The Art Students League of New York

I felt a sense of community the moment I stepped inside. I loved that the hallways and galleries showcase original works by their students, some of whom were recognized masters. The spaces open to the public are small, yet worth visiting when you're in the lively midtown Manhattan area. Most of the works in the current exhibition didn't speak to me. The descriptions gave helpful context though.

Instructor barely teaches anything and the other students are really standoffish. Nobody is really there for learning art or appreciation of art. Seems like they go there with existing friends and just go there to socialize with their own little groups. Instructor hangs around one student most of the time to chat, talk about unprofessional. Attendees skew older in age and there wasn't any group critique or commentary thing at any point during the sessions. Felt like a huge waste of money, like why pay $50 per session with barely any instruction when you can pay $15 for the same elsewhere

The ASL was my refuge and the first place I finally felt comfortable enough to pursue my art as an adult when I first moved to NY. The instructors are all legendary, and everyone else who works or volunteers here are supportive and helpful. I’ve met artists from all levels of proficiency and ages and from all backgrounds here. If you are looking for an art school that values excellence while respecting flexibility, inclusivity, and diversity, this is the place.

Nothing but bad vibes here. There is an apprentice or whatever who is very, very rude. His name was Dwayne or something so checks out. Go to Minerva’s School if you want an affordable and good art education this place is a money trap.

Fantastic place to see a free exhibit or take a variety of art classes. Children and teens can create with talented artists too. Highly recommend this unique, affordable,and professional school of art.

The art league is great and amazing. They have some really talented students. Staff was nice but inconsistent on their own rules. That was a bummer. But nice to feel welcomed in the old city where people can enjoy. Great teachers and exhibitions! A magnificent place

Started going here this summer, never plan on leaving. It’s a place to address your curiosity, practice a new skill, and learn from some talented artist/instructors. The office is really helpful, connect with Saira if you can, she has been a beam of light and has helped me feel confident entering into a new space.

Great instructors and classes! I had one teacher who was a famous cartoonist. I had another one who was a portrait painter for heads of state. If you want to be taught by the best at a very affordable rate, this is the place for you. All the famous artists have come through the League, since it's been open since 1875. The facilities are acceptable and in fully functional condition. This place is the epitome of creativity. Children's classes are great too. They also usually have a country retreat every year for artists.

This is a fabulous art school open to everyone no matter your level of ability. There are weekend courses, workshops and monthly as well as full week daily classes. You can sign up for a month of say life drawing classes on a specific day or night and thus make it affordable as Opposed to paying for a four month long class. This way you can even go every other month so it fits into your budget. The teachers are great (Michael Burban teaches my class and is fabulous) and you really get your money's worth. There's also an art store on premises which is terrific for students. I highly recommend looking into taking a class or Two here.

With a legacy of famous artists, this art school seems like a great place to study and take art classes and be part of an art student community. Passed by this on my way from Columbus circle, and I plan on coming back to try an art class. They have evening and part time schedule of classes, from figure drawing, sculpting, painting, illustration, so there are a lot of options to choose from. Nice historical looking building from the outside.

i have been here like several years. Tution has been rapidly increasing for sure since a few years ago but the quality of classes is getting worse, passionless instructors (they dont really teach but just time checking), lack of space in a classroom, bad timekeeping when the class starts and finishes, and the careless directors at the office. Most of students that i have met at the classes were really friendly and cool but never come back after they just tried for a few months only. I think the reason is that they dont really feel like they are learning something there, no motivation but just expensive class fee. Most of staffs and models are nice. Expecially, models are way better than other places such as SVA and Drawing New York. The old man at the office was really careful and kind and the young guys at the store too!

Bait and switch. They'll sell you art classes that won't meet your stated needs, then they'll hassle you so you can't get your money back easily. Stay with the refund process. They do have one. If you hassle them, they'll refund your money.

I highly recommend this place and can't say enough about what a wonderful experience I've had here. If you want to learn anything about art, this is the place to go. This school has such a rich history in the city. Tons of great opportunities to try and test out different mediums. If you're not an artist. Check out their ongoing exhibitions. Always something fun going on here.

if you like tired, Old-School, or Zombie formalism, this is your place! Much of the faculty seems to have doddered in from a nursing home. Unhealthy standards, and proud of it. Hey, we've all gotta die of something! Why not from heavy metals from the lady sanding acrylics? Or breathing in toxic silica dust from clay sanding. Or noxious fumes from the creative soul dumping chlorine bleach on his paintings? Something sickly always popping at Art Students League!

