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Woodstock School of Art

Woodstock School of Art

The Woodstock School of Art, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3, educational institution chartered under the laws of the State of New York. The school is located in New York’s famed artists’ colony of Woodstock, surrounded by the pristine woodlands of the Catskill Mountains, about 100 miles north of New York City.

Classes in fine art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture are offered year round in fully climate controlled studios in historic bluestone and native timber buildings. Classes are open to all, with no entrance requirements or experience necessary.

History


EARLY YEARS

An innovative school of art sponsored by the Art Students League of New York opened in Woodstock in 1906, and from its very beginning became a magnet for working and beginning artists lured to the idyllic mountains, meadows, woods, and streams of the Woodstock region. In 1979 the League discontinued its summer classes, and two years later. The Woodstock School of Art, a non-profit organization of local artists started in 1968, took over the complex of massive bluestone and timber studios that had been built by the Federal Government as a crafts training center before World War II.

The native bluestone and timber buildings which house the Woodstock School of Art had their beginnings in 1939 when they were commissioned to be constructed as a school for arts and crafts under FDR’s New Deal program, The National Youth Administration. Today, the studios and buildings of the Woodstock School of Art, on thirty-eight pristine woodland acres, are listed in the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places. Broader in scope than most art education centers and unique in its mission as an independent school dedicated to freedom of expression for both instructors and students, but with a clear emphasis on principles and technique, the Woodstock School of Art encourages the student to find his or her own way. A spirit of cooperative engagement and helpful assistance expresses the school’s attitude toward its instructors and their students.


MISSION


Woodstock School of Art's mission is to offer high quality, affordable instruction in fine art; maintain stewardship of its unique and historic buildings for continued use as an art school; and provide opportunities which engage the community in allied arts activities and exhibitions.

The founders of the Woodstock School of Art were artists, and to this day both staff and officers are artists as well. Each class is an artist’s atelier combining the instructor’s viewpoint with the free and open dialogue necessary for artistic creativity. The school does not interfere in this vital exchange because of its respect for the artists, for the artist’s way of life, and for the creative force that motivates artists. There are no entrance requirements, no set curricula. Students select classes and workshop programs of their choosing conducted by more than forty professional instructors.

The Woodstock School of Art holds classes throughout the year, summer and winter, in air-conditioned or radiant heated studios, newly renovated but retaining the rugged country charm of the original stone and timber buildings. An average of more than eight hundred students from the United States and countries abroad currently enroll in any given year. Since its inception, and continuing to this day, hundreds of renowned artists and notables in the art world have been associated with the school.

The schedule includes daily classes in drawing, painting, composition, sculpture and printmaking, with workshops in specialized techniques under the guidance of experts in their respective fields.


TODAY

The Woodstock School of Art is one of the unique organizations that contribute to the Town of Woodstock’s reputation as a vital, contemporary colony of the arts. Others include the venerable Woodstock Artists Association and Museum, the Byrdcliffe-inspired Woodstock Guild, the Maverick Chamber Music Concerts, the Woodstock Playhouse, and The Center for Photography at Woodstocck. All flourish in the stimulating environment and natural beauty in the green valley below the Catskill’s Overlook Mountain.

Add to the mix the cafes, restaurants, theater, art galleries, antique shops, a first-run movie house, a library with wireless internet access, swimming, tennis courts, horseback riding, and walking along the many secluded trails, the experience of coming to Woodstock and attending the Woodstock School of Art is likely to be as fulfilling and unforgettable as it will be productive.

STUDIO & WORKSPACE

The large, airy studios with natural north light are unexcelled, the wooded grounds spacious, the air clean and pure. Tuition scholarships, work exchange scholarships, and studio workspace, the dedication of the teachers, student body, and administrative staff all combine in an atmosphere of freedom and seriousness.

Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Graphics Workspace is available in studios which are not otherwise in use. Workspace is not necessarily exclusive or private. Workspace is available half days from 9 AM to 12 Noon and from 1 PM to 4 PM. Contact the Registrar about limited availability.

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

Studio easels, sculpture stands and equipment for printmaking are provided for the use of registered students and workspace artists in the studios. Students working in landscape classes provide their own outdoor easels. Materials and supplies such as paints, brushes and etching plates are not included in tuition fees. In an effort to maintain our non-toxic environment, the Woodstock School of Art  does not permit the use of turpentine or mineral spirits in the classrooms. Citric based solvents are acceptable. Learn more. Additionally, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or scents of any kind.  A list of recommended materials for each student's class will be provided at the time of registration. The Woodstock School of Art will not be held responsible for any materials or artwork left on the premises.

