A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.

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Shonna Pryor

Continuing Studies Instructor

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Contact

Bio

Shonna Pryor’s interdisciplinary conceptual art practice is rooted in visual literacy, archival research, and the translation of complex histories into legible forms. Her work at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has focused on helping students read, question, and construct meaning through images, systems, and material culture. In parallel, her practice has expanded into designing frameworks that examine how decisions are made, justified, and experienced—particularly in complex, high-stakes contexts where power, data, and design intersect. Pryor's work has been exhibited in major cities such as Chicago, Detroit and New York, with esteemed artist residencies at Hyde Park Art Center; the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; High Concept Labs; and Chicago Council on Science and Technology, and Chicago Artist Coalition’s Hatch residency, respectively. Her visual art and community-based collaborations extending from local organizations to nationally recognized institutions have been instrumental in bridging the gap between cultural and applied arts, towards a just and equitable society. 

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

Discover how creativity can become a powerful tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and personal growth. This engaging, noncredit online course invites adults of all backgrounds to explore the creative process through hands-on art-making, personal writing, and meaningful group discussions.

Each session offers a thoughtfully designed blend of guided artistic exercises, reflective journaling, and conversation. Participants will explore weekly themes that connect art, self, and society¿building a supportive, welcoming community along the way. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush or pen (or both), you'll be encouraged to express yourself in authentic and inspiring ways.

While this is not a therapy or clinical training course, it provides a structured yet flexible space to deepen your creative and reflective practices. No previous art or writing experience is needed, just a willingness to explore and connect.

Class Number

1285

Credits

1

Description

This course will provoke students to convey a compelling narrative through painting. We will experiment with various acrylic paints, mediums, surfaces, and techniques to develop a personal approach to image making. Through individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will receive feedback and direction on how to challenge their practice. We will investigate the works of artists like Mickalene Thomas, David Hockney, Christina Ramberg, Alex Katz and many others. Basic drawing and/or painting skills are useful, and non-representational artists welcome.

Class Number

2459

Credits

1

Description

This course introduces students to materials, methods, and tools used in oil painting while helping them develop observational skills. Demonstrations will cover stretching canvas, setting up a palette, applying different painting techniques, and mixing colors. These sessions provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of oil painting, preparing students for future projects.

Class Number

2437

Credits

1

Description

Develop your personal style while producing well-designed and dynamic watercolor paintings. Learn wet and dry techniques, washes, color lifting, and glazing as you explore materials and techniques and experiment with a variety of subjects, including still-life, photographs, and your own subject matter.

Class Number

2460

Credits

1