Classes & Workshops

Fine Art Education for All Since 1875

a collage of photos of a person in a room with art
a person painting a picture

Studying at the League

At the League, students follow their own path within our diverse community, developing the skills and techniques needed to become a practicing artist. Classes are offered in-studio, online, and in short-term intensive workshops, all taught by the League’s roster of renowned artist instructors.  

Explore our Guide to Studying at the League for more information about classes, curriculum, and how to find your path within our unique atelier system. 

See our guide

Class Types

a person holding a book

Studio Classes

Monthly studio classes are offered in a variety of mediums—from painting and drawing to sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, and more—in our historic studios on 57th Street.

a woman writing on a piece of paper in front of a group of skulls

Workshops

League workshops are designed to allow students to devote a week—or even just a weekend—to practicing a new medium, technique, or approach in an intense but short-term course of study.

a person holding a glass of wine

E-telier

Based on the same atelier-style system that is the foundation of our legendary studio classes, e-telier is the League’s platform for online learning. It allows students anywhere in the world to take League classes and study with renowned instructors.

League Instructors

Classes and workshops at the League are taught by dedicated professional artists. Since the school’s founding, mentorship has long been the most important element of our approach to fine art education. At the League, students develop lasting relationships with their instructors based on a traditional atelier system. As a result, the techniques and traditions taught at the League are passed down from generation to generation, creating a lineage of important wisdom from artists who have made indelible impressions on the history of American art.

learn more
a man in a white shirta group of people sitting outsidea person painting a picturea man holding a tablet

Student Salons

The League’s annual Student Salons offer opportunities for students to exhibit their work—and for the public to view the work created in our studios. These exhibitions—both in the gallery and online—are on view from February through June each year.

a person standing in front of a wall of posters

Student Salons

From February to June, weekly exhibitions in the League's Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery showcase student work in every discipline taught at the League—from painting and drawing to printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and more.

a boy looking at a picture

E-telier Salons

Virtual e-telier Student Salons highlight work created by students in the League’s e-telier classes and include work in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. New exhibitions are available every month from February to June.

Programs for Students

a man wearing a blue coat and goggles looking through a microscope

Certificate Program

For students pursuing a more formalized educational experience, the League’s Certificate Program is a prescribed, instenive, two- or four-year course of study that is tailored to help students meet their professional artistic goals. Students who successfully complete the program receive an official Certificate of Completion from the League, an industry-recognized certification that represents the student’s expertise in traditional fine art technique.

a group of people in a room

Scholarships & Grants

The League is committed to keeping tuition affordable for anyone interested in pursuing a fine art education. All students benefit from the League’s subsidized, affordable monthly tuition, which represents, on average, only half of the actual cost of classes. The League also offers merit scholarships and grants, as well as various other opportunities for tuition relief, including work study and need-based director’s scholarships.

a person painting a picturea man standing next to a statuea group of people working in a factorya person painting a mural

Student Opportunities

Find new opportunities for League artists in New York City and beyond, from grants and scholarships to calls for contests and juried exhibitions.

View opportunities

League Policies

The League is dedicated to making fine art education accessible to all. There are no entrance requirements or examinations to study at the League and no previous art experience is required. Registration is open on a rolling basis, and students can register for classes and begin studying with us at any time.

learn more
a person painting in a room

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register for a class?

You can start any time. Classes run on a monthly schedule, and students pay tuition by the month. If you choose to start a class in the middle of the month, your tuition fee for that month will be prorated.

Can I put a credit card on file to automatically renew registration for my class each month?

At this time, the League is not able to store your credit card information long-term. Current students are given priority during registration for classes they have already enrolled in. There is a special renewal period for enrolled students in each class that typically begins on the 17th of each month. To renew your registration, sign in to your online account, scroll down to "Prior Registrations," and use the re-enroll button to register.

What classes can beginners take?

Most classes at The League are designed for both beginners and experienced artists alike, and in most classes, you’ll find students at a variety of skill and experience levels working in the same space. If you’re looking for a class that will provide more structured instruction for beginners, contact the clerks by calling 212-247-4510 (ext. 6) or visit the Registration Office at 215 W. 57th Street.

Can I take classes online?

The League offers several online classes,through e-telier that are based on the same atelier-style practices offered in our studio classes. e-telier online classes are open to students anywhere in the world typically include both synchronous and asynchronous activities, including live lectures and demonstrations conducted via Zoom. These classes are online only, there are currently no hybrid classes available at the League.

How do I choose a class?

Start by browsing the course catalogs (find studio classes here, e-telier classes here, and workshops here) for an overview of our offerings. If you’re not sure which one is the right fit for you, give our clerks a call at 212-247-4510 (ext. 6) or visit the Registration Office at 215 W. 57th Street. Our clerks are incredibly knowledgeable about classes and instructors, and will help find the right classes to accommodate your goals and experience.

What supplies do I need for my class? Where can I buy them?

Supply lists for each class can be found on the class’s catalog page. The League’s Art Supply Store, located on the first floor at 215 W. 57th Street, will have most of the supplies required for your class available for purchase, and our knowledgeable store staff can help you find what you need.

Do you offer financial assistance?

The League offers various other opportunities for tuition relief, including merit scholarships and grants, work study, and need-based director’s scholarships. See our Scholarships and Grants page for more information.

What does it mean to be a full time student vs. a part time student?

Many classes can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students who are enrolled in a class full time have access to their studio for several hours a day, five days a week. In these classes the instructor is typically only present two to three days a week. Students who are enrolled in a class only part time will attend class twice a week, with the instructor present at least once. On days when the instructor isn’t present students are expected to continue their practice with use of the studio. Class monitors are present at all times and can attend to any administrative needs.