If it wasnt for the General Manager Ian, or Dons helpful approach and the guy that looks like a wizard I would be lost in some of my art projects. Great store, helpful staff, they keep me coming back for more art supplies, even though I dont need it. I wish everything was free but they have nice prices.

Had a great time tonight at open paint night with Iilena. Every time we have been here all the artists have been very helpful and engaged! Thanks for providing and another night of family fun!

Iilena was great! So sweet and helpful, had the Disney tunes lined up! Definitely coming back!

Worked here cant wait til opens back up

If you go regularly and paint paint paint you will vastly improve. Some of the best teachers are here and you also will learn from the others in the class. I cant say enough good things about the League. It is run by the members who come from the student body. The members vote for the Board of Control. And anyone who studies there can be a member after putting in a certain amount of hours. A wonderful place with a wonderful sense of community.

I’ve been coming to the League since before I was born, as my mother was pregnant with me when she and my father attended classes together. I remain truly impressed by the dedication of the students and the faculty. It’s a sane, safe environment, no snobbery, but not a day spa, either. The building is a registered landmark.I read one negative review that was critical of the facility; classes at the League are comparatively affordable. I trust that said negative reviewer has found a more suitable castle to haunt.

This place is an absolute haven for artists. I have been casually taking classes here for months on and off and my drawing has improved greatly. They make it so easy to come here and learn if you are an actual person with a life. It’s so easy to sign up and I’ve experienced nothing but helpful staff as well as teachers. This isn’t the kind of place where you will be listening to lectures— you will be making actual art that you want to make without someone telling you what to do. OH and they have a cafe and an art store!

Big Box old school, in a poorly maintained facility.More below, but first, two of the better art schools include1. NY School of the Arts - recently opened. The space is lovely, student work is outstanding, and work environment is friendly;2. NY Studio School - Exceptional classes, and their marathons are dynamic.Back to the League:They rarely enforce basic health standards.The place infested with mice, and the air quality is bad in some of the work areas. Silica dust floats around the sculpting area. People sand their clay sculptures without mask protection, never being told that Silica is an industrial health hazard.Students scrape and heavily sand acrylic paint in crowded classrooms, without wearing respirators. (Acrylic paint is loaded with toxic chemicals. So everyone in the area breaths carcinogenic dust.)Students file metals like copper, and rusted metal in small, under-ventilated classrooms, wearing no respirator.Students use industrial sanders and wood grinders in a room with no door and half walls. Wood dust clouds drift into the locker areas, and adjacent classrooms. (Wood dust is carcinogenic).Heavy sanding and cutting of particle board is permitted in the classrooms. Particle board contains formaldehyde, ammonia and other carcinogens.Most students are in the dark that they are harming themselves and people around them. And the poor mice as well.

Im from Sydney and am returning home after a holiday in New York. I had such an enriching time doing a selection of printmaking and drawing classes. Most importantly, Art Students League feels very professional as well as welcoming. Thanks so much Liz

Some excellent teachers, ample facility, good art supply store right in the building, nice mix of students at different levels from beginner to professional, affordable classes. Welcoming casual-yet-intense creative vibe. Really loved it.

The courses that I attended (3 weekly courses) were overpriced. In those three weeks I spent a ridiculous amount of 160 USD on extra supplies. Most of them were totally unnecessary. The three instructors were definitely professional artists but teaching a class wasnt something there were very good at. Approximately 90% of the time I was working on my own and the instructor was either on their phone, painting or chatting with others. I didnt learn much in the three weeks that I was there. Most of the classes also didnt start on time and the classes were very flexible. The location and studio was great though. The subway station is just around the corner and you can see Central Park whilst walking there.Overall I was disappointed with this school and I probably wouldt go back. I recommend anyone thats thinking of doing a class or workshop at this college to do some research on the different instructors before spending a tonne of money.

This place is a rare and valued gem. I love the people who instruct and attend sessions here. There is a real sense of community and a love for the visual arts that is unparalleled. I highly recommend the Art Students League to anyone, at any level, who wants to work on their art.