I took a life drawing class in 2013 when I was a beginner and the class was described as a beginner's level class. The instructor seemed to delight in berating people she didn't like for seemingly personal reasons. For example, she was always incredibly supportive to the older people in the class but always gave incredibly harsh criticism to the younger people in the class. She also made sure to loudly critique everyone's work so the whole class could hear. First she told me that my canvas was too small, so I got a bigger one and she said it was still too small, and I ended up with a canvas so big I felt totally uncomfortable working on that scale. During one of our critiques, she first said my proportions were totally off (again, I was a beginner) and then she said I shouldn't even be in the class and asked me why I was there. The worst part though was when she asked me at the end of that same class, loudly and in front of everyone, if I was transgender. I said that I was not, and then she went on a violently transphobic tirade where she said she would rather have her child die than come out as transgender. I was shocked and speechless and I stopped attending that class after that. I'm still horrified by that experience, and I reported the professor to the Art Student's League twice but that professor is still working there according to their website.

Cheap- if you have some sense of what you'll be doing, enroll. They teachers are not hands on. As a matter of fact they are only there once or twice a week. (Classes até usually every day) So If you have a good 4-5 years of art experience (in my case painting and drawing) not a bad place. But if you are an amateur, not the place for you. And do not buy from their shop.

I took a drawing course here for a month. It was for fun/practice, and I never felt shunned for not exactly looking the part (especially right out of work). That said, it's not the most inspiring of places, and you don't get the feeling that anyone is trying to cultivate anyone else's artistic interest or ability. They're laid back, to a fault, with no "curriculum" - so you can join a course at any time and pay by the month (or even by the class session). For one drawing course, the instructor actually went around and ...instructed. But for the same course with a different instructor, all we did was sit and draw from models, with no commentary from instructors. It would help their profits to more actively inspire students to register for month after month, but they seem fine with missing that opportunity. They have multiple classes to accommodate full-time students, part-time students, and random people (like myself). At least for drawing, the cost is much lower than other schools in NYC. There's a small arts supply shop in the building where you can take care of your supply list, but Blick is definitely cheaper.

Some of my best years as a student of art where spent here with dear friends. I had the luxury of training under the late Nicki Orbach, who was the most inspirational individual you could imagine as well as a gifted artist. After a long and stressful day at work I would travel all the way from Tribeca just to go to the evening drawing classes twice a week. Without the tremendous instruction and inspiration I would not be half the artist I am today. For anyone considering an interest in art this is the place to start. I later moved on to The National Academy of Art and Design for all day Saturday classes, equally as good!

I don't know if was the pandemic or another thing. But I HATED my experience with them. Well, I can not even say that I had some kind of experience there because I stopped in the application process. I was interested in the Fine Arts Certificate Program, I tried to call, I sent a lot of e-mails however the person who was responsible definitely wasn't in the mood for work. I did my application even without any other information. I paid the application fee, but after more than I month from the beginner of the semester, my application was only as "received". I only lost my time, because my application was never processed, probably never opened. And I just get, in this week, the confirmation of that. Just because, after being so annoyed, I sent an email to almost everyone there. Everything was a big disappointment.

Honestly I feel upset because it turned out to be such a bad experience for me. I actually thought I'd be a long time student there however after the first lesson (which I didn't even stay until end) I realized that I'm not gonna learn anything there. I'd learn much more at home with online classes then going there sitting without any instructions!! There definitely much better art schools than this one!

I've only taken one figure drawing class here so far and I love it. I will definitely sign up for a second month. The class monitors are great and keep the class running on time. The models are amazing. There are two models in each class session which gives students a choice no matter where they are sitting. There is an incredible range of students from complete beginners to full-time students to people who have studied drawing for years. The instructor, Robert Cenedella, is present twice a week and he is amazing. He really emphasizes the fundamentals and I've truly learned how to look at art from attending his class...

Very relaxing and peaceful place. I was just a guest but a homered one. So many talented students here. So much inspiration.

Such a disappointment! It's wasting of your money and time. Basically you just pay for using their space what I can do staying home and for free. You come with all of the tools you buying (it's kind of a lot of money), sit down and paint(draw or whatever). Nobody explains you what and how you have to do. They expect you to have an experience. I have experience in acrylic and I decided to try watercolor. Besides being by yourself with teacher in class you have to do life paint! Hello! Even people with experience would like to learn too. Such a waste this place

The teachers, classes, and students are all amazing here! Even the building inspires your inner artist to create a masterpiece.

