Art-full Island Escape: Art, Nature & Relaxation on Governors Island
Not heading out of town this August? Trade airport lines & travel delays for an inspiring island escape just eight minutes from Manhattan.
On Saturday August 22nd, you’re invited to join us to escape the city without leaving New York! Spend a summer afternoon on Governors Island, where contemporary art, waterfront landscapes, historic architecture, and unexpected creative encounters come together just an eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan.
We’ll explore the island as a group, following its leafy pathways and harbor promenades into artist studios, exhibitions, historic houses, and cultural spaces that are rarely experienced in a single visit. More than a traditional art walk, this thoughtfully curated outing offers an inside look at the artists, organizations, and ideas transforming Governors Island into one of New York City’s most dynamic creative destinations.
A highlight of the afternoon will be the LMCC Arts Center's Open Studios, where artists will welcome us into their working spaces to share works in progress and offer a glimpse into the creative process. We’ll also experience Noo Arts’ WE ARE NATURE: Transformation Stories, an immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with nature, memory, transformation, and the environment.
Additional stops will introduce us to the diverse creative communities shaping the island. We’ll discover work presented by ArtCrawl Harlem and the West Harlem Art Fund, visit New Women New Yorkers to experience stories celebrating immigrant and refugee women, and—schedule permitting—catch Dancers Unlimited bringing movement and performance into the island’s historic spaces.
Along the way, we’ll leave room for Governors Island’s unexpected pleasures: large-scale public art, hidden gardens, sweeping harbor views, and quiet moments to pause, exchange perspectives, and connect with a community of curious, culturally engaged women.
Members-Only Spa Extension
After a full afternoon of exploration, Art-full Members are invited to continue the experience with an optional evening at QC NY Spa.
Relax in panoramic infinity pools, outdoor soaking baths, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation lounges, and more than 20 wellness experiences—all overlooking the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of discovery, recharge both body and mind, and enjoy a slower summer evening while continuing the conversation with fellow members.
Please note: The QC NY Spa visit is an optional add-on available exclusively to Art-full Members. Spa admission is purchased separately and is not included with the Governors Island event.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
🎨 Visit artist studios, see works in progress, and meet the creative communities shaping contemporary art.
🌍 Discover exhibitions highlighting women, immigrant stories, public art, and bold new perspectives.
🌿 Enjoy waterfront paths, green spaces, and hidden cultural gems without leaving the city.
✨ Art-full members are invited to continue the escape at QC NY Spa with skyline pools, saunas, steam rooms, and 20+ wellness experiences.
Full Schedule
1:15 PM | Meet at Joe Coffee in the Battery Maritime Building for the 1:30 PM ferry
1:45–5:00 PM | Guided Art-full explorations across Governors Island
5:00 PM | Option to take the 5:30pm ferry back to Manhattan, or join for a sunset session at QC NY Spa
It’s recommended to spend 3-4 hours at the spa to get the full experience but you can depart on the ferry whenever you want (see ferry schedule here)
We will also have a 7pm reservation at the Casa QC Bistro for aperitivo with the option to order additional food for those who would like it (however no food or drinks are included and all must be paid separately on-site)
Meeting Location
Joe Coffee
Battery Maritime Building Ferry Terminal
10 South Street
Please arrive by 1:15 PM to allow time for check-in and boarding. The ferry departs promptly at 1:30 PM, and we are unable to hold the group for late arrivals.
Non-member tickets:
Ferry + Art walk only: $50 first release; $55 thereafter
Art-full Member tickets:
Option 1: Ferry + Art walk only: $40 first release; $45 thereafter
Option 2: Ferry + Art walk + QC NY Spa Admission: $190 first release; $200 thereafter
Option 2 includes spa admission only (no treatments). Spa admission includes access to more than 20 wellness experiences, including pools overlooking the Manhattan and New Jersey skylines.
Important: Guests interested in booking spa treatments should book Option 1 and indicate that they will make their own spa reservation separately. It is recommended to book for the 5pm entry and add the 7pm Aperitivo reservation to your booking if you would like to be on the same schedule as the group.
Included
Round-trip Governors Island ferry ticket
Guided Art-full exploration
Public art, artist residency, and cultural discovery
Introduction to the history and creative evolution of Governors Island
QC NY Spa admission (Option 2 only)
Not Included
Spa treatments or massages (if desired, please book Option 1 and indicate you will make your own spa reservation)
Food and beverages
Additional purchases made on Governors Island
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Sunscreen and/or hat
Spa items if you plan to join us for the Spa (Bathing Suit, Flip Flops, etc.)
visit site for more info on the spa and to book a massage: https://www.qcny.com/experience
We look forward to sharing an inspiring afternoon of art, culture, nature, and connection with you on Governors Island.
The Art-Full Membership
If you are not yet an Art-full member, we would love to have you join us for as little as $45/month for the basic membership, or $65/month for the upgraded Premier membership. You can learn more about all membership levels and join here or reach out to alex@womenofculture.org with any questions.
The membership provides:
Access to member exclusive events like this one
Complimentary tickets to all online events
Priority access to & discounts on ALL events
Premier members also get priority access to 'culture-tunities' including free VIP passes to exclusive after-hours events at cultural institutions all over the city
All designed to help you live your best, most art-full and socially connected life!