat March 1, 2025 from 12-5pm for a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture through art. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of traditions, colors, and stories that make up the diverse heritage of Central America. The event will take place at the Boston Figurative Art Center, where you can explore a variety of art forms including painting, dance, music, and textiles. Traditional foods like pupusas and tamales will also be for sale. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the art and artists of Central America &amp; beyond - in person! There will be traditional backstrap weaving (additional workshop fee if you want to participate!), live marimba music, traditional dancers, storytelling, crafts, and food! Suggested donation of $5 for the festival.

Traditional Backstrap Weaving Workshop

Traditional Backstrap Weaving Workshop Come join us for a hands-on experience at our&nbsp;Traditional Backstrap Weaving Workshop! Learn the ancient art of backstrap weaving from skilled Mayan artisans Ampara and Oralia in a relaxed and friendly environment. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced weavers alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this traditional craft. In this 4-5-hour workshop, you will learn to use a traditional backstrap loom and create your own woven coaster placemat with the help of our visiting weavers. You will be able to take all of your materials home with you (loom, yarn, and newly created placemat), in addition to your newfound skills! The workshop takes place in the middle of our&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/wovenroots">Woven Roots&nbsp;fair,</a>&nbsp;which will feature other Latinx artists, dancers, musicians, and more, open to the public! You will have the opportunity to break for lunch and enjoy the other parts of the fair whenever you'd like. Central American food will be for sale on the premises if you would like to purchase, in addition to art and books.&nbsp; Ampara and Oralia join us from Trama Textiles, in Xela, Guatemala. They coordinate a cooperative of female Maya backstrap loom weavers across the country, working with over 100 women from 17 weaving communities.&nbsp;The Trama Textiles Association, founded 36 years ago, emerged during Guatemala's internal armed conflict, a time of immense tragedy and upheaval. At its heart, the organization sought to provide support to women who were widowed or orphaned due to the war, offering them a way to survive and heal through the art of backstrap weaving.&nbsp;Trama Textiles is a&nbsp;100% worker-owned and run cooperative, guaranteeing fair wages for Indigenous women who speak non-Spanish Maya languages. All proceeds from this workshop will be a donation to Trama and their girls' education fund. Ampara and Oralia speak Spanish and will have multiple translators on site for this workshop.

Stitch 'n B*tch

This one’s for all of you sewing/crocheting/knitting/textile lovers! Join us for a biweekly meet-up, BYOCP... (BYOCP = bring your own [unfinished or not-yet-started] creative projects!) Do you have unfinished textile or sewing projects? Do you like to complain about how many unfinished projects you have? Do you wish you could commiserate with a fun group of people in a low-key setting? Join us for a relaxing and social evening co-working session in the “living room” at the BFAC. Professional artist and fashion designer Mary Kahle of Kahle Studios will be on site to trouble-shoot and provide feedback! All experience levels and ages welcome! Snacks will be provided.

Boston Figure

Canvas of the Soul: Yoga and Meditative Art

Experience a unique and transformative journey that seamlessly blends the calming practice of yoga with the creative expression of painting. This holistic approach to wellness is designed to help you find inner peace, balance, and self-expression and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Begin your experience with a gentle yoga flow to release tension and promote mindfulness with guided movement, breath-work and restorative poses. This serene foundation will prepare you for the creative exploration to follow. Transition from movement to creativity as you delve into a painting session that encourages you to express your emotions and experiences through art. No prior painting experience is necessary, as the emphasis is on self-expression and letting your creativity flow. Heather will guide you through various techniques, helping you translate your inner feelings onto the canvas and fostering a sense of accomplishment and artistic fulfillment. This workshop is open to everyone, regardless of prior yoga or painting experience, and is designed for individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness and self-discovery. Discover the synergy between yoga and painting in this enriching experience, creating a space for self-discovery, relaxation, and artistic exploration. You'll leave with a unique painting as a reminder of the inner balance and harmony you achieved. Perfect for a solo night, date night or a time out with friends, this workshop rejuvenates your mind, body, and spirit. Painting supplies will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and are okay with potentially staining. Also, please bring a blanket (to be used as a prop during the yoga portion of the workshop).