I just want to comment that I never actually had a full class here- my review is of the registrar and an issue I had with a refund. I signed up for a sculpting class and never met my instructor the first day of class. Even the monitor wasn't there, so another student helped me get set up. Since they charge classes on a per month basis, and I didn't start class until July 6 (due to the 4th of July holiday), I decided to cancel the class which I paid $175 for ($150 for the class, $25 yearly fee to be a student there). Their refund policy is 75% of the amount paid for the class which should be $112.50. I spoke with registrar and they said they would return the full amount I paid for the class ($150) since the instructor wasn't there and I didn't feel I would be getting my money's worth for the month. When I looked at the check they gave me, it was in the amount of $98. So they lied to me. Essentially, I paid $77 for nothing. When I tried to complain, they just ignored me. It feels to me that all they care about is money. I can't comment on the art instructors. The only salvaging grace was the fact that the students were so nice and welcoming. Otherwise, registrar doesn't care about anything but taking your money for no service given.

Taking classes in the fall. Great curriculum. Many courses to choose from if you are an artistic person and undecided which medium you prefer, you can take a variety.Great teacher's and mentors.

My all-time favorite school of art. Also they have an art store with good art supplies. All teachers are very nice and helpful. Really love this place !!!

Incredibly rude staff. I signed up for a complete beginner's drawing workshop and was sent a list of supplies to bring to class. A portion of these items we were instructed to "make" with no explanation of how to make them or what they even were. I was so lost. So I called the school to ask for help, but was rudely told by the woman I spoke with that she had no obligation to explain the supplies list to me. I was so flabbergasted. I'm a complete beginner, with no background in drawing, which is why I signed up for the workshop. The school sends me a list of supplies I've never heard of, many of which I am expected to hand-make and bring to class, and they don't feel even remotely obliged to help me understand this list? Isn't the whole point of attending the school to LEARN? She then hung up on me. I tried repeatedly to call her back, but she kept putting me on hold. After a few times of doing this I realized that she was putting me on hold on purpose to not talk to me. So unprofessional.

I previously raved about this place, overlooking the POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE I have received, but what happened 2 days ago is the last straw. I have been LIVID and even contacted my friends in LAW. In short, I had a painting that I spent several hundreds of dollars on in classes and materials that was literally THROWN IN THE TRASH. Based on New York Legal Codes regarding abandoned property, proper notification is required prior to disposing of abandoned property. HOWEVER, my painting is not even considered abandoned property AND it was thrown out... I spoke to a "manager" named Winnie Huang who said "I dont know what your claims are but we have never sent an email out to notify students when clean out sessions are." Several minutes later I locate said "claimed" email from last year and forwarded it to this Winnie Huang. I asked to speak with her supervisor but of course no one else is available. Everyone is on vacation... And why should I be upset? THERE ARE MANY REASONS. 1. The painting I spent a ton of money and time on was THROWN IN THE TRASH. 2. I work in a hospital on the weekdays and a free clinic on the weekends, I found a 2 month window where I sacrificed time with patients in order to paint. This has gone to WASTE - literally. 3. I was called a LIAR and BELITTLED. 4. Management displays ZERO EMPATHY and becomes ACCUSATORY when I realize how DISORGANIZED they really are. 5. The continuing EMOTIONAL DISTRAUGHT over losing a special piece. Artists out there --- how would you feel if some random person tossed your piece of art in the trash??? I think you know how I am feeling right now. 6. The fact that no one even ACKNOWLEDGED MY LOSS???? I'm pretty sure my previous post over the ways I love The Art Students League has completely been negated by this experience. I FEEL NOTHING TOWARDS THIS STUDIO AND I CAN NO LONGER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. EVER.

