4 Ways to Indulge Your Inner Artist in Old East Village

London’s Old East Village has always been home to a rich creative community. From music to theatre and from pottery to painting, OEV fosters local arts and allows everyone to get involved. Check out four upcoming ways to engage your creative side while supporting present and future artists in OEV. 

Songs with Sondheim at The Palace

Listen up, Broadway musical fans! The Palace Theatre hosts an astounding Sondheim Tribute Review from March 21-24. Featuring songs from 15 of your favourite musicals like Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods, this show will bring Stephen Sondheim's work to life through song and dance with an excellent cast of 30+ performers.

Even better, ticket sales for this limited run are raising funds for new lighting fixtures at the Palace. Enjoy the evening knowing you’re helping make future productions better than ever. For a special treat, get tickets for March 22, which includes an after-party for Sondheim’s birthday. Meet the cast and crew and enjoy a signature cocktail created for the occasion. Get tickets on the Palace’s website.

This fantastic cast will bring the Broadway master's work to the Palace Theatre's stage.

Create with Clay at Clayworx

Clayworx: Ceramic Arts Learning Centre encourages people of all experience levels to get hands-on with clay. They offer plenty of options, whether you prefer stand-alone workshops or multi-week classes. Their spring session starts on April 20th, so there’s no better time to start your journey with clay. The lineup of classes includes Intro to Clay, Hand Building, Wheel Throwing, Mosaics, and more.

If you prefer to try a workshop, check out Clayworx's date night wheel workshops (offered weekly... but spots fill fast!) or their monthly hand-building mug nights (next one on April 6th). If you prefer to appreciate instead of create, Clayworx’s retail store features gorgeous ceramic pieces made by dozens of local artists and available for purchase.

An open house this winter let attendees get a taste for Clayworx's classes and workshops.

Walk the Red Carpet at Aeolian

With a long and storied history, Aeolian Hall is one of London’s most unique music venues. Every month, they host jam-packed musical lineups featuring the best in jazz, folk, classical, and tribute concerts. For years, Aeolian’s curtains have set the stage for nationally and internationally renowned artists. The time has come to bid their iconic drapes farewell. 

Aeolian is hosting a “Curtain Call” night of glitz and glamour on April 10th! Step onto the red carpet and immerse yourself in this Hollywood-themed party. The evening will include entertainment, delicious bites, and a complimentary drink. Ticket sales are raising funds so the next generation of performers can shine against a beautiful new backdrop. Get your tickets and join Aeolian in raising their glasses (and the new curtains!) on this special evening.

Paint with the Pros at Recker Art

Immerse yourself in art at this studio in the heart of Old East Village! Recker Art is home to Jason Recker’s ever-growing gallery of pop culture inspired artworks. The studio also hosts Paint & Prosecco, a popular series of abstract paint nights with Shana Recker. The evenings include two hours of guided instruction, a glass of bubbly, and all the supplies needed to create mixed-media masterpieces. No experience, no problem!

Paint & Pies is an upcoming variation on April 18 in special collaboration with Jace’s Southern Pies. The evening will feature not one, not two, but THREE pies for you to enjoy while you explore your inner artist. Look forward to apple pie, lemon meringue, and coconut cream! Treat yourself, gather up some friends, and save your spot here.

A crew of accomplished artists at a past Paint & Prosecco event.

With so many fantastic ways to get involved and support the arts, what are you waiting for? Follow the Old East Village BIA on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the latest events.