Spend three unforgettable weeks this summer immersed in creativity at Sarah Lawrence College, one of the nation’s most respected liberal arts institutions known for its innovation in the arts.
July 20 - August 7, 2026
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sarah Lawrence College campus
From Drawing to Painting to Experimentation is an intensive summer college art program for high school students that invites you to explore your artistic potential on a college campus, surrounded by peers who share your passion for visual expression. You'll engage in a college-level curriculum led by active artist–faculty, painting, drawing, designing, and experimenting in modern studio spaces, developing your artistic voice, and preparing work that can accompany college applications.
Through critiques, workshops, collaborative projects, and mentorship, you'll sharpen your technical skills, conceptual thinking, and visual confidence in a setting designed for ambitious creators. And upon successful completion, you'll walk away with three college credits!
Whether you’re preparing for college applications or simply eager to grow as an artist, this program provides the structure, challenge, and inspiration you need to take your work — and your confidence — to the next level.
Students in the From Drawing to Painting to Experimentation precollege visual arts program will:
- Earn three (3) transferable college credits
- Gain hands-on experience that is impossible to get in high school
- Prepare for college by experiencing a rigorous college-level course in an exciting artistic environment
- Create portfolio-ready work
- Meet like-minded students and be part of an artistic community that will support the development of stronger work
- Receive personalized feedback (maximum 13 students per instructor)
- Develop critical thinking skills as they critique their work and develop their creative voice as an artist or designer
- Present their work in an exhibition on the last day of class, which friends and family can visit
It is important to note that this is not an art camp. It is a three-week, daily studio class where the bar is set high and where everyone is expected to have a serious commitment to art making both in and after class (for homework). This rigorous environment makes it exciting for everyone participating to learn together.
Is From Drawing to Painting to Experimentation Right for Me?
It is if you...
- Will be a junior or senior in high school in fall 2026
- Are passionate about art and serious about honing your craft
- Want to work with prolific, professional artist-faculty
- Are eager to experience college-level study in art
- Want to build up your portfolio for college applications while earning three transferable college credits!
What Makes Sarah Lawrence College's Program Different?
- College credits can be applied to other colleges and universities
- Proximity and connection to New York City — the epicenter of creative life
- Taught by experienced faculty who are exhibiting artists in NYC
- Professional studio spaces and access to numerous Sarah Lawrence resources
- An interdisciplinary approach, with an integration of drawing, painting and sculpture
- Small group studio workshops that foster inquiry-based learning and practical applications
Tuition and Fees
Program Cost
Program tuition is $5,850. There are no additional fees.
Tuition includes all art supplies, lunch, free shuttle to/from the Bronxville Metro North train station and nearby Hyatt Place New York hotel, and full supervision.
Payment Info
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon acceptance into the program. The balance of tuition is payable in full by May 21, 2026.
Refund Policy
The $250 deposit is non-refundable. Refunds are available for the remainder of the tuition for any cancellations made in writing before the payment deadline May 21, 2026.
How to Apply
Eligibility
The program is designed for students who will be entering their junior or senior of high school in the fall of 2026.
Requirements
Since From Drawing to Painting to Experimentation is a rigorous college-level program, students must be serious about their art studies and, as part of our three-step application process, demonstrate their commitment to their work in a personal statement and portfolio submission.
Application timeline
The application deadline for general admission is May 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Precollege Visual Arts Program at Sarah Lawrence College
Curriculum & Experience
What is the daily schedule?
The Precollege Visual Arts program runs from Monday through Friday, on the following schedule:
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Studio with faculty
12 - 1 p.m.
Lunch
1 - 3 p.m.
Studio with faculty and teaching assistant mentor
3 - 3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Portfolio work with teaching assistant mentor
Classes are held in the art studios at Sarah Lawrence College. Our modern studios, together with the art supplies included in tuition, allow students to produce their best work.
What will I learn?
From Drawing to Painting to Experimentation is project-based. The class will begin with drawing, starting with observational drawing and moving into idea-based drawing. You will learn about composition and design and slowly transition from drawing to painting, discovering different tools, mixing color, and different painting languages. In addition to paint you will explore less traditional materials such as paper collage, fabric collage, paper mache.
Who teaches the classes?
The core courses (five hours per day) are taught by Sarah Lawrence faculty who are experienced educators and practicing artists — not graduate assistants.
Meet faculty member Yevgeniya Baras
Each day also includes individual portfolio work. These sessions are guided by teaching assistant mentors who are graduate students or recent graduates.
How big are the classes?
Classes are intentionally small, with a maximum 13 students, to allow for personalized instruction and individual critique and feedback.
Will students create portfolio pieces?
Yes! Students will complete multiple finished works during the program, perfect for inclusion in college application portfolios.
Is there a final showcase or exhibition?
Yes, the program concludes with a gallery-style showcase on campus, open to family and friends.
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
How much does the Precollege Visual Arts Program cost and what's included?
Tuition is $5,850 for the three-week program.
A deposit of $250 is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your sport. The balance is payable by May 21, 2026.
Tuition includes:
- Five hours of instruction per day (Monday - Friday) with experienced faculty who are professional artists
- Two additional hours per day (Monday – Friday) with a teaching assistant mentor for guided portfolio work
- Lunch
- Use of college-level art studios
- All art supplies (approx. $500 value)
- Three college credits (upon successful completion of the program)
- Shuttle to/from the Bronxville Metro North train station and the nearby Hyatt Place Yonkers/ New York hotel
- Parking during course hours
- Eligibility for special Early Decision (outside regular Early Decision)
- Students who attend the Precollege Visual Arts Program may apply to Sarah Lawrence College for Early Decision between September 1 and October 15 and receive an admission decision by November 1, which is the deadline for traditional Early Decision applications.
- Eligibility for exclusive scholarship at Sarah Lawrence College
- Students who successfully complete the Precollege Visual Arts Program and are accepted into Sarah Lawrence College for their undergraduate studies are eligible to receive a scholarship (conditions apply).
Do I need to pay extra for art supplies or bring my own?
No. All art supplies are included in the tuition price (approximate value $500).
Are the college credits earned in this course transferable?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be granted three credits by Sarah Lawrence College. These can be used towards a bachelor's degree at Sarah Lawrence or they can be transferred to another institution at the discretion of that institution. If you have a particular institution in mind, please check with them beforehand to confirm that they will accept transfer credits.
Admissions & Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 15 - 18) who are passionate about art and painting.
Why is there an essay and portfolio requirement to apply?
This is a college-level art class. Three college credits are given upon successful completion of the three-week course. Therefore, it’s important that all students are serious about art.
What if I don't have a portfolio?
This program is for students who are serious about art, which is why we ask for you to submit a PDF of three pieces of art. However, we also understand that you may not have a detailed portfolio. This is why the three pieces you submit can be anything that you consider a creative act. Examples include any drawing, collage, or painting that you’ve done. Other possibilities include a paper mache sculpture or photos of a few pages of a sketch book.
How selective is this program?
We seek motivated, curious, and engaged students. Admission is also limited by class size. We encourage any student who is interested in art to apply!
Accommodations & Meals
Is this a residential program?
This program is not residential. However, students coming from outside the local area can get a preferential rate at the nearby Hyatt Place New York/Yonkers hotel. A free shuttle is provided in the morning from the hotel to campus and in the afternoon from campus back to the hotel.
A free shuttle service is also provided between the nearby Bronxville Metro North train station and the campus.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is provided in the on-campus dining hall, with vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available.