Early College Program Classes

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

This class is perfect for artists eager to explore the thrilling world of digital art. Start with traditional drawing techniques and then transition into the digital realm using software like Procreate. As you progress through the course, you'll have the chance to build a portfolio filled with digital creations, perfect for showcasing online or in print¿think posters and zines. Projects will cover everything from designing unique characters and creating cool merch like enamel pins, stickers, and tees to crafting vibrant digital paintings and illustrations for children's books. Plus, get inspired by guest presentations from contemporary illustrators influencing the art world with their boundary-pushing styles and innovative techniques.

This course is intended for students with little to no oil painting experience and introduces this medium's specific materials and processes. You'll get hands-on experience with essential skills through demonstrations on stretching canvases, setting up your paint palette, and applying various techniques. You'll also learn how to mix colors. These foundational skills will prepare you to create work for your portfolio. Throughout the course, you'll delve into color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective while painting from observation. Experiment and discover your unique artistic voice and style in a supportive and encouraging environment. Basic drawing and water-based painting experience is required. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

In this course, students will explore their creativity and develop a unique voice through engaging exercises such as journaling, freewriting, writing inspired by music, and exploring memories and dreams. Participants will experience the exhilarating process of editing, revising, and workshopping their writing alongside their peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. They will learn to provide constructive feedback on others' work and craft captivating short stories, monologues, poetry, and personal essays. Students will push the boundaries of original and individual expression throughout the course while preparing for college-level writing. With guidance from faculty and peer support, students will share their literary creations in class and complete assigned reading and writing exercises designed to clarify, expand, and challenge their written expressions.

Delve into the world of architecture, where creativity meets innovation. This course invites students to explore how architects transform concepts into captivating shapes, immersive spaces, and iconic buildings. Engage in a dynamic process that encourages experimentation with diverse forms and techniques, including foundational drawing, perspective, drafting, and advanced 3D modeling. During the course, you will tackle a variety of thought-provoking prompts and design challenges, utilizing materials such as chipboard, basswood, and foam core to bring your imaginative ideas to life in three-dimensional form. As a culmination of your journey, you will showcase your final projects, including compelling prints and drawings, tangible 3D models, or polished digital presentations. To enrich your understanding, you will also explore the influence of visionary artists, designers, and architects like Frank Gehry and Robert Irwin, examining how their work shapes digital and atmospheric experiences in design. While prior experience is not required, a familiarity with computers will enhance your creative process. Join us in this collaborative environment where art and architecture intersect, igniting your passion for design in exciting new directions.

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This class is perfect for artists eager to explore the thrilling world of digital art. Start with traditional drawing techniques and then transition into the digital realm using software like Procreate. As you progress through the course, you'll have the chance to build a portfolio filled with digital creations, perfect for showcasing online or in print¿think posters and zines. Projects will cover everything from designing unique characters and creating cool merch like enamel pins, stickers, and tees to crafting vibrant digital paintings and illustrations for children's books. Plus, get inspired by guest presentations from contemporary illustrators influencing the art world with their boundary-pushing styles and innovative techniques.

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

In this exciting course, you'll have the chance to bring your fashion ideas to life, from inspiration to finished garments. You'll start crafting original pattern blocks, then explore drafting and draping techniques. Along the way, you'll document your journey with dynamic photography and sketches that capture your creative process. Inspiring field trips to places like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC help you transform your flat patterns into stunning fabric creations. You'll be free to experiment with various materials, including paper, muslin, secondhand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. This hands-on approach will allow you to express your unique style and vision. By the end of the course, you will create pieces that showcase your aesthetic and equip you with essential skills in garment construction.

In this exciting course, you'll have the chance to bring your fashion ideas to life, from inspiration to finished garments. You'll start crafting original pattern blocks, then explore drafting and draping techniques. Along the way, you'll document your journey with dynamic photography and sketches that capture your creative process. Inspiring field trips to places like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC help you transform your flat patterns into stunning fabric creations. You'll be free to experiment with various materials, including paper, muslin, secondhand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. This hands-on approach will allow you to express your unique style and vision. By the end of the course, you will create pieces that showcase your aesthetic and equip you with essential skills in garment construction.

