With all the talks about tuning in to our creative side for a better overall well-being (aka to stay sane), we’re all for getting more artsy this year. Since we’re made to be social creatures, why not have an artsy session the next time you hang out? It could be a nice change from your regular mamak or bar hangouts. If you’re not keen on getting the supplies, or just thinking of painting inside your house makes you nervous, then these artistic venues should put you at ease. Check out these cool places where you can art jam in KL, and let your inner artist shine!

1. The Refinery

Take a breather and step into the peaceful surroundings of The Refinery Art Gallery. Enjoy your art jam session al fresco, breathing in the fresh air as you go. Starting the beginning of this month, the gallery is hosting walk-in art jam sessions every Sunday from 1pm till 5pm. Weekday sessions are also available, but those require reservations so do call ahead to book. A 30 x 30cm canvas is priced at RM40, while a 45 x 45 cm one is RM60. All other painting materials will be provided. The Refinery Art Gallery has been encouraging art jamming for years now, and we’re glad to see them still at it! Kudos!

Tel: +6012 205 0716
Hours: Call for reservations
Address: The Refinery Art Gallery, No. 3A, Ground Floor D6, 801, Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.facebook.com/d7refinery

2. Artesque

Centrally-located yet peaceful, Artesque is in the heart of a quiet residential neighbourhood. As shown in the photo above, guests can paint outdoors in the calm surroundings. The weekend art jam sessions are timed as such with the working crowd in mind, so you can imagine how limited the slots are. Do call ahead and book a place before you head over. All the materials will be provided, including aprons, easels, and rustic stools. An art facilitator will be available if you need advice or help during the sessions, too.

Tel: +6016 2210 610
Hours: Weekends, call for reservations
Address: Artesque, No 3, Off Jalan Klang Lama, Lorong Jugra, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.artesquemy.com

3. Cafe Atas59

Located along the single stretch of shoplots on Jalan Bangkung, Cafe Atas59 is a nice art jam venue for Bangsar residents particularly. The cafe serves coffee, tea, breakfast, sandwiches, healthy bowls, and pancakes. Easels are lined up on standby, ready to be painted upon. All you have to do is buy a canvas and choose your paints and brushes, then paint away. There are regular workshops held here every weekend too. For this month, visitors can choose to attend an acrylic painting, fashion illustration, or an architectural sketch workshop. Do call to book a seat if attending the workshops, or even for some casual art jamming, so they can prepare the materials in advance.

Tel: +603 2201 6969
Hours: 8am – 7pm on weekdays, 9.30am – 7pm on weekends
Address: Cafe Atas59, 59-1 Jalan Bangkung, Taman Bandaraya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.facebook.com/cafeatas59

4. Yorokobi Art

Yorokobi Art has art jam sessions specially timed for working adults on Wednesdays to Sundays. Each session runs from 7.30pm to 10pm except on Fridays and Saturdays where it goes up till 11pm. Priced at RM65 per person, you’ll get to enjoy two hours of using the materials and a free drink. If you need more than two hours, the fee is Rm5 per additional hour. Put on your painting hats (or berets) and bring the friends along to this art space as a great alternative from your regular mamaks or bars.

Tel: +603 9054 9538
Hours: Call for reservations
Address: 12A-1, Jalan Radin Bagus 8, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.yorokobiart.com

5. The Studio at KL

If you want to organise your own art jam session, this is the place. The Studio at KL specialises in hosting group art jam sessions, depending on your needs. Art classes are also available at the studio, and the list can be seen on their website. Many corporate bodies have engaged the studio for team building or even brainstorming sessions to lap up all that creative juice. Take note that the studio does not have walk-in art jamming, so you’ll have to call ahead if you’d like them to organise a private group session for you.

Tel: +603 6211 3840
Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Address: The Studio at KL, Binjai 8 Premium Soho, 15-1 No. 2, Lorong Binjai, 50450 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.thestudioatkl.com

What are you waiting for? Call some friends and your selected studio, then head over for some painting fun. Let your inner artist shine and revel in the satisfaction a few hours of mindful painting can bring. Who knows, it might just lead to you painting regularly and becoming an artist in your own right.