Enjoy Summer Marathons in Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture at New York Studio School

“You should do it,” said a friend, and on that speculative basis I showed up on West 8th Street, sculpting apron in hand, butterflies in stomach. I’d made a small sitting man before, but this was my first try at a life-size figure. […]By lunch break, sitting on a bench in Washington Square Park among chess players and musicians, I was already feeling like a secret sculptor.
—Giles Goodhead, Summer 2024 NYSS Sculpture Marathon with Brandt Junceau 

The New York Studio School’s Marathon program engages students in a rigorous two-week intensive where they are exposed to a multitude of approaches in drawing, painting, or sculpture. Every day, from 9am to 6pm, students work continuously on their craft, often ending each day in critiques. Marathons are offered by both regular faculty and distinguished visiting artists who are present for the entire two-week session. 

The Marathon pushes students to unlock new and exciting ways of creating. Each individual must confront the problems of drawing, painting, and sculpture with vigor and intensity. The program demands concentration and stamina; participants are fully engaged in all physical aspects of making art. Students are further intellectually challenged and stimulated by extensive group discussion and individual critiques. The New York Studio School welcomes students and artists of all experience levels to apply. 

“The Marathon was unlike any experience I’ve had and not something I will soon forget. It was important for my progress and validation as an artist. I leveled up […]and I’m ready to tackle subjects that I was reluctant to in the past. It was well worth my time and the exhaustive commute. I had to take 2 weeks of vacation from my job to attend and I would again in a heartbeat.”
—Kareem Johnson, NYSS 2024 Summer Marathon

Want to learn more? 

Schedule a tour with the Admissions Officer, Daniel De Boulay, at ddeboulay@nyss.org. 

Explore our full-time MFA and Certificate programs as well as our Evening & Weekend Classes. Lectures and exhibitions are always free and open to the public.

For more information on this year’s Marathons, visit nyss.org.