International School of Art & Design NYC | I-20 certified school NYC | SEVP certified schools in USA

    I was interested in art but wasn't sure where to
start as an international student. VAE classes were
the perfect way to start my art journey!

    Gabriel, Visual Arts Foundation Program alum

    Visual Art Foundation Program

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    Certificate Of Completion: Portfolio Preparation.
    Our 1-year and 3-year certificate programs issue an 1-20 for students enrolled in full time study.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC

    Why Choose New York Art Studio?

    Our 1-year and 3-year certificate programs issue an 1-20 for students enrolled in full time study.

    In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete a full time study of either:

    • 1 year certificate program or
    • 3 year certificate honor program

    Our Visual Arts Foundation Program track is open to all non-immigrant students, regardless of skill level. The track is most ideal for those who are not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but wish to explore introductory-level subjects in art and design.

    In our Visual Arts Foundation Program classes, students gain exposure to different art mediums and techniques. These introductory classes provide a solid foundation that students can further develop into their own projects.

    Led by qualified instructors who are active artists from top art and design programs across the nation, this program is designed to nurture and stimulate students' artistic interests.

    No Prior Art Experience Needed

    We accept students year-round based on our International Student Portfolio Preparation School Calendar. Have questions about the track option?

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    Personalized & Targeted Guidelines

    We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and talent, empowering them to reach their artistic aspirations. Build a strong foundation in art and creative thinking, and develop a standout portfolio for the admissions process.

    Flexible Scheduling

    Flexible
    Scheduling

    Our course options are structured by the number of sessions, allowing students to schedule classes according to their availability.

    Experienced Instructors

    Experienced
    Team

    Our instructors are seasoned artists and designers with years of knowledge and experience in portfolio development and preparation, who offer pinpoint guidelines catered to your interest and intended schools.

    Program Tracks

    Classes/Subjects Offered

    Intro To Mixed Media

    This course explores the creative possibilities of combining traditional art materials such as watercolor, graphite, ink, and collage. Students will learn to experiment with various mediums and techniques, focusing on how to integrate them into cohesive compositions. Emphasis is placed on creative exploration, layering, and personal expression.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_3

    Intro To Design

    This course introduces the core principles of visual design, with a focus on color theory, composition, and the elements and principles of design. Students will explore how to create balanced, visually engaging work through hands-on exercises and foundational design thinking.

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    Intro To Drawing

    Students will understand fundamental concepts in visual arts and drawing, such as shadow, tone, color, space, and value, through a variety of observational and imaginative projects.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_5

    Intro To Watercolor

    Students will explore basic watercolor techniques and materials, learning how to manipulate water and paint to create various visual effects, including transparency and washes.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_4

    Intro To Illustration

    This course introduces the fundamentals of illustration, focusing on visual storytelling, drawing techniques, and composition. Students will explore various styles and mediums while learning how to develop concepts, create characters, and communicate ideas through imagery. Emphasis is placed on both creativity and technical skill.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_7

    Intro To Painting

    Students will understand the basic techniques, materials, and expressive methods used in painting, as students explore how to convey ideas and observations through both observational and imaginative projects.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_8

    Schedule & Tuition

    Select 5 sessions per week from the options provided below

    Session A (Eastern Time) Session B (Eastern Time)
    Monday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM04:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Friday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    1-year program:

    • Quarter System: 12 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter

    3-year honor program:

    • Quarter System: 11 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Schedule: 5 classes per week
    • Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
    • After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
    • Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
    • You can customize your class schedule based on your availability.

    * There is a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $150 for any International Students program.

    Quarter Option Tuition
    1 Quarter$1,925
    2 Quarters$3,750
    3 Quarters$5,575
    4 Quarters (plus 1-Quarter Vacation)
    * Students receive 13 weeks of vacation with this registration option
    $8,660
    • Register quarterly
    • One week vacation after each quarter of 12 weeks
    • Receive $100 off each additional quarter when you register for more than one quarter at a time.

    *There is a one-time,non-refundable registration fee of $75 to register for Private Lessons.

    Package Type College Prep Level or Under
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890

    *There is a one-time,non-refundable registration fee of $75 to register for Private Lessons.

    Student Work

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    Teen-Art-Drawing-1

    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

    Adult-Art-3-1
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    Adult-Art-1-1

    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

    art-img6 (1)
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    art-img8
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    art-img1

    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

    art-img3

    Where Personalized Guidance Meets Proven Result

    At NY Art Studio, every student receives 1:1, major-specific instruction designed to reveal their authentic artistic voice"

    Frequently Asked
    Questions (FAQs)

    Who is this program designed for?

    The Visual Arts Foundation Program is tailored for international students seeking to explore foundational art and design concepts. It’s ideal for those not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but who wish to gain exposure to various art mediums and techniques.

    What will I learn in this program?

    Students will engage in introductory classes that provide a solid foundation in different art mediums and techniques. These classes are designed to help students develop their skills and can serve as a stepping stone for further artistic endeavors.