While The Art Students League isn't the answer for everyone, I think it provides a service that you can't get anywhere else for the price. Yes it's true that the classes can be fairly large, and you don't get too much one-on-one time with the instructor, but what do you expect? For the price they charge you, you're not going to find anything better. It's definitely the cheapest place in the city to take regular art classes, and the quality of instruction that I've experienced is great. I am currently taking a drawing class twice a week at the League. The office workers have always been helpful and kind to me, and the class monitors and assistants are also amazing and helpful. The classes are very relaxing, and there is such a wide range in ability that no one ever judges you or makes you feel uncomfortable. I started taking classes there with no prior art experience before, and although the first few days were difficult and I kind of had to figure some things out on my own, I believe I have gotten much better since I started. If you start out in a class, you probably won't get the most basic instruction that some people need (like me, who had never even really drawn before) but they do have workshops every once in a while for that. Some workshops will sit you down and explain to you the different types of drawing or painting materials, how to use them, and what types of subjects they are good for. However, if you start a class halfway through the year, you'll probably be on your own for a bit of that kind of stuff. Some people have mentioned having unhelpful or rude teachers, but I have to give credit to my current teacher, Ephraim Rubenstein. He is AMAZING. Not only does he try his hardest to spend as much time with every person as he can, sometimes coming around multiple times per class to help you one-on-one, but he is very kind, welcoming, and encouraging. His comments are extremely helpful and he always manages to make my drawing look so much better by pointing out areas that need a tweak or two. If anyone is interested in taking a life drawing class, take his class! I take one star off because although the League is extremely flexible with their "start anytime!" policy, it also creates a bit of confusion and chaos. On my first day the class was a bit disorganized, and no one really told me where to go or what to do. It was a bit stressful to try and figure it all out by myself, but I have noticed that my experience was a bit unusual. Since then many other people have joined my class and they seem to have received more of an introduction than I did. I probably started on a unusually busy day. Try it out! They have a fairly good refund policy if you don't like it, and you also can switch classes once for free if you find out the teacher isn't a good fit. *I apologize to anyone who reads this review and notices all the grammatical errors (not to mention run-on sentences). It's been a loooooong day.

The greatest and cheapest place to reconnect with your love of drawing and painting. James McElhinney will break your bad drawing habits and teach you how to see right and Dean Hartung's Saturday class will get you (re)started as an oil painter in a relaxed, improvisational, home-cookin' sort of way. The facility, located almost across the street from Carnegie Hall, seems to ooze history and artistic energy. Even if you're not ready to sign up for a class, it's worth a peek inside. No need to wait for the next NYC art fair, either --- there's often a art sale going on in the mezzanine with some very reasonably priced works.

I went here, when I was in the High School of Music & Art, and it was an invaluable addition to my art education. It is not for beginners, but you can ask for help from your instructors. They have live models, and you can also work on still lives. The teachers can be 'rough' on you, but that is the only way to improve your technique. An unforgettable experience for the serious art student.

I love this place. Very relaxing, peaceful, and inspirational. People here are really nice and are serious about what they are doing. I came here a few times and recommended my friends and family here too. They also enjoyed their experiences. I've only taken the nude drawing class since I wanted to practice my quick drawing skills for portfolio purposes and I believe I had the best pieces from this class. I love the fact that you can pay per visit. Allows flexibility with my job, school, and etc. The instructors are helpful too.

Absolutely disappointing experience related to the registrar. I bought a one-off one week long evening oil painting workshop class online as an expensive but exciting present for my partner. I had to register as a student to purchase the workshop which I intended as a gift. At no point in the registration process was it explained that the class could not be bought as a gift or the cancellation policy. Once I received the paperwork I wrote to the Art Students League as I wanted to let them know that it was purchased as a gift, and I gave the correct name of the student who would be attending. My first query was not answered. One month later I send a follow-up about the name change -- only to my surprise to be told that it is not possible and I would need to cancel (with only 75% of the purchase price returned to me), buy a gift card online, then have my partner purchase the class again in his name. I requested a call to discuss - again no response. I emailed again to explain that it was an honest mistake and that the cancellation policy is unfair as is not outlined until AFTER payment of class registration. They would not change the registration name. As a result my only option was to cancel, and request a refund. They only return 75% of the course price, meaning I lost over $100 due to their registration policy. Of course I then did not want to have my boyfriend sign up to start the process again. Extremely disappointing. The ASL would have gained a talented artist as a new student. What otherwise should have been a nice gift turned into an upsetting experience and loss of money. Be careful signing up. Awful customer service. Very upsetting as the birthday gift turned into a disappointing issue.

best best best best ART SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This place is better than going to art colleges because you will also learn from other student here who graduated art school& artists already. Teacher Albert's drawing class is ao great!

