Noncredit Courses

A group of students gathers before a painting in a museum gallery.

Upcoming Sessions

Spring Registration Opens October 15th

Engage in material exploration and learn new skills or refresh existing ones in our state-of-the-art facilities and studios. Investigate new modes of creative production, including laser cutting and 3D printing, or find inspiration with access to the Art Institute of Chicago museum, the Fashion Resource Center, Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection, the Roger Brown Study Collection, and Video Data Bank. As a member of our community, one defined by practice and inquiry, you will cultivate creative confidence, learning with and from your instructors and peers as you produce work based on your personal research and interests.

Winter Intensive Courses this January

Adult Continuing Education offers 1-Weeklong and Weekend Intensives that provide artists, designers, and travelers opportunities to advance their practice in one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world: Chicago. Emerging and established artists will enjoy the kinship and camaraderie that is quickly established when working with their peers. Travel to Chicago for an art intensive this January!

What does online learning look like?

Synchronous online courses will use the Zoom video conferencing platform, Canvas learning management system, and SAIC.edu email addresses to deliver course content and facilitate communication between the instructor and students. These courses meet at a specific time of day and are scheduled in Central Time.

Asynchronous online courses are project-based with no set meeting times and 24/7 access to course materials. Weekly activities may include readings, video demonstrations, tutorials, online discussions, assignments, and critiques. Students enrolled in asynchronous courses will have weekly deadlines encouraged to promote interaction with the instructor and peers. Some instructors may also offer optional video conferencing opportunities through Zoom.

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Interested in furthering your artistic development? Learn more about combining ACE courses to earn a Certificate.

Inspired by the Exhibition: Paula Modersohn-Becker

This adult art class explores the work of Paula Modersohn-Becker whose work foreshadowed Expressionism. Taught by experienced instructor Susan Musich, a long time participant within the art community in Chicago, this evening art class will guide you through the halls of the Art Institute’s modern wings. Whether you are diving into a creative hobby, or a serious student of art history, this course will take you down the bold paths of the landscapes, self-portraits, and figurative work of this feminist icon.

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Introduction to Graphic Design Intensive

This skill-building intensive is the perfect weekend art retreat for those seeking to level up their graphic design chops. World class art instruction is provided at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where you will create projects using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems and a solid design vocabulary.

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A sepia toned landscape drawing with text that says ACE Intensive Intro to Drawing

Introduction to Drawing Intensive

Intro to Drawing is an exciting weekend art retreat for students looking for a unique art experience in downtown Chicago. Develop your observational drawing skills and refine your hand-eye coordination in this winter seasonal program. Investigate the perceptual and the conceptual through texture, light, and shade!

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Two people look at a mannequin; text reads ACE Intensive Sewing Fundamentals

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals Intensive

Sewing Techniques is a weekend art retreat that provides world class art instruction for those seeking to participate in a skill-building intensive that will give them the foundation skills to construct their own garments! In this beginner art class, you will sew together garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture.

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Title	Catalog	Instructor	Schedule
Introduction to Graphic Design	501 (001)	Mark Skillicorn	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.	Class Number 1008	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Graphic Design Location Sharp 1108, Sharp 1108, Sharp 1108
Introduction to Drawing	503 (001)	Molly Colleen O'Connell	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.	Class Number 1005	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 124, 280 Building Rm 124, 280 Building Rm 124
Color Theory	504 (001)	Erik Brown	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.	Class Number 1004	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Design Location Sharp 407, Sharp 407, Sharp 407
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals	511 (001)	Kylee Marisa Alexander	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized and all techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and the proper copying and cutting of patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew together garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary. Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.	Class Number 1006	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Fashion Location Sullivan Center 705, Sullivan Center 705, Sullivan Center 705
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals	511 (002)	Jasper Alan Drummond	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized and all techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and the proper copying and cutting of patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew together garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary. Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.	Class Number 1007	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Fashion Location Sullivan Center 706, Sullivan Center 706, Sullivan Center 706
Explorations in Acrylic Painting	532 (001)	Andrew Sterrett Conklin	Fri, Sat, Sun 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025
Description This course will introduce students to acrylic painting through the exploration of traditional and contemporary approaches to the medium. Through demonstrations, individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will learn how to work with the acrylic paints. Artists including Mark Bradford, Helen Frankenthaler, and Mark Rothko will provide inspiration as participants complete a series of paintings on paper, canvas, and wood.	Class Number 1009	Credits 1	Department Adult Continuing Education Subject CS Painting Location 280 Building Rm 305, 280 Building Rm 321, 280 Building Rm 321

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!

Noncredit Courses