There is no place like the League. This is a place for true practitioners of art and real artists. The sense of community is simply unmatched. They have the best teachers and best students. There is not a time that I have been there that I didnt learn something new and develop my skill as an artist. Its a magical place in my opinion. I truly love the league!!! Its an awesome place for anyone who who wants to learn art seriously! There is no place in New York like it!

I should know what the League has to offer as well as anyone. I created an Art Students League in Denver 25 years ago based on the NY model. to me there is no place like it in the world, period! You can choose your instructor, explore different classes until you find the one that fits you best. There is just about every form of art represented at the League. What a gift to the world it is.

This is truly a special place and an institution on many levels: for New York City, for the US and in the art world. There are almost no other places in the world where any adult can learn from masterful professional artists with the flexibility the the Art Students League provides. In the 3 years Ive taken classes, and starting out from a place of wanting to find a creative outlet, Ive been blown away how far Ive come under the guidance of the wonderful teachers I have had at the school.

When I was told that there is a low cost art school that does not demand any entrance exams and has a flexible pay-as-you-go schedule, where you could choose to study anything with any instructor, I could not believe my luck. When I also discovered that Arts Students League is, to boot, one of the most famous art schools in the country (and even the world!), with a list of alumni and instructors that looks like who-is-who in the art world of the last 100+ years, this sounded too good to be true. And so here I am, 4 years later, a member of the League and cannot recommend this place enough to anybody who wants to study art on their own schedule and to their own budget with the best of the best.

I took two classes and a workshop at ASL. I dont have much experience to make generalizations, but my overall experience has been that while not entirely cheap, ASL provides an opportunity for affordable quality learning for adults of all backgrounds and interests in a non-judgmental environment. You take what you put in and probably different instructors have different things to offer. Each experience is unique. I have been very happy with mine and always learned a lot. All in all I would highly recommend it.

The Art Students League has been a constant influence on my life since I first set out on my artistic journey, The community there has taught, challenged and supported me through my artistic growth. When I was looking for a new challenge, several people recommended Sherry Camhy. Being a part of her class has been one of the best experiences of my artistic career. Sherry has developed a community in which the beginning through the most accomplished artist feels comfortable. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy, drawing, painting, composition and color are a gold mine for anyone looking to move forward their artistic vision. She meets each student where they are and brings them to a fuller realization of their artistic vision. Sherry is part of the greater artistic conversation that is going on today. Besides teaching, she exhibits her work, curates exhibitions and writes articles for Art publications. She educates and encourages her students to be part of the conversation by lecturing on what has taken place in art and what is taking place now. She also advises her students of exhibition opportunities.

I have been studying at the league for two and a half years with Barney Hodes. I find it to be a very open learning environment. Every instructor has a different way of teaching, so there is a good fit for every student. Since the school is home to amateurs and professionals alike, you can learn from your peers. I like that I can be self directed in my studies and I am not tied to a curriculum or course of study like in a degree program. I feel supported here and really cherish my time at the studio.

The Art Students League gave me an incredible life. I didnt pick up a pencil until the age of 24 and I was hooked. I then studied art in college, got my degree and I went to the ASL to learn to draw. And that I did. Every instructor Ive studied with at the League gave me the guidance and support I needed to get where I wanted to go. And it is the cheapest studio school in the city of New York. I absolutely recommend it for aspiring artists.

Exceptional opportunity to to take 3 hour long classes with professional models and actual artists for such an affordable price. The other students, instructors, and models are no bullshit; they are very qualified, highly talented and quirky in the best of ways. A true gem for someone who is highly motivated and seeking a professional, unique place to exercise their art. Ive taken art classes throughout the city since elementary school and I can attest that this is by far the best bang for your buck!

ASL is the one of the few places left in the USA where artists of all ages, backgrounds, and artistic styles can come together to do what they have a passion for- making art. No matter if youre a beginner or a seasoned professional- there is a place for you at the League. The atmosphere is genuine, motivating, and democratic, and both traditional and modern methods can be explored. The League provides opportunities for artists to receive grants, work study, and show their work, thus developing confidence in what they produce. The instructors are practicing artists. Its a special place; part of Americas art history.

