Founded in 2000, the Long Island Academy of Fine Art was established as a studio school for the study of traditional painting and drawing. Located in easily accessible historic downtown Riverhead, LIAFA offers courses in classical drawing, painting, and sculpture. The main objective of the program is to equip students with the knowledge necessary to create contemporary art rooted in traditional realism.

Students at the Academy come from all over Long Island and New York City to attend classes and workshops. Classes are taught by award-winning, classically trained artists who exhibit nationally and whose works are in both public and private international collections.