Reinvigorate your Passion for Making Art
A photo from the SVA Destinations program Independent Projects: Studio Intensive In Oaxaca Mexico.
Dreaming of renewing your creative spirit by breaking out of the grind? SVA Destinations, the College's travel, art-making and cultural program, is back in full force this year following a two-year hiatus. This year, Destinations offers programs held from May to July across Europe and in Mexico and the Caribbean designed to stimulate imagination and creativity, expand perspectives and generate greater appreciation for the world we live in. Programs are open to students, working artists and other professionals, so plan to adventure beyond New York this summer and apply online for one of the seven diverse programs detailed below.
A photo from the SVA Destinations program Design West–Ireland.
Architecture and Design: Venice, Florence and Lucca
May 25 – June 9
Tuition: $4200
Experience and study Italian historic and contemporary architecture and design, gain an in-depth understanding of its history, concepts and sensibilities and explore how they can be applied to contemporary design today. We will visit historic and modern sites and structures, learn about their role in history, sketch them, analyze them and evaluate how time-tested principles and precedents from the past have inspired contemporary design. The program includes five days in Venice, two days in Lucca and eight days in Florence.
Drawing Art History in Southern France
May 29 – June 12
Tuition: $4300
This program combines drawing and studying art history as a way to explore the south of France. The areas that we will focus on—Provence, the Ardeche and the Southern Rhone Valley—offer everything from the prehistoric caves of Chauvet to ancient Roman towns; monuments of the middle ages to the studio of Cézanne. We will investigate Romanesque and Gothic history on-site, the work of Vincent van Gogh and several contemporary art museums in the region. The program is based in the picturesque town of Avignon, renowned for its history, bustling and authentic central market, numerous fine shops and eateries. Walking tours and museum visits within Avignon, such as the Popes' Palace, Petit Palais Museum and Lambert Collection, are included. We promise participants an unforgettable two weeks that they will record in their sketchbooks and photographs.
Independent Projects: Studio Intensive In Oaxaca Mexico
May 31 – June 14
Tuition: $3400
Jumpstart your studio practice this summer! Combine a visit to the enchanting city of Oaxaca, Mexico, with concentrated studio time to produce your project. Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film/video and interdisciplinary works are all excellent mediums to work with in this inspiring location. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Oaxaca is a tranquil city where you can appreciate ancient civilizations.
A photo from the SVA Destinations program Drawing Art History in Southern France.
Portraits of Barbuda: Its History, People, and Way of Life
June 11 – 18
Tuition: $3400
Barbuda is an untouched Caribbean island paradise filled with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. During this one-week program, you will learn about the island's history from elders, historians, local marine biologists, environmentalists and archeologists. You will explore caves, archeological excavations, a bird sanctuary and interact with local marine wildlife. Our exploratory participants will build a visual portrait of Barbuda while considering its current tremulous shift from a small charming fishing village to the prospect of becoming the next paradise destination for very wealthy tourists. Image-making collaboration across disciplines is encouraged: mixed media, photography, painting, drawing, collage and writing.
Come spend a week in Barbuda and explore one of the few undeveloped Caribbean islands, while learning about its history from elders, historians, marine biologists and environmentalists.
Paris Impressionist—A Walking Tour
July 16 – 27
Tuition: $4300
Join us in Paris this summer and refresh your creative palate with the masters of Impressionist painting. During this 11-day program, we will study the main characteristics of Impressionist painting at its zenith, during the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. We will explore how it speaks to our emotions, understand why it was so innovative and how it changed the course of art history.
During this 11-day program, we will study the main characteristics of Impressionist painting at its zenith, during the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
June 18 – July 1
Tuition: $3400
Experience a journey of discovery, learning, reflection, adventure and making. Summer is a time for exploration and discovery, meeting new people and taking on new challenges. It is also a time to get away from the grind to reflect upon one's role and purpose as a designer. Design West is an international summer design school located in the beautiful village of Letterfrack in Connemara, on the west coast of Ireland, an ideal location to study design in a non-urban environment away from the noise of the city and the pressures of deadlines.
Painting (and Other Mediums) in Barcelona
June 22 – July 9
Tuition: $4300
Treat yourself to an incredible work-study program in this electrifying Mediterranean city that has inspired artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Antonio Tàpies. This intensive workshop will be held in the spacious studio of the Escola Massana–Centre d'Art i Disseny and is designed to help you develop your creative skills, explore new directions in style and technique and clarify your artistic vision.
SVA in LA: The Film and Animation Behind-the-Scenes Series already passed earlier this year and registration has closed for SVA at Cannes Film Festival, but both pages will allow you to put in your information to be notified when both programs are next available. Safe travels and make great art!
A photo from the SVA Destinations program Painting (and Other Mediums) in Barcelona.