The Art Students League of NY is a great art school. It is very affordable school and has excellent artist-instructors who teach using the atelier system of painting, drawing and sculpting from the life model in a variety of styles from abstraction to realism. I moved to NYC 38 years ago in part to attend the League. It has played an incredibly important history of American art and continues to be a great place to study and learn the craft, skills, and art of drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking.

I took a workshop with Sherry Camhy, and I loved it! She has the innate ability to speak broadly and specifically to both the class and to the individual. She knows how to pinpoint what is and is not working for the individual artist and bring them further without any pretense. The League itself is easy enough to access and the house staff were all courteous and knowledgeable.

Ive been to many art schools, but there is no place like the League. This is a place for real artists, and the sense of community is unmatched. They have the best teachers and best students. Its changing a lot now, but who knows? I hope it stays incredible as long as Manhattan is afloat

Love the people, the instructors and especially the models. I have greatly enjoyed the flexibility of the League and its affordable prices. I have met and learned from fantastic instructors who are deeply passionate about what they do. My only regret is that most evening classes are starting earlier and that it is very difficult to now take them.

I dont know what Id do without the ASL! I discovered my passion for sculpture and have been helped to grow as an artist here. This place offers a very special community which is welcoming and supportive.

One of the most natural settings to study art with well known artists. ASL is an iconic institution that hosts the footprints of generations of leading artists. Only wish it could expand and take up the more real estate space it deserves.

Ive studied at the League part time for 6 years and I find the instructors to be very professional and extremely helpful. The League is unique in that you can choose the instructor you want to work with and continue to study with him/her as long as it furthers your progress. It is like an atelier system; there are no grades and the only measure of your success is the quality of your artwork.

For over 140 years the League has been an incredible home away from home for artists of all ages from beginners to professionals. The most affordable art school in NYC, it offers atelier style classes taught by well known professional artists 7 days a week , mornings afternoons and evenings, as well as many individual workshops in all fine art media and styles. I have been a member of Sherry Camhys life drawing class for many years and it feels more like being part of a family. My artistic abilities have been nurtured and developed far beyond my wildest expectations. The League is an institution run by artists in support of artists and many of us are lifetime members.

Having Sherry Camhy as a teacher at the Art Students League and as a guide in art is an extraordinary experience - she is informative and inspirational; providing a thorough grounding in the basics and enthusiastic encouragement as the artist in each student, no matter their skill level, emerges and grows. I particularly appreciate how she patiently challenges me and others in her ASL classes to be tenacious in the pursuit of artistic expression as we each wrestle with the nuts-and-bolts of drawing, composition, color, etc. Her vast knowledge of art and the art world also provides a seemingly limitless resource of experience upon which to draw.Douglas Richardson

One of the best traditional art schools in the world. Artist run for over 100 years! The Art Students League has a history of renowned artists who studied and taught there. This is a genuine historical monument of culture in America as an art school and organization of artists.

This is a place where we can see portraits of men and women we rarely noticeHere we can see our selfs , superb aspects from NYCI saw shocking paintings reminding me how much we all learn from the “ originals .”I saw the daring strokes of brushes. In some work I saw how the nano technology inspires the new generation of artists...Its a must to see to believe ...All my respect for the school teachers and instructorsY he

Ive cherished my years studying at the art students league (2003,4,5) and 2012,13,14,15, 16). My work would not be what it is without inspiration from the teachers, fellow students and the place itself). I am transported there physically by the LIRR every Sunday morning, but spiritually while working a the ASL. My only complaint is that my current painting guru does not arrive until halfway into each class, if not later. I am fairly independent by now, but if I needed more direction, that situation would concern me much more. I havent had more than two different teachers in all my years there, so I dont know if it is a common situation...probably not.

The ONLY art school in New York for those of us who 1)work during day and need flexible schedules; 2) want to attend a prestigious, affordable and REAL art school with famous artist teachers; 3) are looking for a place where young and old, rich and poor, local and international people converge for the same goal of making and learning art; 4) can come and go and all you have to do is pay your extremely reasonable dues, on a monthly basis, and even have a locker; 5) sometimes need to mix it up so can change classes, no questions asked at any time and get credit - so take a class, week two you want to switch, your tuition is applied to your new class; 6) love being at an institution with a great history. There are a million other things, but this should be a good start.