Drawing inspiration from live models and the exquisite garments housed in SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, create eye-catching fashion illustrations that showcase your unique style. You'll learn the essentials of illustration tailored for different fashion applications, whether for retail or editorial work. Explore body proportions, movements, and poses to help you bring your designs to life. Mastering perspective is critical; you'll discover how to apply just the right amount of exaggeration and stylization for captivating results. You'll also learn about the textures and drapes of various fabrics and how they relate to body form and movement. To inspire your work, you'll study the techniques of influential fashion illustrators throughout history and today. Plus, you'll get to experiment with various creative media like colored pencils, pastels, pens, markers, and water-based paints. While some drawing experience is helpful, what matters is your passion and imagination. Prepare for a dynamic learning environment where you can express yourself and elevate your fashion illustration skills.

This course is your chance to mix traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital methods as you experiment with everything from drawing and sculpture to image transfer, collage, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Begin with exciting mini-projects and hands-on demonstrations to spark your imagination and get your ideas flowing. You'll refine your concepts through engaging discussions before completing a final project reflecting your unique style and interests. Plus, you'll explore the latest trends in art, showcasing inspiring work from contemporary artists pushing boundaries today.

Unlock your creativity in our dynamic figure drawing course. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work from a live nude model, honing your skills by observing the human form. Expect an exciting mix of rapid sketches and longer poses paired with inspiration from photographs and your imagination. Explore the essential elements of life drawing¿like anatomy, proportion, composition, and expressive techniques¿focusing on using black and white media such as graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon to bring your visions to life. Challenge yourself with exercises like blind contour drawing and memory sketches that will push your artistic boundaries. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations on inspiring historical and contemporary artists, and constructive critiques will help you grow. This course is perfect for newcomers eager to explore their creativity and those looking to enhance their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This course introduces students to traditional and nontraditional materials and techniques used in water-based painting. Projects involve painting from observation and imagination, drawing inspiration from contemporary artists and historical masters. Explore a variety of subjects using materials like ink, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. You'll enhance your understanding of color, tone, volume, contrast, and temperature as you bring your ideas to life. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will provide further inspiration. Students should have previous drawing experience, but no painting experience is necessary. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Discover the powerful language and history behind visual storytelling through engaging demonstrations and hands-on exercises to spark your imagination and inspire your creativity. You'll have the opportunity to research and discuss the works of groundbreaking artists, culminating in a final project that reflects your unique vision. Throughout the course, you'll blend traditional techniques¿like sketching in your journal¿with digital tools such as Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere. Inspiring field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and SAIC's extensive video resources deepen your understanding of the art form. Lively discussions about influential time-based artists like Tony Oursler, Shirin Neshat, Alfred Hitchcock, and Jennifer Steinkamp will enrich your creative journey. No prior experience is necessary, but being comfortable with computers will give you a helpful edge.

Discover the powerful language and history behind visual storytelling through engaging demonstrations and hands-on exercises to spark your imagination and inspire your creativity. You'll have the opportunity to research and discuss the works of groundbreaking artists, culminating in a final project that reflects your unique vision. Throughout the course, you'll blend traditional techniques¿like sketching in your journal¿with digital tools such as Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere. Inspiring field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and SAIC's extensive video resources deepen your understanding of the art form. Lively discussions about influential time-based artists like Tony Oursler, Shirin Neshat, Alfred Hitchcock, and Jennifer Steinkamp will enrich your creative journey. No prior experience is necessary, but being comfortable with computers will give you a helpful edge.

This course introduces students to traditional and nontraditional materials and techniques used in water-based painting. Projects involve painting from observation and imagination, drawing inspiration from contemporary artists and historical masters. Explore a variety of subjects using materials like ink, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. You'll enhance your understanding of color, tone, volume, contrast, and temperature as you bring your ideas to life. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will provide further inspiration. Students should have previous drawing experience, but no painting experience is necessary. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.