The Art Students League of New York presents Shaping American Art: A Celebration of the Art Students League of New York at 150. Shaping American Art examines the League’s rich and distinct history from the school’s founding in 1875 to today. Beginning with the institution’s early exploration of modernism in the late 19th century, the show progresses through themes of model and portraiture, hyperrealism, abstraction, and the urban and American landscape. The exhibition will bring together nearly 100 works by key artists from the League’s permanent collection, including a newly discovered Thomas Hart Benton, an early Georgia O’Keefe, as well pieces by Alexander Calder, Norman Lewis, Will Barnet, Richard Mayhew, Dorothy Dehner, Emilio Sanchez, Raphael Soyer and additional works on loan. As a singular, alternative art school built and run by artists, for artists, all featured artists within the exhibition have either studied or taught at the League.
Shaping American Art: A Celebration of the Art Students League of New York at 150 opens on May 29, 2025 with an opening reception at the League’s Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery, 6-8pm.
On May 31st, the League is hosting its Homecoming celebration with a full day of public programming– gathering legendary League alumni, students, and instructors to celebrate 150 years of creativity with historic tours, art activations, and a celebratory toast.