Sherry Camhy is the best teacher Ive ever studied with in my life. I am NOT young, and I have many years of teachers in my past.Sherrys understanding and love of art, and of the artists process, is so full of a life time of knowledge, love, and respect, and she conveys what she knows in such a specific and visceral way, and yet she has such depth, patience, and compassion for whoever it is she is teaching. I feel truly blessed to have her as my teacher, and I know many who feel the same.

Egalitarian, affordable, uncomplicated access to atelier style art education. Monthly payment system allows for trying different courses and teacher-artists. I first studied here over 30 years ago and came back the past few years. The diversity of courses and levels has accommodated my interests and abilities at these various stages in my artistic development. A trained painter, I am studying sculpture now and even writing! The later course (Writing and Process taught by Silya Kiese) was a surprise to find at the League, fit my Saturday morning schedule and was about helping artists access and develop personal creative process. This has been hugely beneficial. Definitely an inspirational class for anyone, artist or otherwise, who needs the tools to access their deeper creative selves.

I love everything about the Art Students League. I started taking life drawing classes there after not having taken an art class in 40 years. I found that within a particular class, there is a range of talent among the students but that many are very experienced. I learned a lot just from talking to other students and observing the way they work. I loved that you can sign up for one month at a time to accommodate your personal schedule and try out different classes and teachers. If youre interested in top notch instruction in life drawing, take Sherry Camhys class. She is a superior teacher, really taking time with students who want attention and encouraging of individual growth. Except for breaks, you can hear a pin drop in her class. I love the concentration. A beautiful thing.

For the past two years, Ive been a student in Sherry Camhys Tuesday evening life drawing class at the Art Students League. Its been a great experience, in a setting like a classic studio/atelier. The atmosphere is welcoming, and Sherry works hard to get new students up to speed. I work mainly in pencil, but many students use other media, such as pastel or crayon.During class, most of the time is spent drawing the live model -- sometimes two models are available. During breaks, Sherry discusses general subjects, such as different approaches to working in charcoal, or different types of charcoals, with the whole group. She spends time with each student, probably more time with students who need or ask for it.The Art Students League is very stimulating, a nice mix of full-time students and those, like me, who are older and work, taking class when they can. I really like the history of the place -- taking classes in the same rooms where Pollack, Georgia OKeefe, and many other greats took classes and made art. Give Sherrys class a try -- its a great, affordable introduction to the league.

Have had gifted and giving instructors over the many years I have attended the League -- proud to be a Life Member. Happy to have online registration. To my dismay many classes where closed this Fall due to priority registration -- two I wanted to take.

My experience with the Art Students League of New York began with Sherry Camhy. Sherry was a drawing teacher of mine at The School Of Visual Arts. She became a mentor of mine when I graduated and introduced me to the League where I have done some teaching and workshops. Sherry has built an amazing community of students around her classes. Even when she has rooms full of students she manages to work with and help everyone as the best teachers do. She recognizes each students strengths and works with them to develop their skill set. There is something truly unique about a Sherry Camhy class. To me, she is the Art Students League. Its nice to know that institutions like the ASL afford people of all backgrounds and ages to take classes with teachers like Sherry.

I recently had the honor of taking a class with Sherry Camhy at the Art Students League. What impressed me most about her class was the degree of sensitivity and caring Sherry exhibited towards each and every student. Her mastery of art is beyond words. Her ability to individualize her teaching and help her students lifted her class to another realm.I am grateful.Paul Perlow

I have been taking summer classes with Sherry Camhy for 5 years, and I intend to take more in the future. It is a joy to listen to her lectures in class, you learn so much from her. She is a very patient teacher, extremely knowledgeable especially in the anatomy of the human body. She is one of the best professors at the league. I highly recommend her for any student, a beginner or advanced.Charlie Elchoueri

A great institution that has been very generous to me over the years, including scholarships, grants and residencies. It is a low cost opportunity to work with some very fine artists and teachers such as Leonid Lerman. The residency program is wonderful and the upstate campus, Vytlacil offers a rare possibility to study forging for sculpture with a very knowledgeable teacher, James Garvey and a great group.

