Summer Marathons

“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 in the heart of New York City 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, especially those wanting to expand or diversity their practice or those looking to build an application ready portfolio.

“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 two weeks of vacation from my job to attend and I would again in a heartbeat.” —Kareem Johnson, NYSS 2024 Summer Marathon

Advance your art practice to the next level this summer at the New York Studio School.

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.

Applications are processed on a rolling basis and generous partial scholarships are available. Apply today to secure your spot!

Session I: June 2–13
Drawing Marathon—in person: Portraiture & Presence with Linda Darling / Drawing Marathon—virtual: Abstraction & Color with Fran O’Neill / Sculpture Marathon—in person: Life-size Figure with Brandt Junceau / Painting Marathon—in person: Painting the Landscape with Rachel Rickert.

Session II: June 23–July 3
Painting Marathon—in person: Of Cycles & Symbols,Pompeii as Pathway with Sam Levy & Guest Kaitlin McDonough / Painting Marathon—virtual: Why Paint the Figure with Elisa Jensen / Sculpture Marathon—in person: Subject Matter with Sam Nichols.

Session III: July 7–8
Drawing Marathon—virtual: The Edge, Between Classicism & Our Frantic Age with Charity Baker / Sculpture Marathon—in person: Iterations of Form with Elizabeth Allison.

Returning students: If you have completed a Marathon or full time program within the last five years, you are not required to submit a full application. Please use the Returning Student Form.

Questions? Please email info [​at​] nyss.org

Explore our full-time MFA and Certificate programs as well as our evening & weekend classes. Lectures & exhibitions are always free and open to the public. MFA program / Certificate program / Marathons / Lectures.