Jewelry Workshop: Make-Your-Own Upcycled Jewelry Tree

Join Analise of Mind’s Eye Collective at BFAC Union Square for an all ages workshop to create a unique piece of holiday decor with upcycled jewelry! In this 2-hour workshop, you'll dissemble old and one-sided jewelry, repurpose broken jewelry and reimagine it as sparkling and fun mini-tree decorations. You'll have the opportunity to pick your velvet tree color and dig through parts and pieces provided. You are welcomed to bring upcyclable jewelry and/or pieces sentimental to you as well, as jewelry disassembly is not required to work it into the design and most pieces will not be permanently affixed. Perfect for date night, girls' night out, or a fun gift-making experience. No experience is needed, and materials and tools will be provided. Light refreshments will be provided by BFAC, feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Queer Affinity Yoga

Join Sophie Lyons for a community lead all levels Yoga and Mediation offering for the Queer community. This practice will start with an open level trauma informed Asana (movement) practice led by Sophie and end with co-lead community time to recenter and connect about the many dynamics and intersections of Queerness To register, please navigate to the Workshops tab on the Boston Figure website!

Monthly Potluck Mixer: Friendsgiving!

We are so grateful for our lovely creative community here at the Boston Figure! Let's get together and celebrate with a FRIENDSGIVING PARTY, especially now that we're approaching our 1-year anniversary here in Union Square! The BFAC monthly potluck mixer is a great chance to get to know our community and meet other creative people in the Somerville area. This is a free event for all, so bring your friends. Make crafts, play boardgames, maybe even sing some karaoke… who knows where the night will take us! Bringing a potluck item is optional - we encourage you to sign up with the link on our website if you are able, but no pressure! To register, please scroll down to the Workshops tab on the website!

Introductory Lifecasting

Join the team for a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own nipple magnet. Learn the fundamentals of lifecasting, including material preparation and effective techniques. This workshop is open to all genders and designed for beginners. To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

This one’s for all of you sewing/crocheting/knitting/textile lovers! Join us for a biweekly meet-up, BYOCP... (BYOCP = bring your own [unfinished or not-yet-started] creative projects!) Do you have unfinished textile or sewing projects? Do you like to complain about how many unfinished projects you have? Do you wish you could commiserate with a fun group of people in a low-key setting? Join us for a relaxing and social evening co-working session in the “living room” at the BFAC. Professional artist and fashion designer Mary Kahle of Kahle Studios will be on site to trouble-shoot and provide feedback! All experience levels and ages welcome! Snacks will be provided. To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

Figure Drawing Basics

New to figure drawing? Maybe you’ve been practicing, but feel stuck or in need of a new perspective? Illustrator, cartoonist, and figure drawing instructor Chris O’Neill (@thumbsoneill) shares his approach to nailing proportions, making faster drawings, getting loose, and having more fun at figure drawing! This workshop will include three demos and individual instruction for each student throughout the evening. To register, please scroll down to the Workshops tab on the website!

Intro to Upcycling: Basic Hand-Stitching and Appliqué Techniques

Join Artist and Fashion Designer Mary Kahle of Kahle Studios for a beginner-friendly fiber arts workshop! In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn basic hand-sewing techniques as well as different approaches to upcycling through appliqué. The instructor will walk you through the process from concept/design, to cutting, and applying to your chosen item. *It is recommended that you bring one peice of clothing or other textile that you wish to breathe new life into. If you do not have anything you wish to mend, we will have fabric scraps for you to work with. Sewing materials and a wide selection of fabrics for you to choose from for appliqué (printed fabrics, solid fabrics, beaded/embroidery, and lace options) will be provided. To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

Watercolor Portraiture Workshop

Join artist Jordan Rhodes (@jmr_art on instagram) for a watercolor portraiture workshop. Learn from the master as he guides you through his methods to create dynamic, vibrant portraits from photographs, with personalized feedback and advice as you go! This workshop is intermediate level - drawing experience is encouraged. While you don’t need watercolor experience for this workshop, it’s a great follow-up to "Intro to Watercolors" with Alex Mafusalov on Sunday, October 20th! To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

Paint & Sip

Join artist and instructor Halle Cooper for a night of guided painting and wine! If you haven’t heard of a “Paint and Sip,” it’s basically a Bob-Ross-style painting lesson. We will all be painting the same beginner-friendly picture, and the teacher will guide you through, step by step. Follow along exactly, or add your own twist as you go. It will be so easy you can even do it a little tipsy! (but not if you drove!) It’s a great time for non-painters and professional artists alike. Just a fun, low-stakes, creative activity to do with your friends (or a great way to make new ones!) Supplies included. To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

Comic Drawing Workshop

Join local comic artist and illustrator, Christian Garnett (@MoltenGarnet_Art on Instagram), to learn traditional comic strip creation, from storyboarding, paneling, and sketching to line art, text, and color. For this session, students will use song lyrics as the basis for a physical comic page. Prompts and ideas will be provided, but students are encouraged to come with their own song, writing, poetry, or anything else sourced from home or the internet. To register, please scroll to the Workshops tab on the website!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.