April TurnerSketchbooks open at River Walk coffee shops, and portfolios aim for the Blue Star Arts Complex. San Antonio breathes creativity.
However, raw talent often needs a little guidance to truly shine.
Finding the right place to hone your craft can be overwhelming with so many options available. I’ve dug into the local art scene to find the spots that actually deliver on their promises.
University degrees offer structure, while intimate ateliers focus on craft. This list covers the top places to get your hands dirty and your portfolio polished.
Here is my guide to the best art schools in San Antonio.
How much does Art School cost in San Antonio?
The price tag for art education in this city really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are dipping your toes in or looking for a budget-friendly degree path, local community colleges are a steal at around $3,000 to $4,000 a year for in-state students. Community colleges allow you to master the basics without the heavy debt. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want the full private university experience, you could be looking at over $30,000 annually. Specialty private schools usually sit somewhere in the middle. Just remember that tuition isn’t the whole story. You always need to budget extra for studio fees and your own art supplies, which can add up faster than you think.
1. Fine Art Academy of San Antonio
Website: https://www.faaofsa.com/
Address: 1836 Nacogdoches Rd
Contact: +1 210-972-2565
Hours:
- Tue: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Wed: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Fri & Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
The Fine Art Academy of San Antonio demands serious focus rather than treating art as a pastime. Their biggest strength is a technique-driven approach that feels more like an apprenticeship than a casual class.
They focus heavily on the fundamentals of drawing and painting. This suits students who want to actually master charcoal or oils rather than just mess around with them.
I actually stopped by during a busy week to see how they handle different skill levels. It was impressive to see the owner, Ellie, switching seamlessly between English and Spanish while guiding students.
It creates a really welcoming vibe. The lineage of instruction here comes from a traditional studio apprenticeship background, which is quite interesting.
However, talented teens miss out on studying anatomy from live models since their popular Figure Drawing sessions have a strict 18+ age limit.
Customer Reviews
Ellie was absolutely amazing
Ellie was absolutely amazing 😍 Highly recommend for all artists levels or if you are interested in learning this is the place to start. What an incredible small local business that makes San Antonio, San Antonio. Come out and support these amazing owners as they are truly a gem in our city 🏙️🌆
- Bexar 210 | Google Review
The Fine Art Academy is my happy place
The Fine Art Academy is my happy place every Friday. Eli and Amanda are wonderful and patient teachers full of knowledge. Great atmosphere, easy parking, lovely laid back music. In my fifties, I’ve learned how to draw, (have never taken art classes before), charcoal, soft pastel, watercolor and now tackling oil painting. I practice what I learn in class at home as well, because I can’t get enough! I’ve enjoyed rotating mediums. I highly recommend this establishment, you won’t regret it!
- Jeanette Shoaf | Google Review
2. Coppini Academy of Fine Arts
Website: https://thecoppini.org/
Address: 115 Melrose Pl
Contact: +1 210-530-8445
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
History buffs and classical art lovers find a home at the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts.
Located in the historic studio of sculptor Pompeo Coppini, this place feels steeped in tradition.
The academy focuses strictly on classical, representational fine art. They operate as a non-profit and offer year-round “Open Sessions” that are fantastic for getting practice hours in.
These open sessions provide live models for life drawing and portraiture without the pressure of a formal grade. It’s very flexible since you can just show up and work at your own pace.
The downside is that becoming a full voting member isn’t automatic. You have to demonstrate specific artistic ability and adhere to their representational principles.
Artists with abstract or experimental styles might find the environment exclusive.
Customer Reviews
So many good things about this place
Best kept secret in Texas! Hands down the best place to turn an average artist into a master artist! Live models Wednesday’s and Thursday evening’s help sharpen your skills. Classes and workshops with excellent instructors. So many good things about this place to help our member’s flourish.
- Victor De La Fuente | Google Review
Comfortable studio to paint or draw life models
Comfortable studio to paint or draw life models…. and all levels of artists fit in. There are open sessions for life drawing. There are courses taught by professional art instructions and working artists. Classic Atelier with northerner lights and other artist.
- john junghans | Google Review
3. The University of Texas at San Antonio
Website: https://future.utsa.edu/programs/undergraduate/art/
Address: Physical Education Building, 1 UTSA Circle
Contact: +1 210-458-4011
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM
Students wanting a comprehensive university experience find serious tech at UTSA. They are the first four-year university in Texas to be designated an Adobe Creative Campus.
