New York, NY – June 2, 2026 – The New York Academy of Art is proud to announce the twentieth iteration of its annual Summer Exhibition, a curated survey of recent work by the institution’s students, alumni, and faculty. Open to the public from June 11 through July 12, the exhibition honors the sophisticated craftsmanship and intellectual investigation that anchor the Academy’s academic mission.
Culled from a competitive field of nearly 500 submissions, the final selection features 53 works by 46 artists. The roster was determined by a panel of prominent downtown gallerists, including Tony Cox, founder of Club Rhubarb, Peggy LeBouef, Senior Director at Perrotin, and Hannah Root, Senior Director at Meghan Mulrooney Gallery. The chosen pieces embody the Academy’s foundational tenets: exceptional technical execution, distinct creative vision, and a progressive engagement with the figurative tradition.
The exhibition presents a distinctly contemporary perspective from a diverse group of artists, whose varied talents and individual approaches have been forged within the Academy’s intensive curriculum. The exhibition spans an expansive range of disciplines—including oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, sculpture, and collage. Manifesting as both intimate studies and grand, monumental compositions, the collection mirrors the individual trajectories and diverse viewpoints nurtured within the Academy. Collectively, these paintings, drawings, and sculptures illustrate how rigorous classical training serves as a vital catalyst for innovation and singular artistic expression.
Founded in 1982 by a coalition of artists, scholars, and cultural patrons—including Andy Warhol—the New York Academy of Art is a non-profit educational and cultural institution. It stands as one of the very few independent MFA schools in the United States and holds a unique position as the nation’s only graduate program dedicated exclusively to the preservation and instruction of traditional studio skills. The Academy is committed to preserving these methodologies while empowering artists to shape contemporary discourse. Through its critically acclaimed MFA program, public lecture series, and active exhibition calendar, the Academy functions as a vital center for creative dialogue and academic excellence in the visual arts.
Opening Reception: Please join us on Thursday, June 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Wilkinson Gallery at the New York Academy of Art, 111 Franklin Street, Tribeca.
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