I love the art students league, if you are looking to learn how to paint or draw, or sculpt, this is a fabulous place, and if you want to use your classes to practice or do not have your own studio this is also a fabulous place to come. You are with other artists sharing similar goals and aspirations,the price is affordable, the teachers talented and the atmosphere motivating .

Very bad. You should be careful your money. They have took my money and then cancelled the class. I need to figure out whats 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.

If your new to the city or are from the city . The Arts Students League Store is a great one stop shopping store for your art needs . Easy to get to , knowledgeable staff in a good spirited art environment , that is in fact, legendary in the art world !

I always wanted to study art but my parents thought typing would make a better living so my dream deferred until I had just turned 65 and walked by the Art Students League on my way to work. I saw people of all ages walking in and out - kindred spirits. The school kept calling to me so I went in and got a catalog and took it home. That night I read from cover to cover wonderful descriptions of the various classes and instructors and finally settled on Sherry Camhys class. Transformational absolutely. I sat down to draw on my first day in front of an actual human being and almost bolted two or three times. I thought who am I to try this, I looked around and there were people of all levels. Sherry was going to each one encouraging, pointing things out allowing everyone their own style of expression. I was sitting next to a wonderful water color artist of generous spirit and began to feel more hopeful. She told me - you have it in you just keep going. Sherry Camhy opened the world to me of the serious study of drawing to painting, materials and techniques - guiding me to accomplishment what I never thought possible. So it is that the Art Students League nurtures you, brings out your own individual expression, other students nurture you as well and Ive never seen the world the same way again. I look for values and shapes on the peoples faces on the subway, I belong to a community of artists both centuries old and immediate. After a year or so I added more classes and began to study with Nicki Orbachs as well where I continue to grow under her excellence and ability to broaden our minds see more see deeper.

Ive been studying at the League for about 15 years: initially at night with Dale Meyers (watercolor techniques) while I was still working, and then during the day with Susan Shatter (watercolor), Frank OCain (abstract painting) and Fran ONeil (painting). Painting at night while working helped keep me sane. Coping with color, shape and mass on a 2D surface while portraying a 3D reality and internalizing technique until it became second nature really put my daily problems in perspective. Taking a summer abstract watercolor class unexpectedly captivated me and made representational painting uninteresting. Exploring acrylic now (because there were certain things I couldnt envision doing with watercolor) has opened up completely new vistas and challenges. My life continues to fascinate me ... a lot of it simply due to the League. I dont want to think about where Id be today without art and the League. Ive learned a lot from the instructors and the other students. The Leagues atelier method (learn by doing with an experienced instructors and other students input) encourages experimentation and growth. Its my life.

Sherry Camhys workshop, From Black and White to Color, was transformative. I only wished it could have continued indefinitely and will definitely sign up again! On both an instructive and individual level it was invaluable.

Absolutely one of the best art schools in the city. Talented and engaging teachers will help you to learn and master art.

It is an environment where the instructors help us develop our own art identity. True art reveals the artists own truth.

This is to Sam Strong, whomever he may be, who wrote a critical one star review of the League. Not only is he mean-spirited and nasty, but also ill informed and ignorant. The League is a “not for profit” entity. As such, it has no ‘owners’ – there is no one who “ultimately own(s) it” to be “putting they’re (sic) dirty little fingers into a cookie jar with millions and millions of dollars.” The members do exist and the courts have reviewed and approved the voting process. He knows nothing of the ‘talent pool’ and their recognition in the art world. The only truth in his review is that some courses may cost more than others; there are plenty to choose from.Sounds like the mewling of a bitter loser.P.S. I am not affiliated with League management.

The Art Students League for me was a great experience. I studied with Robert Beverly Hale and Gustav Rehberger in the 70s. I was immersed in art six days a week at the League and the seventh day was spent at the Met, the Frick, the Guggenheim, the Modern, etc. Think art is in your future? The League is the place to go.

