Albany Art Schools

While the capitol of New York is often eclipsed by the rather formidable shadow of the Big Apple, the city of Albany serves as the epicenter of culture and business in the Hudson River Valley. A medium sized city, Albany has recently undergone a renaissance of sorts, largely due to a group of enthusiastic, close-knit artists who have dubbed it the “Hidden City”. The Albany art community resembles the closeness of a small town, while maintaining the diversity and energy of a big city. Annual events highlighting the Arts include the “Art on Lark” street festival, which attracts over 10,000 people every June. Attractions include the Empire State Plaza, which houses the largest display of American modern art, and more historical venues such as the Fenimore Art Museum and the Green River Gallery. Though there are no exclusive art schools other than the ITT Tech Institute’s School of Art and Design, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany boasts a globally recognized art department, and the College of Saint Rose’s Center for Art and Design holds the distinction of NASAD accreditation. Also, “teaching museums” such as Sage College’s Opalka Gallery and The Tang at Skidmore College offer multi-dimensional programs for a variety of interests.