Renaissance School of the Arts

Art schools give form to raw creativity, turning neighborhoods into incubators of visual culture. Renaissance School of the Arts, an art school at 319 E 117th St in East Harlem, keeps that tradition alive for students who want to sharpen their craft or try new techniques. From painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, the place walks beginners through foundational skills while pushing advanced artists to refine their vision.

Housed in a brick walk-up between 116th and 118th Streets, the campus sits a block west of Madison Avenue’s low-rise storefronts. A short stroll north crosses the FDR’s rumble, while the elevated 6 train drops riders at 116th—ideal for anyone heading in from Midtown or Brooklyn via the Pelham line.

Call ahead to confirm the fall workshop slate or register for winter portfolio reviews: (212) 534-6072. Plug the address into the map for door-to-door walking directions.