Summer 2026 Advanced Painting Intensive

Calling all painters. Interested in taking your work to the next level? The Advanced Painting Intensive at Columbia University School of the Arts offered this summer could be the perfect next step. 

This six-week workshop provides individualized mentorship to twelve students in a supportive environment, including one-on-one and group critiques, technical tutorials, workshops, and lectures by nationally recognized visiting artists. Students will also gain valuable insights into the New York gallery and museum scenes, with guided tours of the cultural institutions that have helped shape the art world’s past and ongoing transformation. 

Structured similarly to Columbia’s MFA degree program, the Advanced Painting Intensive is designed for individuals seeking to challenge and advance their artistic skills. The workshop aims to help participants develop a strong visual portfolio and a comprehensive written package suitable for MFA program applications.

Program elements

Visiting Artist Lectures 
Each week a prominent painter will present a lecture followed by an individual studio visit with each student in the program. Visiting Artists have included Derrick Adams, Teresita Fernandez, Jessica Dickinson, Jackie Gendel, Josephine Halvorson, Marc Handelman, David Humphrey, Patricia Treib, and Stephen Westfall.

Professional Practice Seminar
This seminar is designed to strengthen artists’ abilities in key areas: writing artist statements and grant applications, presenting work in a formal lecture setting, and learning how to effectively evaluate and connect to resources and opportunities. This class will be led by a specialist in professional development for artists alongside the primary faculty, who will offer insights and guidance on the strengths and distinctive features of graduate programs throughout the United States. Seminar Instructor: Jasmine Wahi  

Slide presentation 
Each student will have the opportunity to share a brief slide presentation of their work early in the program. Moderated by the Program Director Naomi Safran-Hon and Co-Director Dana Lok. 

Individual critiques
This is the core of the program. Each student will be visited by the two primary faculty in their studios to discuss, evaluate, and encourage growth and clarity in their studio production.  Conversations in this setting can be wide ranging, extending beyond direct discussion of works of art to discussions of films, novels, science, history, and beyond. All studio exchanges are intended to enrich and broaden the scope and depth of each artist’s work and thinking. Guest critics include: Kenny Rivero and Monique Long. 

Group critique
Halfway through the program each student will have the opportunity to present their work to the entire group and exchange feedback and ideas from faculty and their peers. 

Critical issues seminar
Weekly seminars will be held with readings and discussions on key issues in contemporary art. 

NYC field trips
Weekly visits to New York City’s museums and galleries will include both faculty-led tours and more self-directed explorations, designed to give students the freedom to explore and uncover their own discoveries to bring back to the studio. 

Final exhibition
The course will culminate in an exhibition of works completed in the program at the LeRoy Neiman Gallery at Columbia University, marking a proud achievement for all participants.

Under the direction of Program Director Naomi Safran-Hon and Co-Director Dana Lok, the Advanced Painting Intensive offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in your practice alongside eleven other passionate artists, all while exploring New York City through the perspective of leading artists. 

Whether you’re preparing for MFA applications or simply looking to elevate your practice, the program offers an environment that fosters exceptional growth. Apply today to take your painting to new heights!

Application requirements
Students interested in the Advanced Painting Intensive must submit a portfolio of 10 images of their work for review. You must also include a Statement of Intent that is up to 500 words with your educational background, including degrees and independent courses, and your reasons for applying to the program. There is also an 80 USD application fee required for online submission.  

Application deadline: April 17, 2026

Review process / notification date
Applications are reviewed as they are received and space is limited. Apply early for the best chance of admission before the program fills. 

Contact Information: soasummer@columbia.edu

More information / Application

About Columbia University School of the Arts
Columbia University School of the Arts is an interdisciplinary creative community in New York City, where visual artists, filmmakers, theatre makers, and writers come together to create. We offer MFA programs in Visual Arts + Sound Art, Film, Theatre, and Writing, as well as anMA in Film and Media Studies. Students work closely with acclaimed faculty and peers from around the world, developing ambitious new creative practices and building lasting relationships in the heart of NYC and beyond.

For more details on the programs, visit arts.columbia.edu.