Art Lab Inc., the Art School located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, is now accepting applications for its Summer Studio Scholarship Program. The program application is available to teens, ages 13 and up, who are seriously committed to art and may be considering the pursuit of art in college, and to those adults looking for a more structured and challenging art class. Scholarships are available upon completion of application. Scholarship awards are based upon availability of funding. Professional quality artist materials will be supplied including oil paints, canvas, brushes, charcoal, and paper.

The objective of the program is to train artists in the working methods and philosophy of professional practicing artists. These students will experience extended studio time and will benefit from a constant exchange between peers and professional artists who will act as instructors and mentors. Students will have the unique opportunity to develop their artistic selves and to explore their commitment to visual arts careers.

Each student, ages 17 through adult, will have the opportunity to draw from the model, paint still-life indoors, and paint landscapes outdoors on Snug Harbor’s 83 acres of park ground. Younger teens will become familiar with the studio experience through exploration of a variety of fine art practices. Additionally, lectures designed to give the student a background in art history will be held weekly.

Past faculty has included: Geoffrey Dorfman – MFA Syracuse University, Adjunct Assistant Professor, CSI; Craig Manister – MFA Brooklyn College, Adjunct Assistant Professor, CSI, Director, CSI Art Gallery; James Patrick Reid – MFA Indiana University, Adjunct, FIT; Morgan Taylor – MFA Queens College, Adjunct Assistant Professor, CSI.

For Students,ages 13 – 16: This group will explore many techniques and materials as they study perspective, landscape drawing, watercolor, printmaking, and more with professional working artists who are university trained. These students will meet 3 times a week, (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) for 5 weeks, beginning the week of July 6. This group will meet 10am – 4:30pm.

For Students,age 17- adult: We are pleased to announce the development of the SSSP Master Class. There will be two offerings for those who wish to prepare for college or for artists who are establishing a professional practice:

• Studio still-life practice and Art History will be taught by Craig Manister on Wednesdays beginning July 8.
• Figure & Landscape Studio Practices will be taught by Morgan Taylor on Thursdays beginning July 9.

Classes may be taken individually or together. Please, indicate on your application which Master Class you prefer, or if you want to take both classes. Both classes meet 10AM – 4:30pm for 5 weeks.

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 718-447-8667

Apply Today!

SSSP 2026 APPLICATION – DUE JUNE 15, 2026

Fill out the form below or view and download the pdf:

All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $75. Prior to scholarship, program cost is $800.00. Scholarships for ages 13 – 17 are being provided by the newly established Patricia Whitehouse Memorial Scholarship. Ages 18 & up will be awarded partial scholarships through the support of The Department of Cultural Affairs and the Staten Island Rotary Foundation, among others.

Apply to the Summer Studio Scholarship Program