Great Place. Love the art. A wonderful source for fine art, and education.

Great place for students and they also sell supplies, especially good now tht Lees is gone.

I have been studying at the Art Students League for the last 14 plus years, and have loved every minute of it. The League is an inspiring place - both the student body, and the incredible teaching staff. I am currently studying with Bruce Dorfman and Deborah Winiarski, mixed media instructors. They give superb guidance to each and every student. My earlier nine years were with the wonderful Barney Hodes, learning about the human form. I could go on and on, but I should leave room for someone else to comment.

I cant recommend this place highly enough: Most recently, I took Sherry Camhys Saturday drawing class, her confidence in my abilities to strive for higher goals in drawing, the sharpness and gentleness with her critiques were inspiring. Its hard for most teachers to see a students individual style, Sherry has the sensitivity to see each student as an individual artist, and help them develop themselves, and not make copies of her style. I always afraid to try silverpoint, but she made it seem so easy.I also took the Sunday Échroche class to better understand human anatomy - an amazing experience! We built plasticine models of the human figure, starting with the bones in proportion with simplified 3D planes, and then add muscles from the deeper layers outwards. Recommend both classes to everyone!

The Arts Student League provides a myriad of opportunities for artists to explore their craft. I especially enjoyed Sherry Camhys plein air class she gave in Mexico which was my first exposure to painting outdoors. Now Im hooked. Keep the classes coming!

The art student league is a very special placeto be creative they have the best artist on staff to guide you with your craftI can not picture my life with out the league

The many years that I have worked at the League speak for themselves - it truly holds a special place in my heart. I have taken classes with several instructors and have learned from all of them. I love this place, my mentor of many years Knox Martin, and my friends. I couldnt imagine my life without it, and there is no place I would rather spend my days. I am very proud of the Grant I received this spring. I dont believe I would have reached this level of accomplishment without all these years at the League, in particular through the encouragement of my mentor and the strong support and professionalism of my fellow artists.The one area that I feel the League could do better is to ensure there is more diversification among instructors, for example I often feel there is too much representation by realistic instructors, and not enough by avant garde or modern instructors.

Love that place. Great studio space. Very helpful instructors.

Wonderful setting for learning to paint. Encouraging teachers and students, reasonably priced classes, and great facilities.

A magical place. By aftists for artists, a Microcosm of the entire world where spirit meets matter. A nitche of wonder if and humanity in an archeticturally classic sensetive crevice of the calloused city of new York. There are instructors that are wizards in their field , and there are instructors that are wonderful at instructing . There are no bad instructors, but each one instructs at the level they r meant 4 . like everywhere, if your not careful and dont know what u want or what ur after you might lose time and resources , and this will be your fault , and youd be taking the spot of someone who would more appropriately belong in that specific class. If your a beginner, take the core programs which offer a certificate. This is truly an oasis in a spiritually deprived and materialistic city. 10/10 would and did reccomend.Much love and good spirits to anyone who choses asl as a nourishing academy for their artistic journey. If your careful, you will achieve incredible results. Without integral care, take the core programs 2 develop those faculties which are invaluable 4 the rest of your and anyones life.

For me the best art school in the world, supplemented by dozens of world class museums, galleries, bookstores, art supply houses. what more do you need?

Fantastic place to take classes- still somewhat affordable too.

I have taken a series of classes with the very special artist Sherry Camhy who teaches at Art Students League and has a great following--and for good reason. The class is called painterly approaches to drawing but that encompasses lots. It is a life drawing class including both a nude model and a clothed model-different options for your brain and artistic interests. The medium is basically of your choosing-graphite, watercolor, oil, pastel, silverpoint, charcoal, acrylic, you name it! But what makes Sherry Camhy unique and special to me as a student is her vast knowledge of all media and her willingness to work with you at your level on exactly what you want to work on. She does not have a script which I found very helpful. If you choose to work on the model, you get her instruction with that; if you choose to work on a graphite landscape as I did once, she helped me with that. Her openness and approach to art is endless and that makes for great art making.In addition, she often gives short lectures on various topics -- color theory, anatomy, current exhibits in galleries and museums, etc. There are students of all levels....from beginner to accomplished artists that take her classes. Being in that atmosphere allows me to see the work of others and show me what is possible. But the real person who showed me and still does show me what is possible in art as a teacher is Sherry Camhy. I highly recommend her class. To whatever level student you are. You will walk away wanting more.

