Fall, Winter, Spring

In this course, students explore traditional and contemporary painting techniques. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination and experimental approaches to mark-making. Students explore various materials, such as pastels, acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal, graphite, gouache, and colored pencils, while developing skills in rendering, composition, use of shading, color blending, and layering processes. Regular visits to the Art Institute of Chicago to observe and sketch from paintings and sculptures inspire studio work. This course is suitable for participants of all skill levels.

Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting course, students learn principles of animation while exploring various techniques, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame methods, digitally modified video, and computer-aided techniques. Students will use digital tools such as laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, iPads, sketchbook work, and other traditional processes to express contemporary artistic hybrid methods. Students can repeat this course to continue building their skills.

Explore drawing as an engaging form of expression through writing, discussion, sketchbooks, and individual and group projects. Students will explore various drawing techniques and approaches while gaining an understanding of essential elements of 2D design and art, including line, shape, shading, and light. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will offer inspiration from various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This course invites beginners and those seeking to enhance their drawing skills and confidence. Students can repeat the course to improve their abilities further and generate new ideas.

Explore drawing as an engaging form of expression through writing, discussion, sketchbooks, and individual and group projects. Students will explore various drawing techniques and approaches while gaining an understanding of essential elements of 2D design and art, including line, shape, shading, and light. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will offer inspiration from various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This course invites beginners and those seeking to enhance their drawing skills and confidence. Students can repeat the course to improve their abilities further and generate new ideas.

This course introduces young designers to the fashion world, helping them discover their unique style while learning the technical skills necessary to transform their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration from their surroundings, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students will build fundamental skills in fashion research, drawing, draping, garment construction, and machine and hand sewing. They will also explore sculptural draping using paper to create exciting experimental looks and deconstruct garments to invent new forms. Each session features different projects, allowing students to enroll in multiple semesters.

Students elevate their illustration skills in this course by creating unique comics and graphic novels. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, introducing students to character development, plot structure, scripting, and storyboarding. The course teaches skills in drawing and illustration, focusing on techniques such as penciling, inking, coloring, and understanding space and perspective. Students will explore various traditional and non-traditional mediums, including colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, digitally edited drawings, and handmade zines. Inspiration also comes from trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and visits to downtown Chicago, where a vast array of public art sparks creativity. These experiences will provide opportunities for drawing practice and serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of comic narratives and stylistic expression.