It's hard to make it out there as an artist, especially in a city already stuffed with masterpieces. But these eight schools give you the opportunity to take fine arts classes, from painting to photography to caricature drawing (yes, really). So sign up at one of these art schools ASAP—even if you don’t become Instagram famous, at the very least you’ll finally be able to call yourself a real art fan.
Best art schools in NYC, ranked
With classes in studio arts, graphic arts and architectural history, this storied art-and-architecture school is a great, serious-minded option for students who want to take an in-depth exploration of art. In its Collage to Painting workshop, students learn to combine several media in a single piece, and in its typeface design classes, students create their own fonts.
You don’t need to be a student at SVA to take advantage of one of its reasonably priced and professional-quality continuing education courses and workshops. The range of its art programs is vast—courses include training for welding, stone carving, jewelry making and animation.
6. Painting Lounge
Two hours of your time and just $50 are all you need for a walk-in class at this studio, which usually pre-sketches an image on canvas for students to fill in. Classes are BYOB, too, so if nerves are leaving you with artist’s block, all you have to do is take a sip. Multiple locations (212-518-1803, paintinglounge.com)
Though this studio focuses more on the “craft” side of arts and crafts—its Cat Lady Craft Nights are particularly fun—there are also more serious art workshops you can take, including upcoming lessons on watercolors, shibori dyeing, geometric painting and loom weaving. And yes, the fact that drinking is encouraged in these classes is a plus.
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