New York Studio School Summer Session Marathons explore drawing, painting and sculpture as direct methodologies for understanding one’s experience in the world. Participants experience a wide range of activating, first-hand strategies for making art, in tandem with the intellectual rigor of extensive group and individual critiques.

Summer Marathons (Summer Session) are held each year during the months of June and July in three intensive two-week long sessions. Classes are limited in size to ensure meaningful faculty interaction and in-depth dialogue amongst participants. The innovation and rigor inherent in these 10-day programs expand participants’ engagement with their materials of choice and lead to ways of creating which continue far beyond each program’s conclusion. Open to artists of all levels, courses are taught daily in-person or virtually in real-time from 9am – 6pm ET, excluding weekends.

Virtual Marathons

Virtual Marathons are an incredible opportunity for artists from around the world to experience the high caliber NYSS Marathons from their respective homes and studios. Taught in real-time through a combination of Zoom and Padlet, these courses bring the experiential learning, profound insights, and deep connections of in-person NYSS Marathons to participants via virtual means. Artists of all levels are welcome to join. Classes are limited in size to ensure maximum faculty interaction and one-on-one feedback throughout the duration of each Marathon.

Join us this summer on 8th Street or virtually from anywhere in the world to elevate your practice and connect with a community of dedicated artists.

Marathon Tuition

Two-Week In-Person Marathon – $2,250
Two-Week Virtual Marathon – $1,900
Two-Week Painting in Old Westbury Gardens Marathon – $2,750*

*Cost includes private transportation to and from Westbury Gardens

Summer 2026 Marathons

Session I: June 1–12
Drawing Marathon – VIRTUAL: Abstraction and Color with Fran O’Neill
Painting Marathon – IN PERSON: Painting in Old Westbury Gardens with Sam Levy

Session II: June 22–July 3
Painting Marathon – VIRTUAL: Why Paint The Figure with Elisa Jensen
Drawing/Painting Marathon – IN-PERSON: Drawing and Painting Monuments on Location in NYC with Clintel Steed

Session III: July 13–24
Drawing Marathon – VIRTUAL: Drawing is a Place with Rosie Lopeman
Painting Marathon – IN-PERSON: Color and Light in the Big City with Ilse Murdock

Please email info@nyss.org with questions or to schedule a one-on-one conversation about which Marathon will be best for you.

All levels are welcome. 

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