
Noncredit Courses
Noncredit Courses
Summer Registration is Open!
Upcoming Summer Sessions
10-week: May 27–August 8
5-week: May 27–July 3
5-week: July 7–August 10
1-week: August 4–8
1-week: August 11–15
Engage in material exploration and learn new skills or refresh existing ones in our state-of-the-art facilities and studios. Investigate new modes of creative production, including laser cutting and 3D printing, or find inspiration with access to the Art Institute of Chicago museum, the Fashion Resource Center, Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection, the Roger Brown Study Collection, and Video Data Bank. As a member of our community, one defined by practice and inquiry, you will cultivate creative confidence, learning with and from your instructors and peers as you produce work based on your personal research and interests.
Intensive Courses This Summer
Adult Continuing Education offers 1-Weeklong Intensives that provide artists, designers, and travelers opportunities to advance their practice in one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world: Chicago. Emerging and established artists will enjoy the kinship and camaraderie that is quickly established when working with their peers. Travel to Chicago for an art intensive!
August 4–8 Classes:
Color Theory Intensive
Essential Anatomy for Life Drawing Intensive
Experimental Drawing and Painting: Exploring Contemporary Practice Intensive
Exploring Monoprint Intensive
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals Intensive
August 11–15 Classes:
Contemporary Fashion Intensive
Explorations in Acrylic Painting Intensive
Figure Painting Studio: Multi-Level Intensive
Introduction to Graphic Design Intensive
Painting and Drawing Intensive
What does online learning look like?
Synchronous online courses will use the Zoom video conferencing platform, Canvas learning management system, and SAIC.edu email addresses to deliver course content and facilitate communication between the instructor and students. These courses meet at a specific time of day and are scheduled in Central Time.
Asynchronous online courses are project-based with no set meeting times and 24/7 access to course materials. Weekly activities may include readings, video demonstrations, tutorials, online discussions, assignments, and critiques. Students enrolled in asynchronous courses will have weekly deadlines encouraged to promote interaction with the instructor and peers. Some instructors may also offer optional video conferencing opportunities through Zoom.
Register online
Interested in furthering your artistic development? Learn more about combining ACE courses to earn a Certificate.
Featured Courses
View all courses and register today!
This skill-building intensive is the perfect weekend art retreat for those seeking to level up their graphic design chops. World class art instruction is provided at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where you will create projects using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems and a solid design vocabulary.
Sewing Techniques is a weekend art retreat that provides world class art instruction for those seeking to participate in a skill-building intensive that will give them the foundation skills to construct their own garments! In this beginner art class, you will sew together garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture.
Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Fri
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Fri
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Fri
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sat
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sat
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sat
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sun
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sun
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mark Skillicorn | Sun
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Fri
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Fri
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Fri
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sat
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sat
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sat
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sun
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sun
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Molly Colleen O'Connell | Sun
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionThis course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Color Theory | 504 (001) | Erik Brown | Fri
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionGain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Color Theory | 504 (001) | Erik Brown | Fri
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025 |
DescriptionGain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!