Weekend Art & Design Classes for Ages 10–13

Weekend Classes for Students Ages 10–13 (Fall, Spring)

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's weekend programs offer middle school students unparalleled access to a world-class art and design education. Designed for ages 10–13, our fall and spring weekend studio classes let young creators explore an array of mediums—including animation, comic arts, fashion design, painting, and sculpture.

Why Choose SAIC Art Classes?

Unmatched Student Support: Small class sizes are capped at 14 students and feature a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio with a professional lead instructor and teaching assistant.
Direct Museum Access: Integrated visits to the Art Institute of Chicago museum provide regular inspiration from our world-renowned collections.
Working Artist Mentorship: Courses are taught by practicing artists who mentor students in developing real-world technical and creative problem-solving skills.
Collaborative Community: Students build friendships with like-minded peers through hands-on, interactive studio projects and field excursions.

Spring Registration Is Open!

Spring Sessions:
5-week: February 6–March 6
10-week: February 6–April 24

All courses are on Saturdays.

View all courses and register here.

Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

February 6–April 24

In this course, students explore traditional and contemporary painting techniques. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination, and experimental approaches to mark-making.

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

February 6–March 6

Students learn the basic principles of animation through focused projects that use techniques such as stop-motion and frame-by-frame animation.