Creative Groups New York

Play reading club !

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Designing for a Feeling: MDA, Immersive Experiences & Emerging Technology

What do you want your audience to feel—and how do you design an experience that gets them there? Join Columbia DSL on Monday, November 9, for an evening with **Nick Fortugno** exploring MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics) as a framework for creating compelling immersive experiences. In MDA, aesthetics refers to the emotional experience of participating: wonder, tension, discovery, connection, belonging. We’ll explore how those feelings emerge through the rules you create, the choices you offer, and the interactions that unfold between participants. Together, we’ll consider: * **Mechanics:** What can participants do? What rules and systems shape their choices? * **Dynamics:** What happens as people interact with those systems and one another? * **Aesthetics:** What does the experience make people feel? Whether you’re working with AI, interactive storytelling, games, or live performance, MDA offers a practical way to connect creative intention with audience experience. Come explore how starting with a feeling can shape what you build. ## About Nick Fortugno **Nick Fortugno** is a game designer, interactive storyteller, and educator. He is Director of Digital Game Development and a Distinguished Lecturer at The City College of New York, part of CUNY, and co-founder of Playmatics. With more than two decades of experience, his work spans games, immersive experiences, and emerging technology. His credits include lead designer of *Diner Dash* and lead interactive narrative designer on *Frankenstein AI*, presented at Sundance’s New Frontier. He also co-founded Come Out & Play, a festival that transforms public spaces into places for play.

NYC Drinks + Designers (UX, UI, Product) Happy hour!

Welcome to Design Lounge's November installation of **Drinks & Designers** in Manhattan! Join us for another fun and casual happy hour in NYC. We'll have some ice breakers, the sun will be setting over NYC and the cocktails will be iced! This is a great way to **mingle**, **make new friends** and **expand your network**. All digital designers and design recruiters are welcome. See you there! **Please note you will need to RSVP to attend.**

Silent Writing at NYPL (Schwarzman)

Join us in the LEFT SIDE big reading room at the library with the two lions. We'll be there writing in silence. This is not a structured event, but rather a designated time in which we can find each other here and write in solidarity with each other. Note: The official name of the room is the "Rose Main Reading Room," located on the third floor of Stephen A. Schwarzman Library by Bryant Park, and we are usually on the left side, by seat #226. You'll have to go past the people telling tourists that the area is not open to visitors (unless it happens to be when you enter). Don't be intimidated, just tell them you are there to study. After you pass by them, go through the catalog room, straight to the end, then take a left. The tables have numbers by each seat. Even numbers in the room on the left, odd to the right. There are a series of bag checks - once upon entering the library and once each upon exiting the reading room and library.

Visual, Composition : Nov 7-Nov 28 , Sat. 10:45am. In-person

[Visual Composition & Storytelling Classes (4 sessions): Nov 07-Nov 28 , Saturdays 10:45 AM-12:30 PM. In-person: Outdoors](https://www.photomanhattan.com/product-p/co-dp3.i-01.1.htm "Visual Composition & Storytelling Classes (4 sessions): Nov 07-Nov 28 , Saturdays 10:45 AM-12:30 PM. In-person: Outdoors, CO-DP3.i-01.1"). $375 \* Meetup RSVPs don't reflect the number of attendees as most Registrations come from our site: https://www.photomanhattan.com **This workshop is fully Outdoors.** Except, in specific instances such as rain / drizzle, it will be partially indoors or rescheduled. **Meeting location will be in Union Square Park or the Highline (at 14th street).** **👁️ VISUAL COMPOSITION & STORYTELLING:** The Art of Seeing Light and Design This is where your creative photography takes over. Master composition rules (Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines) and learn how to break them to forge your own artistic style. Focus on visual design elements like perspective, color theory, and dynamic framing. **What You Will Master:** \* **Compositional Rules**: Master essential composition techniques, including the **Rule of Thirds**, **Leading Lines**, **Symmetry**, and **Negative Space**. \* **Design Elements**: Focus on visual design elements such as **perspective**, **color theory**, **dynamic framing**, **pattern**, and **texture** to make every image captivating. \* **Creative Vision**: Develop your individual style and learn to identify and execute complex concepts that transform a snapshot into a compelling piece of visual storytelling. \* **Hands-On Practice**: In-class assignments and critiques focused on developing and refining your unique creative vision. This course marks the shift from simply operating a camera to truly creating art. Master the foundational rules of composition and learn when and how to break them to forge your own unique artistic style. Learn to communicate complex ideas and emotions through the frame. **Requirements & Notes:** \* **Requirements**: Any camera (DSLR, Mirrorless, or advanced Point & Shoot). \* **Assumed Knowledge**: Basic familiarity with camera operation.

