Project Ore

Just past the East Village’s mix of bodegas and tenements, you’ll find Project Ore tucked into the block-long stretch of East 12th. Three blocks from the 6 train at Astor Place and only a couple minutes from Tompkins Square, it’s been quietly pulling together classes and workshops that give the neighborhood a chance to think outside the usual borough rhythm.

Drop in for introductory welding and you’ll be guided through the shop’s tools before you know it, while the pottery wheel section turns local clay into cups same-day. Screen-printing classes run weekends, turning blank tees into custom souvenirs, and the woodshop hosts after-work nights when you can mill a stool to take home.

Metal casting demonstrations happen on Wednesday evenings upstairs, and if you just want to watch, the mezzanine overlooks the pour without adding a ticket. The stained-glass weekend intensives finish a two-day panel you can hang the following Monday, no experience assumed.

Finding it is simple—step off the N or R at 8th Street, cut east on 12th just past the public library, and you’ll see the awning at 331 E 12th St New York, NY 10003. Call (212) 780-5436 to confirm seat availability and then follow the map to the sidewalk arrow before the light changes. directions get you within a halve block every time.