WELCOME
The purpose of the not-for-profit Aesthetic Realism Foundation is to meet the urgent need for people throughout the world to see each other and reality fairly. Aesthetic Realism, the philosophy founded in 1941 by the American poet and critic, Eli Siegel, is a tremendous education in how to have that fairness.
Located in SoHo, NYC, the Foundation offers an exciting curriculum of classes—see the listing below—and individual consultations by video conference. When public events resume, there will be seminars and vibrant theatrical presentations. Through the principles of Aesthetic Realism, people of all ages understand themselves newly. Read more
Fall 2026 classes via video conference are now in session.
- The Aesthetic Realism Explanation of Poetry
- Anthropology Is about You & Everyone
- The Visual Arts & the Opposites
- The Aesthetic Realism Teaching Method
- The Opposites in Music
- “If It Moves, It Can Move You”: Opposites in the Cinema
- Understanding Marriage!
Want to audit a class? Contact the registrar at 212.777.5055, Mon–Fri, 2–6 PM (ET) or submit this brief form. Be sure to make your request at least 2 days in advance of the class.
BLOG UPDATE
Nancy Huntting, speaker on women’s issues, and originally from Cincinnati, OH, writes: I first read this poem by Eli Siegel when I was in my 20s. Through lines so musical they stayed in my mind, I learned about the fight in me between hoping for love and wanting to feel free. This poem has the kind comprehension of women I’m grateful now to teach in Aesthetic Realism consultations.
Terrain Gallery
— New Exhibition —
THE HONORING EYE
18 Photographers Look at the World
HOURS: WED, FRI, SAT 1-5 PM