Join a community of dedicated artists for full-time study in drawing, painting, and sculpture. New York Studio School (NYSS) was founded in 1964 with an emphasis on artists teaching artists, working from perception in extensive studio sessions, and the pursuit of drawing as the most direct means of describing one’s ideas or experiences. Rigorous engagement empowers students to cultivate distinctive visual languages and to forge personal studio practices lasting a lifetime. NYSS faculty are internationally distinguished artists and teachers dedicated to the school’s experiential pedagogy.
MFA
The 60-credit, two-year MFA curriculum is an immersive, rigorous program of study — awakening imagination, ambition, and dedication to artistic production. Semesters begin with an intensive two-week Marathon, developed to ignite new ideas and generate momentum. The first year offers a range of studio classes, with a shift to personal development in the second year. Classes are bolstered by the Evening Lecture Series, technical workshops, one-on-one faculty guidance, group critiques, visiting artists, and faculty-guided trips. The weekly Critical Studies seminar explores a range of theoretical approaches to artmaking, culminating in a written thesis paper and thesis exhibition. Enrollment is limited to 15 MFA candidates per cohort each academic year.
Certificate
The NYSS Certificate Program provides an exceptional opportunity to deepen one’s vocation as an artist. Semesters begin with the school’s signature two-week Marathon, followed by coursework and independent studio work, along with the Evening Lecture Series and weekly seminar. Studies contain professional practice and technical workshops, one-on-one faculty guidance, group critiques, exhibition opportunities, visiting artists, and faculty-guided trips. Start in the fall or spring semester with the flexibility to participate in person or virtually each semester. The three-year program culminates in the Certificate Completion Exhibition.
Learn More
Schedule a tour with the Director of Admissions and Student Services at aking@nyss.org. Explore our public part-time programs: Marathons and Evening & Weekend Classes. For questions, email info@nyss.org.
Lectures and exhibitions are free and open to the public.
The priority application deadline is January 15, 2025.
