Take Time Off to Paint

Irene Czys founded Nanuet’s Arts Alive! in 1998, after realizing that many art schools mix beginners with more advanced painters.

"I decided to create a school and program with smaller classes and step-by-step instruction," she explained. "People can properly learn basic drawing and painting techniques and build on that."

And Arts Alive! is excellent for those who are stressed. "Art is known to be very relaxing," Czys said. "The heart rate slows and time stops when you paint or draw. You get engrossed in your work and forget about all of your other cares and woes for the time you are focused on your art project. It is amazing."

"[Some] students tell me 'it's better than therapy and a lot cheaper, too,'" she added.

So at Arts Alive! the theme is relax, rejuvenate and recharge. The small classes have soft music playing in the background, individual attention and plenty of comfort. Arts Alive! classes and workshops are listed on their website; dates and times vary, and new programs are always being scheduled.  

Irene Czys sums it all up:

"Adults need the arts, too. Life is stressful. The arts can help alleviate some of that stress and return us to a place of quietness and peace."

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Arts Alive! Art School. 111 South Middletown Road, Nanuet. (Outside the South entrance to the Nanuet Mall.) (845) 345-2200, www.nyartsalive.com