The Meat Rack! M4M Daddy Retreat experience! Gay/Bi Men

Prototyping in Public: Where Art and Science Get Tested on the Gallery Floor

What if a museum ran like a lab, with the experiment still in progress? **[Ann Neumann](https://www.museumnext.com/speakers/ann-neumann/)** is Director of Galleries and Exhibitions at the **[MIT Museum](https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/)**. Her question for the evening: can a museum serve as infrastructure for public experimentation, **a place where visitors take part in the work** rather than just walk through it? If you build products, run pilots, or spend your days deciding what's ready to put in front of real people, **this is a look at how one of the best-known science museums handles prototyping in public.** In collaboration with the **[National Arts Club](https://www.nacnyc.org/)** and its **[Art and Technology Committee](https://www.nacnyc.org/arts-and-programs/committees)**, Ann will walk through the interactive projects she's shepherded at the MIT Museum. **Each one works as a prototype for engaging the public with technologies** like CRISPR, machine learning, and sensory neuroscience. Reserve your spot and arrive early. Space is limited. Founded in 1898, the **[National Arts Club](https://www.nacnyc.org/)** is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to stimulate, foster, and promote public interest in the arts and to educate the American people in the fine arts. Annually, the Club offers more than 150 free programs—both in-person and virtually—to the public, including exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, lectures, and readings, attracting an audience of over 30,000 in-person visitors and thousands more online.

Meet in the Arts

[Which art style are you? Vote and see who shares your lane.](https://app.favr.town/polls/s_378XeL85R4csGQ?r=@lovemaze) Our preferences in art reveal more about us than we often realize. Long before personality traits were formally categorized, psychologists studied personality differences through individuals' ratings of various paintings. If you find yourself drawn to the same piece of artwork, there's a strong chance you share a deep connection. Meet in the museum for an excursion. Sign up on [favr.town](https://favr.town/) and predict your next art buddy before you meet. Find out if you're right when you meet onsite. Or, if you fancy other museums, pin them at times that work for you on [favr.town](https://favr.town/) and discover who you might meet there. Note: This is a [Favr.town](http://favr.town/) member exclusive event. [Join](https://favr.town/events/meet-and-shop-trader-joes-trader-joes-2026-06-15-17-00) [[https://favr.town](https://favr.town/) ] Hint: Fans of abstract art tend to be creative, pop art lovers are often optimistic, impressionism enthusiasts are more likely to be conscientious, and those who prefer traditional art tend to be, well, more traditional. Something extra: Why do these traits matter? See how [optimism](https://favr.town/blog/the-power-of-optimism-in-relationships-how-a-positive-outlook-strengthens-resilience-emotional-health-and-lasting-love-2025-11-20), [conscientiousness](https://favr.town/blog/how-responsibility-and-reliability-build-trust-and-lasting-love-2026-04-19), [traditional values](https://favr.town/blog/prioritizing-family-values-for-lasting-commitment-and-love-2025-12-17), and [excitement](https://favr.town/blog/how-novelty-play-and-shared-adventure-keep-love-alive-2025-12-14) influence relationships. You can also measure how your sense of [optimism](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=1&b=OPTIMISTIC), [conscientiousness](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=CONSCIENTIOUS), [traditional values](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=TRADITIONAL), and [excitement](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=EXCITING) stack up against others.

