By the summer of 1892 there were more than 100 students enrolled[4] The studio and several cottages were completed, and classes were held at the location where it would continue to operate until its closure in 1902.

On Tuesdays Chase would set up his easel in the Shinncock Hills and paint while providing instruction.

Students spent the rest of the week working on their paintings, either outside in the dunes, or in the studio during inclement weather.

Chase became the president, with Charles Webster Hawthorne and Douglas John Connah [de] serving as administrators.

They were built in a variety of rustic styles, including Colonial Revival and early Arts and Crafts, and mostly clad in natural shingles.

[2] The "Art Village" was designated as a Hamlet Heritage Resource Area by the Southampton Town Board in 2012.

The school was close to the Shinnecock Hills station located on the Sag Harbor branch of the Long Island Railroad, about three hours by rail from New York City.

The LIIC also sold the land for the adjacent 21 residential lots (the "Art Village") to private individuals, most of whom were associated with the school.