Unleash Your Inner Artist: Courses at the Art Students League of Denver
Whether you aspire to infuse creativity into your daily life or dream of making a living as an artist, the Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) provides a diverse range of opportunities to explore and develop your artistic talents. Modeled on the renowned Art Students League of New York, the ASLD opened its doors in 1987 and has since become a vibrant hub for artistic learning and community engagement.
A Haven for Artistic Exploration
Located in the historic Sherman School in the West Washington Park area at 200 Grant Street, ASLD engages over 900 students a month with over 200 noted artists who teach diverse fine arts classes throughout the year. The ASLD distinguishes itself by offering a unique learning environment. There is no set curriculum, so you’re free to explore what interests you! The absence of a rigid curriculum allows students the freedom to explore their artistic interests without constraint. Gain hands-on experience in our classes, workshops and summer camps, no matter how old you are or whether you’ve made art before. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, ASLD provides a welcoming space to learn and grow.
Personalized Learning and Expert Guidance
In all studio classes, instructors individualize learning in a style that fits their personal philosophy and integrates demonstrations, study of master artists and group critiques. ASLD's instructors are regionally and nationally recognized working artists, offering students invaluable insights and guidance. You’ll have the opportunity to study with regionally and nationally recognized working artists in a wide selection of media. This personalized approach ensures that each student receives the attention and support they need to develop their unique artistic voice.
A Historic Landmark
Built in 1893, the Sherman School is a prominent landmark that represents the grandeur and pride that was once part of the public school image. Rising above the surrounding residential neighborhood, the main Richardson Romanesque structure features a sandstone base and arched portico entries that welcome students today as they have for 110 years. The Annex building on the North side of the main building was built in 1920 and is typical of the “bungalow school.” It was designed with a decidedly homey character to accommodate kindergarten children, featuring fireplaces in its two rooms that today are spacious multipurpose studios. Once covered in blacktop and surrounded by a rusted chain link fence, the surrounding gardens were landscaped in 2001 and have since been lovingly designed, planted through the hard work of our esteemed volunteers. The gardens include many native Rocky Mountain Region perennials.
Diverse Courses and Workshops
ASLD offers a wide selection of media. From painting and sculpture to printmaking and mixed media, students can explore a diverse range of artistic disciplines. The League also hosts workshops and summer camps for artists of all ages and skill levels.
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- Painting: Explore various painting techniques, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor.
- Sculpture: Learn the fundamentals of sculpting with clay, stone, and other materials.
- Printmaking: Discover the art of printmaking through various methods, such as etching, lithography, and screen printing.
- Mixed Media: Experiment with combining different materials and techniques to create unique artworks.
Community Engagement
Community engagement with diverse communities is central to the Art Students League’s mission and realized through partnerships with performing arts groups, public schools, museums and other art centers. ASLD is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Join us! We are committed to having an environment that is courteous, respectful, and welcoming to all members of our community.
Special Events
ASLD hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including:
- Exhibitions: Showcasing the work of students, faculty, and guest artists.
- Opening Receptions: Celebrate new exhibitions and meet the artists. Join us for the opening reception of Loving Gestures on Saturday, February 14 from 2:30-5PM.
- Artist-in-Residence Programs: February 27, 2026, 5:30-7PM | Artist-in-Residence Juan Carlos Escobedo invites the ASLD community to spend some time in his studio at ASLD.
- Mo'Print: Celebrate Mo'Print 2026 with ASLD! Immerse yourself in the world of printmaking with a print fair, the continuation of ASLD's silent auction, and demos on Saturday, February 27 from 11AM-4PM. Mo'Print 2026 at ASLD continues! Hot off the press! ASLD will celebrate Mo’Print with an exhibit of printed works by our dynamic community of printmakers.
- Summer Art Market (SAM): ASLD’s most popular event of the year! SAM will be on August 22 & 23, 2026.
- Loving Gestures exhibit: Join longtime martial artist and Tai Chi instructor Bradley Ryan at the ASLD Englewood Branch for a free hour-long class as part of our Loving Gestures exhibit.
- Back to Cool: ASLD offers artists a first-class ticket back to childhood with this invitation for artists of all ages to create works inspired by adolescent dreams. Back to Cool…
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