I have been taking classes at the art students league for the past 3 years now. These classes tend to be one of the highlights of my day, always finding a way to pleasantly surprise me. The teachers there like to crack jokes from time to time, but somehow remain professional. They give you great feedback, and help you to look at your artwork from a different point of view. I feel I have improved A LOT in this class. The art students league is the real deal, there are some really top-notch painters and drawers who take classes there. Another thing I like about the art students league is that they have models. Some of the classes have new models every week, which gives you a variety of different faces and shapes to draw, also giving you the chance to explore different styles of drawing. The atmosphere at the art students league is really calming and quiet. I say quiet because in most, (not all) of the classes the instructors are pretty strict about being quiet when the model is posing. This helps you to focus on your work and not get distracted. Something else I like about the art students league is that the classes are not sorted by age, but the quality of your artwork, and the way you draw. I've seen some amazing artists who were 10-16 years old in the same class with equally amazing artists who were 60 years of age and up. This type of sorting is (I think) more accurate than sorting by age because it gives kids of experience well beyond their age when it comes to art, a chance to challenge themselves and improve on their artwork. I highly recommend the art students league if you are looking for a high quality art class.

I went there 20 years ago. I really likes the sculpture teachers back then but my main issue was theft having my armature stolen and the sheer insolence without consequence. It's a circus.....I had my sculpture completely ruined. Not one cares! Students have no regard for other people's work and aren't held accountable.

Dropped in to see the Student Concours exhibits. It was a voyeuristic experience of looking at art-the-process as opposed to art-the-product. Since the work of each class is exhibited together, you can really see how each artist reinterprets the same stimulus in different styles or even different media. The art is not as polished as what you generally get at museums or galleries, but the Concours has its own significant charm and valuable contribution. Plus, there's free food! Oh, they also offer a broad range of art classes but I haven't taken any so this review is for the gallery only.

Not bad at all, I went here on a monday night for an art class and I would definetly be coming back. The prices are not bad at all and the people are very friendly.

Very awesome environment good vibe great place to just hang out and has a good vibe great people...

I do agree with Victoria O. on one thing. - Things can get a bit more expensive than you think they're going to. No one had told me that I needed to buy the supplies on the side besides paying for the class until afterwards. Besides that, you need to pay for a locker if you want one(most classes have a pretty long supply list, so I'm a bit disappointed that you don't automatically get one). I believe I had to pay $50.00/month when I had one. Overall, what you pay is definitely worth what you get out of it, especially considering many of the other schools prices in the city. This will be my third year taking Michael Grimaldi's life drawing and anatomy and second year taking Bill Behnken's printmaking. I strongly recommend both classes if you're interested in either. It's true, the instructors at the League are usually only there for 2 or 3 days a week, but I don't feel it impacts your learning experience because you learn so much from them, anyway. I didn't know anything about anatomy when I started Michael's class, but it was very easy to catch on and I learned a lot quickly. His class inspired me to take anatomy my senior year of high school. He has a very clear teaching method and really knows what he's doing. He critiques weekly and gives demos often. http://www.theartstudentsleague.org/Classes/Instructors/tabid/104/ctl/Detail/mid/498/itemid/48/Default.aspx I like Bill Behnken's class a lot, as well. I didn't know anything about printmaking or even the supplies I needed to get for his class at first(I went to Pearl expecting for anyone to read his supply list and pretty much know what I needed, but only 1 person in the whole store that I talked to knew what I was asking for). Once I started his class, everything was straight forward, very enjoyable and he helps the students individually as they work at their own pace. You learn the whole printmaking process pretty quickly. http://www.theartstudentsleague.org/Classes/Instructors/tabid/104/ctl/Detail/mid/498/itemid/72/Default.aspx The League also offers a number of scholarships and financial aid. I received a work-study scholarship one summer took classes for free in return for working there a few days a week. Everybody there is always very friendly and helpful.

Very bad. You should be careful your money. They have took my money and then cancelled the class. I need to figure out what's going but nobody answer. Just gave me a business card and tell me to talk a guy. I called the number again and again. No one pick up the phone.

Recently started the ASL full time and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The instructors are very experienced and give great feedback!! I am a monitor for Painting from life class which is great as it allows me to have a closer relationship with other artists and also the instructor. I look forward to my classes every morning. There is a library at the ASL which has awesome books that I find to be very useful if you want to learn more about art. There is also a cafe on the third floor where I buy my coffee every morning before class. The Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery is located on the second floor and shows great work done by students!! I highly recommend The League !! Friendly atmosphere and great instructors!!