I have been taking classes at the Art Students League since 1997, where I first learned to draw. Sherry Camhy was one of my first drawing instructors. For almost 20 years I have studied here with many gifted instructors and have been able to progress through many types of medium. Central to my success in these other mediums has been my ability to continually improve my drawing skills by periodically taking drawing classes with league instructor Sherry Camhy. This latest summer drawing class with her has been absolutely outstanding. Sherry continues to amaze me with new and innovative methods of teaching anatomy while incorporating drills and practical ways of improving ones drawing skills. In her lectures she clearly and patiently points out examples of the Masters and other modern day Artist’s techniques. Sherry teaches you how to put it down accurately on the drawing paper. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist much can be learned from her classes .

Twenty years...that is how long I have been going to the Art Students League in NYC. I started after I retired from teaching. There is no other place like it anywhere....whatever you want to study...that is what you can study! You can be with an instructor and learn his or her style, or be with someone who lets you grow and develop within your own style. I chose to do that. I have studied with Robert Cenedella for 19 years. This man has nurtured me and encouraged me, but he has truly guided me to a level of panting I didn t know I could reach.....Patience and a willingness to let all of us work through to a place of confidence and comfort. And then there was Peter Homitsky (now retired) who guided me into using new colors and pushed me to not be timid in what I painted. Lastly, there is Costa Vavagiakis who helped me polish my drawing skills. He demanded discipline, not adherence to one style. I thought I could draw well, and now I know I do. The ASL is my second home...I walk through the building and I know so many other artists...maybe not all their names, but their faces and their work. It isnt a fancy building...it bustles with people morning, noon, night, and weekends. But it is a comfortable place, and an excellent place to hone skills or learn new ones. I cant think of a better way to describe the ASL.....so be it!

The League is unique. Thats a word that gets bandied about carelessly these days, and so looses its meaning, but in this case Unique couldnt be more accurate. Ive never studied at a place that even remotely comes close to the quality of instruction. There are world class teachers there, every day of the week, that one can study with just by showing up. I think a lot of people take this for granted that you could have instructors the likes of Gregg Kreutz, Dan Thompson, Jon DiMartin, Costa Vavagiakis, all under one roof. And its easy too, as the league has almost an embarrassment of riches. Plus, theres no better value for instruction ANYWHERE on the planet. It is almost criminal how inexpensive the league is for such high quality instruction. Truly the only instance I can think of in life where you DONT get what you pay for. You get SO much more. Then theres the history. Just being in the building, the same class rooms and perhaps using the same supplies that Rockwell, Pollack, Benton, OKeefe, used is palpably exciting. At the risk of seeming too much a fan boy, I get chills sometimes knowing who came before me at this venerable place. I have been taking classes on an off since 2009, and I hope I will continue to do so until they pry my pencil from my cold, dead hands. I LOVE this place.

My great, great grandfather – who immigrated to the United States from Germany -- was a painter and took classes at the Art Students League of New York. I think that makes ASL all the more special because it has been a home to artists for generations. The fact that ASL was a home away from home for my great, great grandfather and now for me is pretty cool! I have had the great fortune of having Sherry Camhy as my teacher. She has also been an incredible mentor. And she is an amazing artist! I have learned so much from Sherry and she is always giving suggestions on exhibitions/museums/galleries/libraries to visit, books to read, workshops to take (I took a phenomenal weekend workshop with Jason Bard Yarmosky at ASL at the suggestion of Sherry!) as well as opportunities for showing art work. Sherry’s classes are filled with a friendly and enthusiastic community of students/artists. This was really important for me as I was quite young going into the class (initially 11 going on 12) and was the youngest student in the class by quite a few years. But everybody was still open to me being there, despite my young age, and made me feel like I belonged and was a part of the community. Feeling like I belonged was pretty inspiring for me too. And I might also add that what is really notable about Sherry is that she is inclusive of everyone’s different styles and helps each and every student develop and build upon their own unique style. I REALLY look forward to taking more classes with Sherry in the future as well as taking the classes and workshops of other teachers at ASL too. There is SO much going on at the ASL! I don’t think there is another place like this anywhere. There is a mystique about the place the moment you walk through those doors.

