Youth & Continuing Studies Courses

Join fellow campers in imagining, designing, and creating a brand-new fantastical world filled with unique characters, vibrant wildlife, complex structures, captivating histories, and more. In this mixed-media course, students will complete projects in illustration and comics, sculpture, 3D modeling, and creative writing. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will enhance studio activities and showcase the work of artists who have also crafted imaginative worlds. With hands-on guidance and endless opportunities for self-expression, this camp offers young creators the perfect way to turn their wildest ideas into a stunning, interactive universe.

In this exciting workshop, your child's creativity will flourish as they learn to draw, sculpt, model, mold, sew, and prototype unique toys, stuffed animals, and action figures. Campers will begin by developing their characters through traditional illustrations before transitioning to 3D media. They will draw inspiration from classic and contemporary toys and accompanying cartoons or stories. Throughout the camp, students will explore various techniques and creative approaches to bring their toy designs to life.

This immersive experience offers a stimulating environment where young artists can develop as creative individuals while learning to solve problems innovatively. In addition to daily studio art projects, students will keep a sketchbook to capture their research, ideas, and reactions during visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, where they will explore captivating exhibits that inspire new ideas and fuel their imaginations. Campers will enjoy diverse artistic adventures with friends through experiments in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more, creating lasting memories and friendships. Each session will have a different focus, allowing students who enroll in multiple sessions to encounter new studio projects each time.

This immersive experience offers a stimulating environment where young artists can develop as creative individuals while learning to solve problems innovatively. In addition to daily studio art projects, students will keep a sketchbook to capture their research, ideas, and reactions during visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, where they will explore captivating exhibits that inspire new ideas and fuel their imaginations. Campers will enjoy diverse artistic adventures with friends through experiments in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more, creating lasting memories and friendships. Each session will have a different focus, allowing students who enroll in multiple sessions to encounter new studio projects each time.

This immersive experience offers a stimulating environment where young artists can develop as creative individuals while learning to solve problems innovatively. In addition to daily studio art projects, students will keep a sketchbook to capture their research, ideas, and reactions during visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, where they will explore captivating exhibits that inspire new ideas and fuel their imaginations. Campers will enjoy diverse artistic adventures with friends through experiments in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more, creating lasting memories and friendships. Each session will have a different focus, allowing students who enroll in multiple sessions to encounter new studio projects each time.

This immersive experience offers a stimulating environment where young artists can develop as creative individuals while learning to solve problems innovatively. In addition to daily studio art projects, students will keep a sketchbook to capture their research, ideas, and reactions during visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, where they will explore captivating exhibits that inspire new ideas and fuel their imaginations. Campers will enjoy diverse artistic adventures with friends through experiments in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more, creating lasting memories and friendships. Each session will have a different focus, allowing students who enroll in multiple sessions to encounter new studio projects each time.

This immersive experience offers a stimulating environment where young artists can develop as creative individuals while learning to solve problems innovatively. In addition to daily studio art projects, students will keep a sketchbook to capture their research, ideas, and reactions during visits to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, where they will explore captivating exhibits that inspire new ideas and fuel their imaginations. Campers will enjoy diverse artistic adventures with friends through experiments in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, and more, creating lasting memories and friendships. Each session will have a different focus, allowing students who enroll in multiple sessions to encounter new studio projects each time.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

In this camp, young artists have the opportunity to bring their imaginations to life through a variety of illustration techniques. Students will explore traditional and digital media as they experiment with graphic markers, illustration pens, watercolors, ink, sculpting materials, digital drawing tablets, and programs like Procreate. Whether they are designing unique characters, animals, objects, vehicles, or immersive environments, this hands-on experience encourages them to innovate, experiment, and express themselves creatively. It's the perfect opportunity for your child to unleash their creativity and build an impressive portfolio.

The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.

The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.

The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

Ignite your child's artistic potential in a summer art camp that fosters skill development and creativity by exploring diverse materials in a stimulating environment. Students draw inspiration from the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, local architecture, public art, and current events as they develop skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media. Additionally, they enhance their critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilities in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Projects foster personal expression and collaborative skills while introducing students to contemporary and historical art. Each session has a unique focus, ensuring that students who enroll in multiple sessions will experience entirely new studio projects every time.

Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, 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.

Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, 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.

This advanced camp invites students with prior drawing experience to explore various materials and techniques that will expand their artistic abilities. While continuing to develop their technical skills, students will focus on using drawing to organize their thoughts and feelings and express their ideas. Students will work with various materials, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will allow campers to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects to inspire their studio work. Students will explore endless possibilities in a supportive environment that fosters growth and artistic confidence¿whether experimenting with innovative processes or refining their unique style.

This camp 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 camps throughout the summer.

This camp 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 camps throughout the summer.

This advanced camp invites students with prior drawing experience to explore various materials and techniques that will expand their artistic abilities. While continuing to develop their technical skills, students will focus on using drawing to organize their thoughts and feelings and express their ideas. Students will work with various materials, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will allow campers to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects to inspire their studio work. Students will explore endless possibilities in a supportive environment that fosters growth and artistic confidence¿whether experimenting with innovative processes or refining their unique style.

This advanced camp invites students with prior drawing experience to explore various materials and techniques that will expand their artistic abilities. While continuing to develop their technical skills, students will focus on using drawing to organize their thoughts and feelings and express their ideas. Students will work with various materials, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will allow campers to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects to inspire their studio work. Students will explore endless possibilities in a supportive environment that fosters growth and artistic confidence¿whether experimenting with innovative processes or refining their unique style.

Young designers will learn to enhance and embellish existing garments using exciting surface design techniques like embroidery, beading, and applique. They'll also experiment with non-traditional materials to create one-of-a-kind accessories that complement their style. Activities will guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration in their surroundings, and engaging with the works of other artists and designers.

Video games are renowned for their unforgettable characters, captivating narratives, and stunning visuals. They offer an immersive experience that provides an exciting escape and engages players in unique and interactive ways. In this dynamic and challenging camp, students explore video game production by experimenting with coding and illustrating playable computer games. They even have the opportunity to share their creations with friends online! Students will use traditional and digital media to engage in activities such as sketching in their notebooks, storyboarding narratives, editing sound effects, and digital drawing. By exploring different platforms for game creation, students will unlock their creativity and develop one-of-a-kind video games.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created a vibrant new landscape for young artists eager to explore their creativity. This camp empowers students to elevate their video production skills by producing short videos through various contemporary techniques. Participants will explore video production principles and learn essential elements such as storyboarding, the filming process, basic special effects, and editing. Using iPads and video equipment from the SAIC media centers, students will gain hands-on experience to practice these skills at home using standard digital devices. Through this immersive experience, they will develop their artistic voice while fully embracing the digital age of storytelling.

This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.

Students elevate their illustration skills in this camp 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 artist presentations, 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.

Students elevate their illustration skills in this camp 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 artist presentations, 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.

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 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.