Art Lab is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 art school located on the property of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Art Lab offers four semesters of classes and workshops throughout the year. These classes provide art instruction and appreciation for students of all ages, beginners to advanced levels. Art Lab is a valued member of New York's arts and educational community and is a vital part of the cultural life of Staten Island. In 1975, Art Lab opened in a converted factory building on Norwood Avenue, in the Clifton section of Staten Island. Art Lab was Staten Island's first cooperative arts-related teaching facility, and offered workshops and exhibition resources for artists of all levels of experience. As Art Lab grew, the organization was restructured and moved to larger and more visible headquarters at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center as the Center was developing its identity as a home for cultural organizations. Enthusiastically welcomed by the Harbor as “exactly the kind of thing we are looking for,” Art Lab expanded its faculty and curriculum, and undertook a building renovation project at the new site. Art Lab occupied various locations in buildings G & H before settling in its current headquarters on the first floor of building H. Art Lab’s class offerings and gallery programming have expanded through the years to meet the needs of the Staten Island community as we strive to fulfill the mission set down by our founding members in 1975. Art Lab has four semesters year round: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Spring, Fall and Winter are 10 weeks long and Summer is 8 weeks. Each semester has classes that meet one day a week for the duration. Each semester also has classes that meet between one to three times that are workshops. Art Lab also has special summer programming: camps and SSSP Summer Studio Scholarship Program (SSSP) This six-week intensive summer program gives students (teens to adults) the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop new and existing skills and explore career options under the supervision and guidance of professional artists and university level instructors. Lessons concentrate on drawing, painting, sculpture, and art history. Studio work is supplemented by visits to professional studios, galleries and museums. Art Lab also offers artists exhibition space in the Art Lab Gallery. Art Lab is dedicated to providing opportunities for exhibitions of the work of students, faculty, emerging artists, established artists and community groups Tailored Programs and Events Art Lab hosts special programs in its facility and at off-site locations for focused groups of students. We will do events for large populations including in school residencies (we are registered with the New York City Board of Education) and we will do birthday parties in our facility for a small intimate group of 8. No matter the size of the group we will guide and assist in art making experience and education. Art Lab seeks to supply scholarships through grant resources, private donations and fundraising efforts so that lack of financial resources not an impediment to studying art at Art Lab.
