Early College Program Courses

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 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.

**This course is only for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students and is closed to outside registrants.** Chicago, home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, designers, and other creative professionals, is a city of unparalleled architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries. In this course, students explore diverse contemporary practices through an interactive presentation series, including studio visits with Chicago's leading art historians, artists, designers, writers, and other creative professionals. Each presenter discusses their practice, followed by a guided workshop that asks students to respond through various exercises, from making to performance to writing. Through the presentations, studio visits, and corresponding workshops, students reshape their definitions of contemporary art and design, explore the difference between cultural production and consumption, and learn what it takes to become a successful creative professional in the 21st century. This course is ideal for those engaged in art making and those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.

In this hands-on studio course, students will develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications and select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points of view as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also emphasizes studio time and faculty support in creating final projects to enhance students' overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources, such as artist presentations and visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions, supplement the course curriculum.

This course is perfect for students passionate about drawing but new to painting. Build your drawing skills as a solid foundation to explore exciting new painting techniques as you define your unique artistic vision with the guidance of your instructor. You will explore essential skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and color. Various traditional and contemporary materials will be utilized, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and collage. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions about contemporary artists will enhance the studio experience and inspire students to develop conceptual ideas in their artworks. By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of different art materials and the confidence to transition from drawing to painting. This course is beneficial for beginners as well as those looking to refine and enhance their skills. 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 exciting world of animation as you bring your drawings and ideas to life. In this course, you'll explore traditional and digital animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame and stop-motion. Get ready to work on various cool projects that let you express your imagination through motion studies, character and environment design, and captivating storytelling. You'll learn cinematic techniques, including composition, set design, and prop creation, while developing a final project that reflects your unique goals and interests. To enhance your experience, enjoy artist presentations, take inspiring trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and engage in dynamic group discussions.

This advanced course targets students who have completed at least one Early College Program drawing or painting course or have substantial experience in these areas and want to enhance their skills. The course emphasizes the organization of ideas and the development of self-directed projects, with guidance from the instructor and peer support. Students will be encouraged to pursue their projects and goals using various media, including water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of these materials. The course includes trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations by contemporary artists, group critiques, and experimental interdisciplinary exercises to enhance the studio experience. This course is meant for those comfortable working independently to expand their portfolios.

Investigate visual storytelling through the dynamic art forms of comics and graphic novels. This course invites you to explore a range of creative techniques, including writing, storyboarding, penciling, inking, and coloring. Building a solid foundation in research methods will help you brainstorm and develop your ideas. You'll create compelling projects that explore narrative structures and seamlessly blend text with stunning visuals. Regular critiques will allow you to sharpen your skills. At the same time, inspiring visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will allow you to connect with contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class is about unleashing your creativity and finding your unique voice in the art world.