GRAPHIC SHOP

The Woodstock School of Art offers the most complete graphic shop facilities in the region. In addition to classes and workshops in various disciplines of printmaking, workspace may be rented at nominal fees. Call for details. No pets are are allowed on campus.

ADMINISTRATION



BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nancy Campbell
Co-President

Staats Fasoldt
Co-President

Kate McGloughlin
Vice-President 

Bobbi Esmark
Secretary

Scott Clugstone
Treasurer

Elizabeth Broad
Director

Carol Davis
Director

Janine Shelffo
Director

Eva Van Rijn
Director

Claudia Waruch
Director



STAFF

Nina Doyle
Executive Director
nina.doyle@woodstockschoolofart.org

Mizuyo "Mimi" Aburano
Registrar
registrar@woodstockschoolofart.org

Jennifer Wilmshurst
Assistant Registrar
jennifer@woodstockschoolofart.org

Sharon Penz
Program Coordinator
sharon.penz@woostockschoolofart.org

Steve Hewitt
School Custodian
steve.hewitt@woostockschoolofart.org

Lorelei Voelker
Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@woodstockschoolofart.org


BOARD OF ADVISORS


Paul Alexander
Eric Angeloch
Vladimir Bachinsky
H. Clark Bell
Tricia Cline
William Cloonan
James Cox
Jenne M. Currie
Joseph DePaul
Steve Dininno
Frank Duncan
Mary Anne Erickson
 
Tom Fletcher
Joan Ffolliott
Madeline Friedman
Frances Gerngross
Gail Godwin
Peter Heller
Deborah Heppner
Eila Kokkinen
James Koopman
Josh Koplovitz
Sue LaRocca
Michael Lavin
 
Susana Toruella Leval
Katharine McKenna
Alan McKnight
Patty Mooney
Wilma Miller
John Mower
Jenny Nelson
Dion Ogust
Richard Pantell
Kelley Parker
Darlene Pfeiffer
Eileen Power
Stephen Protoss
James Ransome
Susanna Ronner
Meredith Rosiér
Richard Segalman
Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz
Muriel Stallworth
Gerald Wapner
Pamela Wardwell
William R. West
Tom Wright
Adrienne Zabriskie

What Our Students Are Saying

  • Good job on this program. I will absolutely take more classes with you.

  • The classes have been very informative and enjoyable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate.

  • I am finding the online class well organized and appreciate that there is a facilitator to field the questions and oversee the structure and timing of
    the class.

  • WSA is a wonderful resource!

  • Thank you for continuing thru the pandemic. It’s been very fortifying.

  • Enjoying my first Zoom art class. It’s very motivating and encouraging to have this during the winter and during covid. Bravo WSA!

  • Thank you for these amazing online classes!

  • WSA gives me access to Amazing artists and instructors I might not otherwise have.

  • I have loved having the online classes! They keep me in touch with the school, my artist friends and my own work.

  • Keep up the great work WSA! I’ve really enjoyed the online classes I’ve participated in so far and always look forward to weekly call and homework. Also enjoy seeing how fellow students tackle painting assignments in unique and interesting ways each week.

  • This is a great format and a large part of its benefit is having a recording of the class after the hour, which allows me to start and stop.

  • I have enjoyed these classes very much. Instructors and administrative staff very accommodating. Class price and length excellent.

  • Really superb instructors. Remote learning is easier than we expected. Someday, be nice to meet the instructors.

  • Starting classes at WSA was life-changing for me, and now in the midst of this pandemic, it is life-sustaining

  • As someone who is not local, the ability to take Zoom art classes has made all the difference in dealing with the pandemic. Thank you for extending your reach with Zoom.

  • I really appreciated the integration of brief but focused and helpful instruction, time on my own, and short but vital and informative one on one learning sessions with the instructor.

  • I’ve always thought of the WSA as a wonderful place.

  • The pace, scope, and demos were just right, a huge learning curve for me.

  • Joan covered many different techniques but still left time for us to work. It was a great blend.

  • My first experience at Woodstock School of Art was awesome!

  • I expected a great workshop and got it!

  • Much better than expected. I don’t know how she does it!

  • Terrific workshop!

  • My art skills and confidence continue to grow through your teachers and programs.

  • Even though I studied at three major art colleges, I have received the finest drawing and visualizing instruction from Keith Gunderson.

  • I have enjoyed all the classes I’ve signed up for (and appreciate having access to the the recorded class for a week thereafter). They enabled me to
    continue to learn a variety of techniques and info.