I've been a student at the League for 15 years, initially at night while I was working (Dale Meyers, watercolor techniques) and later weekends or during the day after I retired (Susan Shatter, watercolor; Frank O'Cain, watercolor abstracts) and now afternoons (Fran O'Neil, acrylic painting). The League's atelier method means you learn by doing with the help of the professional artist instructor and other students, who are unfailingly helpful. I've gone from being a beginner (watercolor) to an experienced, competent artist (watercolor) and back to a beginner (acrylic) ... all my own choice and on my time table. The League is a wonderful self-fulfilling and motivating place.

If you look at the descriptions of this school in terms of art classes, you may find they say the school is for all levels. Despite what it says, it is NOT. I called the school to ask what class was best for beginners and they gave me a figure drawing class. So I signed up for the class. It was NOT a beginner class and was a complete waste of time. I knew what level I was at and expected more instruction. I quit the class, asked for a refund (which I did get), and left completely frustrated and angry that the school misled me about the class. I felt played and lied to. So if you are a beginner artist, look for another school. You won't learn much here.

Disclaimer: This review has nothing to do with the class I took or the instructor (both were great), but with the AWFUL customer service at this institution--which, having read about it on a previous review, seems to be an ongoing issue. I registered for part-time afternoon classes for the month of May, and since I registered a week into the month my tuition was prorated from $128 to $121. Now $7 off is not really much of a prorate, but I thought it would be fine since I thought I would at least be getting three weeks of classes. But what I WASN'T INFORMED ABOUT prior to registering for classes for May was that the school was going to be closed for the entire week of Memorial DAY. So I was pretty much knowingly and unfairly charged by the school $121 for only two weeks of classes (just 4 classes in total since I registered part-time). So I call in the week after Memorial Day, assuming that I'd be able to at least make-up for that one week of cancelled classes, but was informed that this wouldn't be possible--and then was transferred MID-SENTENCE...to VOICEMAIL. I called back and was immediately transferred to a guy from the finance department, who dismissed my problem and said that it wasn't for him to deal with, but it was a registration department issue, even though the registration department was the one that transferred me to him. So he transferred me YET AGAIN to voicemail. It seemed to me that nobody wanted to deal with the problem. I called back another time and was finally told that I would not be given a refund for the cancelled classes nor be able to make-up the classes. The lady also not-so-subtly implied that everything was basically MY fault for not reading their policy. While the classes may be good, I am so put off by this experience that I am definitely never signing up for classes at this school ever again.

I highly recommend the League for all artists of all ages and all levels. I have been attending studio classes there since 2006. They offer the most flexible class schedule, most varied art classes, and least expensive courses than any school in New York. Their instructors are all professional artists and great teachers. I have worked in pastel portrait drawing with Ellen Eagle. She is very passionate and very precise in all of her directions. She literally teaches you to see! And to make what you see manifest. I learned invaluable skills in life drawing and portraiture. I also took a week long intensive portrait workshop with David Kassan. Like Ellen, he is very passionate and an excellent instructor. I've worked the longest with Kikuo Saito in an abstract painting studio. He is a magnificent painter and most inspiring of all art teachers I've ever worked with. Artists work on their own projects and Kikuo provides practical, and philosophical ways for progressing your work. My entire approach to painting has changed. I've discovered through working with Kikuo, that I am capable of producing so much more. I have grown as an artist both personally and professionally beyond my expectations. It's also a great place if you want to work with classmates from very diverse backgrounds, culturally and artistic skill level. The League is a great institution and asset to our city and to the the art world. - Mary

I am barely capable of drawing stick figures, but I do like to look at art, and wandering in here is easy for me because it's close to a lot of places i end up at. I like it for that, the little galleries, and knowing I could easily take a class here if I wanted to. I think my stick figures are beyond improvement though, I'm an econ dork through and through.

This is an institution. You are talking about possibly the most influential art educational experience on the planet. This is the kind of place that defines the term "You get out of it what you put into it". This is not a typical art school. There is no curriculum. This is a place to practice picture making in a setting that is stripped down and hot-rodded for pure art making with zero baggage. You walk in, you plop your canvas or pad on an easel and at the designated time you do your thing. An instructor, usually a famous or influential artist in his/her own right, will amble over every once and a while and give you a pointer or not. If you are on the right track the instructor will guide you to bring your work to the next level. If you are a rank beginner you will hear something completely different. This is not a place for hand-holding. It is a place for doing. It takes years to become a great representational artist. Plan to spend alot of them here. Nothing beats mileage. And drawing/painting from the live model is perhaps the hardest thing one will ever do, but it is also the best way to become better. Put away your photos, come to the League and draw/paint from life. One added note, you cannot beat the price. Not ever, no place, Never. Even if you take a five days a week class and come once a week it's worth it. And you can get a locker. So go pay $50,000 per year for Yale art school or spend every waking hour here for four years. I'll give either one the same chances on the open market...

