• Courses are free and students are able to take a single course for the year or they have the option of switching classes between the Fall and Spring term.
• Courses are also taught in Cooper Union's art studios, which consist of large, well-lit spaces where students have room to experiment and explore materials.
• Free MetroCards are provided to assist students with travel to and from classes.
• Instructors are made up of currently enrolled undergraduate students and visiting professional artists, focusing on skill development and technique refinement.
• Weekly writing workshops are integrated into the curriculum to bridge visual and written thinking.
• Field trips to visit New York City museums, galleries, and artist studios.
• Art career exploration opportunities are offered through our Creative Careers presentations, visits to artist studios and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
• The annual Art Crawl is an open studio event held at the end of the Fall semester, offering students an opportunity to share in-progress or completed art projects with their peers. It's a celebration of the creative process.
• Year End Show is the culmination of the program year, where we showcase students' work through an exhibition and poetry reading for friends and family. 

ARCHITECTURE

This course serves as an introduction to architecture, focusing on its fundamental aspects. Architecture is both a science and an art, encompassing the design and construction of buildings. It involves the creative process of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing structures. Architecture is distinguished from the skills associated with construction, emphasizing the artistic and technical aspects of designing and building. Throughout this course, we will explore the essence of architecture and its significance in shaping our built environment.

DRAWING

The drawing course delves into the core principles of drawing for individuals interested in learning or enhancing their understanding of this fundamental art form. We will focus on key concepts such as shape, shading, and color. Throughout the course, you will acquire various drawing skills, from contour lines to understanding perspective and size relationships, shading techniques, and color theory. Whether sketching a chair, depicting the corner of a room, rendering a portrait, or capturing the delicate details of a flower, the elements and principles of drawing remain consistent. Join us as we explore the foundational aspects of drawing and unlock your artistic potential.

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

PAINTING  

This course is designed to explore the fundamental principles of painting for individuals interested in learning or deepening their understanding of this art form. Throughout the course, participants will discover various techniques, including using color contrast to establish focal points, employing patterns to guide the viewer's eye, creating rhythm to lead across the canvas, achieving balance through mass, and using line to initiate visual journeys anew. Painting entails applying paint or another medium to a solid surface, typically a canvas. While paintbrushes are commonly used, artists may also utilize alternative tools such as sponges, spray paint, or knives.

SCULPTURE  

Our introduction to sculpture offers an initiation into representing the three-dimensional world through sculpture. The course includes various materials and techniques, from clay and plaster to mold making and upcycling. Students are guided in integrating visual elements like proportion, anatomy, gesture, and volume to craft three-dimensional images, which are fundamental in art and design. This class serves as a foundational exploration of sculptural concepts and issues pertaining to three-dimensional form. Instruction includes traditional modeling techniques utilizing materials such as plaster and woodcarving. 

High school juniors and seniors may take a specialized Portfolio Preparation course and produce a competitive portfolio for the college admission process to art, design and architecture schools. Our Portfolio Prep program is designed to help students refine and showcase their artistic talents in preparation for college applications. Through a series of hands-on assignments and personalized coaching sessions, students will develop a comprehensive portfolio that highlights their skills, creativity, and artistic vision. The program covers various aspects of portfolio development, including selecting and organizing artwork, creating artist statements and preparing for portfolio reviews. With guidance from experienced instructors and access to professional resources, students will gain the confidence and expertise needed to present a strong portfolio that reflects their unique artistic identity and increases their chances of admission to top art schools and programs. This intensive studio course includes individual advisement and studio visits with professional artists. Applicants to Portfolio Prep must submit artwork for review before gaining admission.