CYS JR Creative Labs is a series of rotating 4-week creative studio experiences designed for Young Artists ages 8–12. Throughout the year, Labs explore different creative disciplines, including Creative Portraiture, Creative Tech, and Mixed Media, through hands-on, project-based learning in a professional artist's studio.

Only one Lab is offered at a time. Each Lab is a four-week experience centered around a unique creative theme. As new Labs rotate throughout the year, Young Artists are encouraged to return and explore different artistic disciplines and creative challenges.

All Labs take place at the CYS Studio in Long Island City, Queens, NY. (E,G,7.M or F subway trains to Court Square)

CYS JR Creative Labs are designed for Young Artists ages 8–12.

Our Teen Creative Labs (ages 13–17) are currently offered as a special summer program each July.

Each Lab meets once a week for four weeks. Session length and meeting times are listed on the current Lab registration page.

No. Our Labs welcome beginners and experienced young creatives alike. Every Lab is designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence in a supportive studio environment.

Yes. Young Artists work with professional creative equipment and materials provided by CYS. Depending on the Lab, participants may use in-house studio cameras, lighting equipment, creative technology, or art-making tools under instructor supervision.

Enrollment is limited to 6 Young Artists to provide individualized instruction and an engaging studio experience.

Yes. Light snacks and refreshments are available during each Lab. While we make every reasonable effort to accommodate dietary needs, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

YES! Every CYS JR Creative Lab concludes with a gallery-style exhibition in our Long Island City studio. Young Artists will have the opportunity to professionally display selected work created during the Lab and celebrate their creative accomplishments with the public, family and invited guests.

Our exhibitions are designed to help Young Artists experience the creative process from concept to presentation while building confidence, pride, and a sense of artistic community.

4-week lab tuition begins at $375 and includes:

• Four 90-minute studio sessions taught by a professional teaching artist

• Free access to all in-house creative tools, art materials, studio lighting, backdrops, cameras, and specialty equipment (as applicable to each Lab)

• Light refreshments and snacks

• Individualized instruction by a professional teaching artist in a small group of just 8 Young Artists

• A professionally presented in-studio gallery exhibition celebrating each Young Artist's work

• One exhibition print to commemorate the experience

Most importantly, Young Artists don't just learn creative technique, they experience the complete artistic process from idea to exhibition while creating in the same professional studio where working artists teach, create, and exhibit.

Because each Lab is limited to just 8 Young Artists, every registration reserves a space that cannot easily be filled.

• Cancellations 14 or more days before the first session receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee.

• Cancellations made 7–13 days before the first session receive a 50% refund.

• Cancellations made less than 7 days before the Lab begins, or after the Lab has started, are non-refundable.

If CYS cancels a Lab, families will receive a full refund or the option to transfer their registration to a future Lab.

Our Labs are designed for Young Artists to work independently and develop confidence in a professional creative environment. Parents and guardians are asked to remain in the designated seating area during the session so that participants can fully engage in the creative process while still having a trusted adult nearby.

It depends on the program.

CYS JR Creative Labs (Ages 8–12) are not drop-off programs. One parent or legal guardian is required to remain on-site for the duration of each 90-minute Lab session. While Young Artists work independently in the studio, parents and guardians are welcome to relax in the designated seating area.

CYS Teen Creative Labs (Ages 13–17) are drop-off programs. Parents or guardians are welcome to stay if they wish, but are not required to remain on-site during the session.

This approach allows us to provide an age-appropriate studio experience while supporting the independence and creative growth of every participant.

CYS JR Creative Labs welcomes Young Artists of various abilities and learning styles.

To help create the best possible experience, we ask that parents or guardians contact us before registering if their child has a disability, sensory needs, mobility considerations, medical needs, or requires accommodations or additional support. This allows us to learn more about your child's individual needs, discuss the structure of the Lab, its location, and determine together how we can best support their participation.

Our goal is to provide a positive, creative, and successful experience for every Young Artist.