Early College Program Classes Courses
Early College Program Classes Courses
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SAIC’s Animation Studio is a wonderful teen art class for students who want to bring their drawings to life. Our experienced instructors will teach high school art students techniques such as frame-by-frame, stop-motion, and storyboarding. Advanced instruction in composition, set making, and props will enhance your creative development in this weekend art class located in downtown Chicago.
Learn how to design, construct, and sew your own garments, including pattern making! Begin by developing original pattern blocks, explore pattern drafting and draping, and then document your three-dimensional exploration with photography and/or drawing. Through visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and access to the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC in combination with research and sketchbooks, develop your concept and design from flat and paper patterns to final fabric construction.
From Drawing to Painting is a teen art class for students who have a background in drawing, but little to no painting practice. Experienced instructors will teach this small group art class skills such as line, volume, space, form, and function. High schoolers will further their creative development with visits to the Museum of the Art Institute of Chicago in this weekend art class. A variety of materials are used such as pastels, water-based paints, and collage.
Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
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Architecture:Design and Drawing | 401 (001) | Cody Tyler Schueller | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
This course introduces students to the process architects use to develop their ideas and concepts, focusing on the how and why of creating new shapes, spaces, and buildings. Projects incorporate experimentation with form, basic drawing, perspective and drafting techniques, 3D modeling, and the ability to discuss projects verbally and in writing. Students are presented with a variety of prompts and design challenges, using materials such as chipboard, basswood, foam core, and other objects to realize their ideas in three dimensions. They complete the course with a final presentation of their exploration, which may include prints and drawings, 3D physical models or digital presentations. In addition, influential artists, designers, and architects such as Frank Gehry and Robert Irwin are introduced to investigate the impacts of digital and atmospheric effects in design. No experience is needed for this course, but computer familiarity is helpful.
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Drawing Studio | 401 (001) | Noelle Africh | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
This course focuses on drawing as an exciting tool for organizing thoughts, feelings, and images. Students develop and strengthen fundamental skills, as well as investigate a range of traditional and contemporary drawing materials and concepts, exploring essential elements of 2D design and contemporary art. Through the study of line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour, students experiment with a number of wet and dry media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and water-based paints. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussion of practicing artists supplement the studio experience (virtual tours of the museum are featured if online). This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas. Note: In-person Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by the School. Other classes may use them to a lesser degree.
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Fashion Design | 401 (001) | Brady T Drose | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
This course is for students interested in exploring contemporary fashion design methods and materials rather than constructing specific garments. Students develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection, are introduced to the history of fashion design and new research and documentation methods, and are exposed to contemporary designers and design practices. Students may explore resources such as SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, which houses a library on fashion and the history of costume, a number of individual garments and accessories of significant historical importance, and a rich collection of visual material not accessible to the general public, as well as the AIC's collection of art and textiles to develop an informed, thoughtful, and creative approach to design. The class will draw on these resources to develop unique textile and garment designs and to learn about clothing as a language, how garments communicate, and what they signify. Students can expect to gain skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping the form and developing patterns, increased knowledge of the history of individual garments, research/documentation, and exposure to contemporary designers and a selected history of fashion.
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Fashion Construction | 402 (001) | Brady T Drose | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
This course is for students who want to learn how to design, construct, and sew their own garments, including pattern making. Students begin by developing original pattern blocks, explore pattern drafting and draping, then document their three-dimensional exploration with photography and/or drawing. Through visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and access to the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC in combination with research and sketchbooks, students develop their own concept and design from flat and paper patterns to final fabric construction. The class also utilizes a wide variety of materials to build concept and execution, such as paper, muslin, second-hand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. The work produced in this class allows students to reflect and expand on their own personal style and ambition while learning the skills to construct a garment from start to finish.
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Inside Innovative Minds | 402 (001) | Cathy Hsiao, Gustavo Herrera Yepez | Sat
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
Description
**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only 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, ranging 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 who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.
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DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Inside Innovative Minds | 402 (001) | Cathy Hsiao, Gustavo Herrera Yepez | Sat
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
Description
**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only 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, ranging 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 who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.
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Class Number |
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DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Portfolio Prep | 404 (001) | Zachary Hutchinson, Stevie Thomas Hanley | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM September 08, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also 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-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Portfolio Prep | 404 (001) | Zachary Hutchinson, Stevie Thomas Hanley | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM September 08, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also 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-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Portfolio Prep | 404 (002) | Benjamin Melamed Pearson | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also 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-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
From Drawing to Painting | 408 (001) | Delano Dunn | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 15, 2024 |
Description
This course is for students that have a background in drawing, but little to no painting experience. Drawings serve as the foundation for acquiring new painting skills and students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and goals with instructor guidance. Skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and palette are explored through both drawing and painting. A variety of traditional and contemporary materials are used, and may include graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and/or collage. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions of practicing artists will supplement the studio experience and encourage development of concepts in student artworks. By the end of the course, students have an expanded knowledge of materials and acquire the ability to transition from drawing to painting. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current abilities. Note: Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by the School. Other classes may use them to a lesser degree.
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Animation Studio | 411 (001) | Benjamin Bellwoar | Sat
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
Description
Bring your drawings and ideas to life in Animation Studio. This course is designed for students who wish to explore traditional and digital animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame, stop-motion, and more. Beginning from sketches and storyboards, students complete several projects that focus on communicating ideas through motion studies, character/environment development, storytelling, and other cinematic devices such as composition, set making, and props. Using a variety of tools throughout the course, students develop a final project that is based on individual goals and interests. Artist presentations, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and group discussions supplement the studio experience. **NOTE: Basic drawing and computer experience required.
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Advanced Drawing and Painting | 411 (001) | Delano Dunn | Sat
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
Description
This advanced course is for students who have taken at least one or more Early College Program drawing or painting courses or have substantial experience in drawing or painting and want to take their work to the next level. The organization of ideas and development of self-directed work is emphasized with instructor guidance and peer support. Lead by their individual projects and goals, students may choose to work in a variety of media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, and experimental interdisciplinary exercises supplement the studio experience. This course is intended for students with considerable experience in drawing or painting that want to add new work to their portfolio and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments.
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Comics and Graphic Novels | 414 (001) | Gaby Escovar | Sat
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
Description
Investigate visual storytelling and drawing strategies through the contemporary art forms of comics and graphic novels. Explore a variety of illustrative approaches, such as writing, storyboarding, penciling, and inking/coloring. Building on this foundation, students learn research methods to develop ideas and produce projects that examine narrative structures, material choices, and the integration of text and image. Regular critiques, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and exposure to contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers supplement the studio experience. Previous drawing experience is helpful but not required.
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Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!