My experience at the League was not particularly exceptional. I took classes there because I couldn't afford to go to art school but had taken a few painting and drawing courses at colleges. I had three instructors and I can't say that I learned very much from them, though I tried to be receptive. I think the classes (at least the ones I had) were just too open-ended and unstructured to really get much out of them unless you wanted to experiment. I feel that what the League is good for is to provide a space for you to work at a great price. I would go back to the League again if I lived closer, but I wouldn't expect too much from the instructors and just use the place as a space to learn on my own. Oh yeah, one of my instructors was James Lancel McElhinney. I would avoid him if you can. He was condescending to students and making passes at the model while she was posing nude. He screamed at me once for entering the room while they were having a session (this was after I stopped going to his class)--but it wasn't my fault, I went in during the allowable times posted on the walls. It's his fault he didn't follow the schedule, but maybe he think he's above that and berating me in front of students helped to serve his already inflated ego. We don't have x-ray vision, buddy, that's why they have those times posted up.

This was the reason that I moved to NYC a decade ago. They offer affordable drop in courses, so you don't need to enter a "degree program" to get an art education or art practice. I was able to go there after working my 9-5 job and grab dinner in their cafe. There are weekly and daily courses and you can sign up at your leisure in their office. And, the students and teachers are real seasoned artists. It's really different from other schools that offer degree programs with just a few expensive options outside of the program. And it's a nice place to meet people...enough said.

Rather depressing. Overcrowded classrooms. Conservative, limited POV. Rooms are kept up on the cheap, The Walmart of art schools.

So many great artists have walked the halls and taught at this art center. The art classes are excellent. I love how you can take a class for one day, two days, one week, one month or longer. The teachers are all working artists who are extremely skilled. The best part is how reasonable and affordable the classes are compared to a taking one at a university in the area. If you're looking to brush up on your art skills, or have always wanted to learn how to draw I highly recommend The Arts Students League of New York.

It is worth the money to have access to their very good models. The quality of instructors varies widely. If you take a full-time five day a week class, know that you will only see the instructor twice per week. If it is a big class, you may barely get to ever speak with the instructor. Grimaldi's class is supposed to be one of the best, but he very often has a substitute (who is very young and has only studied under him for a few years) and he is a prickly guy. They charge you up to $10 if your cell phone goes off, and they will often lock you out of class if you are 15 seconds late and they are just shutting the door. It's pretty ridiculous, and I'm not sure the instruction you get is worth the crap you have to put up with. The staff at the league, in general, are pretty unhelpful and rude. The place has a bit of an attitude. That being said, the models are great, some of the other students are fabulous and you can learn a lot just watching them, and it's a good price. Definitely ask around about the quality of the instructor if you can.

Only one other review for this place? Sigh. I miss taking classes here now that I live out in Brooklyn. They are decent & cheap, although I think the level of instruction you get depends on the classes you take. I took anatomical drawing for awhile and really enjoyed that. I always wanted to try the printmaking classes too. They have room for full time students and the rest of us dilettantes...

Great teachers in a wide range of media and approaches in a legendary institution. This is a place where an artist of any age and aesthetic viewpoint can come to fulfill his or her potential. There is also a feeling of optimism and camaraderie in the air at the League. Would that the rest of society had such good vibes. As others have stated, there are a lot of talented artists here, ranging from beginners to highly advanced artists. And the tuitions are not off the charts.

Honestly, do not waste your time at this school. YOU WILL NOT LEARN ANYTHING. Instructors are only present one or two days a week, and most of them do not even bother to teach you. Not recommended for beginners and if you know how to paint/draw, you will not learn anything new unless you are lucky and have a very good instructor (and classes with the good ones are always full and you cannot access them). I was already told by a friend not to enroll here and did not listen. I wish I had!!! Waste of time and money. It is true that it is the cheapest school you will find in New York...but QUALITY PAYS!!! SVA or The Cooper Union are much better. I would never come back here even if it was free.