This means you get full access to the Creative Cloud suite when you take relevant courses here. This saves design students significant money. They also integrate with the Southwest School of Art.
This gives you access to facilities across two different campuses. The program is very accessible because there are no extra portfolio requirements just to declare the major.
You can choose between a BFA for studio intensity or a BA for a broader education. However, the program structure can be a bit frustrating for eager beavers.
You generally don’t get to choose your specific specialization, like Ceramics or Photography, until your final two years. You have to wait a while to dive deep into your niche.
Customer Reviews
Supportive and valuable place to continue my education
I started at UTSA in Fall 2024 as a transfer student, and so far, it has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with different companies and build your networking skills. Have I seen every aspect of the university? No—but from my perspective as a veteran and transfer student, this has been a supportive and valuable place to continue my education.
- Dominick Teague | Google Review
This is a good university
This is a good university but I’m telling you check out Texas am college station. Go on a road trip and see for yourself If your a women college station is amazing because you get to beat the 1604 traffic. They also churches that preach about Jesus and can fellowship with. Plus they have bikes and scooters in the university that you can rent for super cheap I mean really cheap to use.
- Abel Canales Jr | Google Review
4. San Antonio College
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/arts/art/
Address: 1819 N Main Ave
Contact: +1 210-486-0000
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM
San Antonio College (SAC) has run its Visual Arts program since 1955 and maintains surprisingly specialized facilities for a community college.
Their main draw is the “visiting lecture” series. They bring in nationally recognized artists and critics, which gives students exposure you usually only find at big universities.
The curriculum prepares students specifically to transfer to a four-year BFA program later. Students here start by developing basic skills in darkroom photography before moving to digital media labs.
The catch is the degree ceiling. They only offer an Associate of Arts.
You will eventually have to transfer elsewhere if you want that bachelor’s degree on your resume.
Customer Reviews
I love my college choice.
Everyone on staff are always super nice and very helpful when I go on campus. Even over the phone they are patient and understanding of any concerns I have getting classes registered etc. I am a current student here and I love my college choice. Go Armadillos!
- De’Andra Davis | Google Review
I thought SAC was an amazing institution.
I don’t know how people have had difficult experiences with the administration. They’ve always been so helpful and prompt in their responses to me. I was able to finish my degree program quickly and transfer quickly. I can’t speak for all the instructors, some were great, others not so much but overall, I thought SAC was an amazing institution. There are tons of resources and if you excel, scholarships and funding are abundant here!
- Courtney Balidoy | Google Review
5. Hindes Fine Art
Website: https://hindes.com/
Address: 615 W Ashby Pl
Contact: +1 210-872-0098
Hours: Fri & Sat: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
At Hindes Fine Art, elegant gallery walls surround rigorous instructional spaces. Located in a historic building that overlooks the city skyline, the setting alone is inspiring.
Their model is incredibly artist-friendly. They take one of the lowest commission percentages in the nation, meaning more money stays in the artist’s pocket.
It’s run by Janice Yow Hindes and Andrea Wollenzin, combining decades of teaching and business expertise.
I spoke with a few local painters who frequent the gallery, and they couldn’t stop raving about the “Atelier” style classes.
They said the instruction is incredibly personalized because the art is vetted so carefully. It creates a high standard for everyone in the room.
The schedule, however, presents a challenge. They are only open for regular hours on Fridays and Saturdays. You have to make an appointment if those days don’t work for you.
Customer Reviews
Time well spent at Hindes Fine Art Institute!
The wealth of expertise of all the instructors at the Hindes Fine Art Institute is truly impressive. Janice Hindes, founder of the institute, has a great teaching style that inspires her students to accomplish only quality art work. Judy Korge, drawing instructor, is a kind, nurturing teacher who works with students ranging from ages 8 to 80. The learning experience for both aspiring and/or advanced students is time well spent at Hindes Fine Art Institute!
- Eddie Harrison | Google Review
Hindes Academy deserve a 5-Star rating
Both Hindes Fine Art Gallery and Hindes Academy deserve a 5-Star rating. After visiting the gallery I began taking classes at the academy. Both are located in one of San Antonio’s elegant historic homes. Janice Hindes not only has the heart of an artist but far more important to me personally, she has the heart of a teacher.
- Kandy Mabry | Google Review
