Where to Get Your Art On

it's that time of year when we feel the need to reinvent. here's a list of some of the art-related programs and course offerings that will help make you a mini-matisse or at least appreciate the masters in a whole new way. the art school at the educational alliance 197 b'way, 646-395-4235 www.edalliance.org in operation since 1895, the art school offers classes in ceramics, collage and drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and welding, including beginner's workshops. spring classes for the "young artists program," for ages 10 to 19, start feb. 22. winter term began jan. 19. $30 registration fee for adults, $15 for seniors, $50 lab fees apply for clay sculpture, ceramics, photo chemistry and welding.

art students league of new york 215 w. 57th st., 212-247-4510 www.theartstudentsleague.org founded "by artists for artists" in 1875, the league offers instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and assemblage. there is no prerequisite for enrollment. children's classes are available in the summer for ages 8 and up. the art studio new york 145 w. 96th st., 212-932-8484

offers painting classes, drawing classes and mixed-media art classes for beginning and experienced artists. each class has a maximum of eight students, guaranteeing individual attention. children's and teen art classes also offered.

chambers pottery 153 chambers st., 212-619-7302 www.chamberspottery.com this pottery studio in the heart of tribeca welcomes both new and advanced pottery students. ten-week adult classes in subjects like pouring, throwing and decorating are $350, while children's classes are offered mondays and thursdays. open studio hours are also available for practice.

the cooper union saturday outreach programs 51 astor place, 212-353-4108 www.saturdayoutreach.org high school students can take classes in drawing, graphic design, painting, sculpture, sound composition, architecture and portfolio preparation. courses run saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., october through april, and are held at the cooper union college. all classes combine hands-on studio work, creative writing workshops and field trips to cultural sites. the saturday program accepts students from new york city public high schools in grades 9 through 12. the outreach program also allows students to study art in cooper's drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and design studios, where they can create portfolios and essays for college applications. students in grades 10 through 12 from the new york city area can apply by portfolio review.

jewish community center in manhattan 334 amsterdam ave., 646-505-5708 www.jccinmanhattan.org studio classes are offered in jewelry, ceramics, painting, drawing and the creative arts. classes are also offered in culinary arts, photography and digital media (classes for kids are offered in the latter two subjects). the jcc is also the home of the new york writers workshop, which offers classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers. prices range from $20 for non-members in a kids 6-and-under cooking class to $650 for non-members in a photography class. little shop of crafts 431 e. 73rd st., 212-717-6636 711 amsterdam ave., 212-531-2723 www.littleshopny.com. offers adult, tween and teen beading classes for $50 and $35, as well as "kids kreate" workshops for $25. east side location offers adult watercolor classes thursdays at 11 a.m. through march 10. after school classes held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 14, monday through friday.

the new school 66 w. 12th st., 212-229-5620 www.newschool.edu the continuing education program offers courses in art history and architecture, music, design, fashion, fine arts, graphic design and photography, as well as music and writing instruction.

new york film academy 100 e. 17th st., 212-674-4300 www.nyfa.com the new york film academy offers a wide variety of programs for aspiring filmmakers, from m.f.a. and bachelor degree programs to summer camp programs for ages 10 to 17.

new york school of interior design 170 e. 70th st., 212-472-1500 www.nysid.edu the institute for continuing and professional studies offers a diverse list of noncredit workshops, undergraduate courses and professional development classes, all taught by an accomplished faculty of interior designers, architects, visual artists and art and design historians. new students can also register for up to 12 credits of classes on a non-matriculated basis, which can be carried over.

new york university school of continuing and professional studies 145 4th ave., room 201, 212-998-7200 www.scps.nyu.edu. offers classes in a variety of artistic disciplines, such as architecture appreciation, studio art, art appraisal, art business, art history, arts administration, design, digital photography, drawing, fashion design, performing arts, photography and writing. professional certificates are also offered in arts administration and appraisal, along with b.a.s in art history. 92nd street y 1395 lexington ave., 212-415-5500 www.92y.org the 92nd street y offers classes in art appreciation, fine arts (including painting and watercolor painting), photography, ceramics and jewelry. classes are taught by professional artists who provide individual instruction in small group settings. art classes for children, teens and young children are also offered. classes in photography, painting, knitting, crocheting, beading and illustrating are also offered at the tribeca location, 200 hudson st., 212-601-1000. school of visual arts 209 e. 23rd st., 212-592-2251 www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/ce this prestigious institution offers courses in advertising, animation, computer art, film and video, basic drawing, digital photography, fine arts, illustration and cartooning, graphic design, computer animation, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture interior design, jewelry design and web design. art for kids caters to kindergartners through 9-year-olds. pre-college programs offered for high school students. special courses are offered in spanish. classes also offered at summer institute in the berkshires, new lebanon, n.y.