The School Art League was established in 1909 as a non-profit organization working in partnership with the New York City Department of Education to offer opportunities to public high school students in the visual arts. Its mission is to support art education and career development and provide recognition for student artists.
Scholarships and Awards
All graduating seniors in NYC public school planning to attend an art college can apply for School Art League scholarships through a city-wide competition. Last year Scholarships to Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts were a minimum of $10,000 each. Additionally, five awards of $1,000 each were offered to students to continue their study of art. NOTE: A new scholarship was given in 2018: The Society of Illustrators Scholarship for $15,000. Information on the 2019 scholarships and awards, and the application will be posted in April 2019.
For the School Art League Scholarship Memorandum, please contact Karen Rosner, Visual Arts Coordinator (KRosner@schools.nyc.gov).
Medals
The School Art League encourages students to continue their art studies. To inspire them to do so, teachers and principals are asked to select students who have excelled in art to receive a School Art League Medal.
Every high school may nominate one student in each of these categories:
- A Freshman or Sophomore who has demonstrated the most potential in visual arts for the Haney Medal
- A graduating Senior who has excelled in drawing for the St. Gauden's Medal
- A graduating Senior who has completed an art program with distinction for the Alexander Medal
NOTE: The decision as to which students are to receive medals is made at the school level by the art teacher and the administration. Medals are awarded during the School Art League's ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday, June 7th, 2019 at 3:00 PM. Students must be present to receive their medals.
To review medal eligibility and requirements, please read this School Art League Medals Memo.
For the School Art League Medals Memorandum, please contact Karen Rosner, Visual Arts Coordinator (KRosner@schools.nyc.gov).
Annual Awards Ceremony
Every spring at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, students who have earned School Art League scholarships, awards, and medals are honored for their achievements. The keynote speaker is a celebrated artist who has made a significant contribution to NYC public schools. Over 200 young artists are recognized each year. This year the ceremony will be held on Friday, June 7th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
Saturday Art Career Workshops
The Saturday Art Career Workshop program for high school sophomores and juniors brings together New York City art students with design professionals who conduct workshops and share their expertise and career experiences with through three Saturdays of interactive workshops.
This spring the workshops will be held on three consecutive Saturdays in spring 2019.
This free program is provided for New York City art students through a collaboration among The One Club for Creativity, The School Art League, and the New York City Department of Education.
For the full memorandum description and guidelines for applying, please contact Karen Rosner, Visual Arts Coordinator (KRosner@schools.nyc.gov).
More information about the School Art League can be found on schoolartleague.org.