From museum galleries to recording booths, Black creatives and artists have transformed the art world into an exciting and inviting space for beginners and experts alike. While getting your hands messy or stepping on stage may seem a bit intimidating at first, these business owners have created safe spaces with good music, food and company to stretch your artistic wings.
Whether it’s for date night or a commitment to yourself to try new things, these seven Black-owned art studios and businesses are perfect destinations for creating unique memories and whipping up masterpieces to hang on your walls.
Black Parakeetz Paint, Swig & Sing
At Black Parakeetz Paint, Swig & Sing, you can turn painting into a party while you have a martini in one hand and a paint pallet in the other. Opened by husband-and-wife duo Terry and Naomi Clarke in 2021, patrons of the studio in Nyack, New York—just an hour outside of New York City—can sip delicious drinks at the bar and let loose at the karaoke lounge. With its speakeasy feel, “It’s an elegant but creative space for adults to come to,” Naomi shares with EBONY. “We’re also on a historic landmark near the Underground Railroad…so our space is very special.” In the painting studio, novice artists are provided with a canvas, paint supplies, an instructor and a complimentary drink from the bar. “We want people to enjoy themselves in a beautiful and historic space,” Terry adds.
Picasso’s Splat Room
At this Picasso’s Splat Room location, making a mess is part of the fun. Local artist Jerrell Steed opened the multimedia art studio in Morrow, Georgia, to give families and friends a chance to create a beautifully messy statement. Children and adults are welcome to use the studio’s splatter paint booths—rooms to freely fling paint on the canvas for a wild masterpiece—and explore other mediums like pottery and photography. Artists even get the chance to get their art printed to take home.
KandleBar
Bring home a unique centerpiece and experience at the KandleBar’s candle-making studio! The Houston candle shop and workshop, owned by Donn Lucci, is a space for first-time chandlers to explore the candle-making process in a way that will make them want to return again and again. This vegan-based company hosts workshops, parties and events that allow customers to create and bring home two custom candles of their very own.
The Kut Studios
When your closet needs a refresh, why not remake your wardrobe yourself? Michelle Thomas, known as Aunt Funky’s Closet online, runs the design studio in downtown Los Angeles’ fashion district for designers looking for space to create and show off their apparel. The Kut Studios workroom boasts a big, accessible space for anyone looking to get into fashion to create and network with each other in a welcoming environment. Beginners can also book private and group sewing and tailoring lessons to start making their own stylish outfit pieces.
N’Fungola Sibo African Dance and Drum Company, Inc.
This non-profit wants you to do more than just nod your head to the beat. N’Fungola Sibo director and instructor Mikeall “Myienie” Caesar promotes African culture and positive community energy in New Orleans by sharing traditional African drum music, dance and folk stories. New and returning dance students can sign up for the group’s traditional West African dance workshops and partake in the annual NOMAADS Conference and music festival.
House of Art & Craft
Embrace Caribbean culture with unique aromas that transport you to the islands. House of Art & Craft, Steysy Clark’s Boston-based studio and shop, preaches high-quality ingredients with ethical and sustainable business practices, boasting a variety of candles you can’t get anywhere else. Visitors can also book candle-making workshops to make one-of-a-kind scents and refill their jars when they’ve burned their wicks to the bottom. Even more exciting are the perfume-making workshops led by Clark herself, where budding perfumers can produce their own Eau de Parfum signature scents.
Trap Karaoke
Now is your chance to become a microphone fiend. Founder Jason Mo started the Trap Karaoke company to give music fans the spotlight on stage, allowing karaoke fans to sing in front of crowds and with celebrity guests in cities all over the U.S. like Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and more. Ticket holders can look forward to hearing music from all genres, from soulful gospel classics to tongue-tying hip-hop staples. You can even commemorate your night on stage with professional photo portraits.