I studied drawing at the Art Students League with a very inspiring, sensitive and knowledgable instructor, Sherry Camhy. She helped me to discover my unique form of artistic expression. Her classroom was a nurturing and secure creative environment where I was not afraid to make mistakes, there was no such thing as a mistake. She guided me through her insightful suggestions to develp a new style very much my own. I was not encouraged to copy the instructors style, but rather explore and develp my own voice.

Great experience as a student with little talent. Teachers are encouraging and patient.

Joseph FiorettiWhen I decided to enroll at ASL, a friend suggested two teachers, I decided to try both. Three years later, I’m still studying with them.As time passes, you realize that you’ve become something larger than class. You are part of a school that spans more than a century, that many, many great artists have passed through.You could be working in the same studio that Jackson Pollack, Raphael Sawyer or Georgia O’Keefe once stood.As time passed Sherry Chamy and Wendy Shalen guided me from pencil to charcoal, to oil, watercolor, pastel, and silverpoint. Always introducing me to something new. Gently pushing, explaining, and nurturing me to improve, to grow.Sherry Chamy and Wendy Shalen are not only brilliant artists/teachers but incredible human beings.I thank them for all they have done for my progress and growth as an artist.

I learned about the Art Students League decades ago, as it’s name shows up in biographies of many famous artists. Last summer I had an opportunity to spend 2 months in NYC for the first time. My first destination was the ASL. Im a professional civil engineer with a lifelong interest in drawing and watercolor. I was lucky to stumble into Sherry Camhy’s class. Sherry introduced the class to a number of great artists past & present, reminded about exhibitions we must not miss, encouraged us to try drawing with different media and introduce color. She also took time to get to know every student and gave individual instruction. Occasionally Sherry gave us challenging homework assignments. She gave her email address to the entire class and encouraged students to write her with questions. Sherry encouraged me to take my hobby seriously. We kept in touch, and I returned to NYC five months later to take her evening class for 4 months. Weekly class exhibitions provided the students with opportunity to show their work to public and to see what other students are producing.I also took an evening class with Gregg Kreutz, then a fulltime class with Costa Vavagiakis. This summer I continued with Sherry and Nicki Orbach. Every one of my instructors was an outstanding teacher, and I benefited greatly from being exposed to the variety of styles and teaching methods. I’m back in Nevada now, dreaming about the next opportunity to take classes at the ASL.Anyone who wants to study art on a flexible schedule, on a limited budget and without time-consuming and costly entrance thresholds, should choose the Art Students League.

I have been going to The league now for a year, one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Ive learned from so many amazing teachers at the League!! their very flexible schedule and affordable classes made it possible for me to re-enter the art world and continue my art education after college. ive also been able to take advantage of other great opportunities that i never would have dreamed of -- including fully-funded scholarships to study art in France and at their residency program in beautiful upstate NY... as well as representation in a number of shows including nycs Affordable Art Fair. big thanks to the League for helping me grow as an artist, and most importantly, helping me bring art back into my life.

The League takes the aspiring artist to the edge of his potential and challenges him to fly, encouraging him to be bold if he thinks he cant, pushing him, if he really dreams of flying,convincing him that boldness has power and genius and magic in it until somehow, someday,transcending his limitation at the edge, the artist leaps off and flies.Thanks ASLNYC.

James Lancel McElhinney is the worst instructor. He is rude and condescending. He did not offer constructive criticism. Im not giving up on the league, but intend to try a class with Nicki Orbach, who I hope will be better.

A very unique art school with talented teachers and students

Excellent teachers to master the technic you like.

A wonderful institution -- a true gift!

Great place to discover art.

Apple

The best!

Really great instructors and building.

My favorite art place, resource, school in NYC