Paint In Central Park (Bucket List Event)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855) *(This is a prepay event and only way to attend is to get ticket in advance at link above. Our events are co-organized by multiple groups so don't pay attention to the RSVPs. These events are consistently well attended.)* CELEBRATE SPRING AT ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR MEETUPS - A PICNIC 'N PAINT IN CENTRAL PARK! Come join us in a relaxed, creative and social setting. No experience necessary. So grab your picnic basket and enjoy wonderful paint event in Central Park! Included: a pre-sketched canvas, unlimited painting materials (brushes, acrylic paints etc.) and a take home bag. No smocks so please dress appropriately. Please bring something to sit on. What to expect: **• Step-by-step, group-oriented painting instruction, which is designed to simultaneously entertain and enlighten our members.** **• We'll have a professional artist guide you through a featured painting that is yours to keep and proudly display. And don’t worry — no experience is necessary.** **• 2 hour course lead that teaches you the art of mixing colors, blending and painting techniques.** **• All supplies provided - 12x16 pre-sketched canvas, unlimited acrylic paint (water based), brushes, and aprons.** DIRECTIONS TO FIND GROUP: We are located in a cul-de-sac at PINETUM EAST. We will be behind this row of benches (right under the trees). If you are coming from the east side you can find us by entering Central Park on East 84th street. Walk up the ramp, cross over the road and head west. If you are traveling from the west side we are east of the basketball courts. FAQs: What if it rains? We will email attendees a rain date. Can I still attend If I don't know how to paint? Yes, there's no experience necessary. Can I come alone? Yes, about 80% come on their own. Is this age specific? No, all are welcome. Cost? $35-$45, price goes up as the event date gets closer. This event will sell out. Can't purchase at the door. For more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)

Make Art and Crafts together

Artists and creatives of all skill levels are welcome, including aspiring creatives who are just starting out and professionals. Bring your drawing supplies or whatever creative project you're working on. Digital media like iPad sketching is ideal since the lighting might be a bit dim.

Jersey City Coworking: Portfolio/Passion Project Power Hour(s) ✨

November is here, and with the year winding down, it’s a good time to make a little progress on that portfolio, passion project, or vibe-coding idea you’ve been meaning to get to. Even a little bit is still a small win! 🏅 Join UXPA-NJ for a casual coworking session at the Cafe at Whole Foods in downtown Jersey City. Bring your laptop, your half-finished case studies, that project you keep pushing to next week, or anything you'd love another designer's eye on. Let's actually get to it. Together. We'll have free Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and a room full of fellow designers and researchers who can relate. * Bring a charged laptop; outlets may be limited. * Please buy a beverage or snack from the coffee bar on the first floor and hold on to your receipt. (Cafe rules!) **What we'll do**: work quietly, chat when we need a break, and cheer other on. 📣 **Where we’ll be:** The 2nd floor cafe at **Whole Foods** 135 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 🏃🏽‍♂️ 5 minute walk from Exchange Place or Grove St Path station 🚌 Bus: NJTransit route 80 🚋 Light rail: Harborside or Exchange Place station 🚲 Citibike station: Exchange Place, Columbus Drive or Grand St 🚗 **Parking:** [OneParking](https://oneparking.com/facilities/10-exchange-place-garage/) at 10 Exchange Place or street parking [ParkMobile Parking App | Find & Pay for Parking | On-street & Reservation](https://parkmobile.io/)

UX Happy Hour irl (open to all levels)

######## You need to bring a physical Government Issued ID to be allowed to stay. It's the Law. ######## Whether you're a seasoned UX pro, just breaking into the field, or simply curious about design — this is your invite to pull up a chair and join the conversation. UX Happy Hour is a laid-back, no-agenda gathering where designers, researchers, product thinkers, and anyone design-curious can connect over drinks in a low-pressure setting. No slides. No networking theater. **Why attend:** • Meet new connection in organic way • Get feedback and fresh perspectives on your work (i.e. portfolio) or advice for your career • Stay sharp on what's happening in UX, AI, product, and tech right now • Meet potential collaborators, mentors, or future coworkers • Cheap drinks ($5 Guinness) **What to expect:** • Warm, welcoming crowd across all experience levels • Candid conversations about design, careers, tools, and everything in between • A great chill bar in the East Village to do it all in **Where to find us:** We're usually tucked in by the ATM at the back of Mona's. If you're not sure where we are, just ask the bartender — they know us! Come solo, bring a friend, or drag a coworker along. The more the merrier. Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out to Danny (one of the organizers) for our sponsorship rate card.