Noncredit Courses
Noncredit Courses
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.
Register online
Interested in furthering your artistic development? Learn more about combining ACE courses to earn a Certificate.
Featured Courses
View all courses and register today!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
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Fashion Illustration | 501 (001) | Brady T Drose | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
Description
Passionate about clothing design and want to illustrate a collection of your own? Working from clothed models and couture garments, you will learn the skills needed to create evocative and effective illustrations. You will explore fabric texture and draping, along with drawing principles including body proportions, movement and position, perspective, and how to apply appropriate exaggeration and stylization. Influential fashion illustrators will be showcased to provide inspiration and context. Previous drawing experience is helpful.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mon
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 03, 2025 - April 07, 2025 |
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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.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Interior Design | 501 (001) | Richard Kasemsarn | Thurs
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 06, 2025 - April 17, 2025 |
Description
This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Art Survey at AIC: Modernism and Beyond | 501 (001) | Joseph Cunniff | Fri
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM February 07, 2025 - April 18, 2025 |
Description
This course explores the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing where students observe, discuss and learn how to analyze a work of art. Lectures and discussions give students insight into the context of specific periods and the lives of the artists. Part of a series, this course focuses on the dawn of Modernism, exploring the work of important artists such as Cezanne, Picasso, Braque, Matisse and others, and traces breakthrough developments in drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.
This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (002) | Mark Skillicorn | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM February 02, 2025 - April 13, 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.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Interior Design | 501 (002) | Richard Kasemsarn | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
Description
This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Art Survey at AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impress | 501 (002) | Joseph Cunniff | Sat
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM February 01, 2025 - April 12, 2025 |
Description
Exploring the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course takes advantage of one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and van Gogh, among others. Through lectures and discussions, students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the period in which it was created.
This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Architecture | 501 (1) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
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Description
Learn how to think, plan, and draw like an architect in this engaging course focused on the design process and investigating the impact of built environments. Explore architectural design and historical and contemporary architecture as you develop the skills and knowledge to advance your studies in our noncredit certificate program or at another institution. Field trips, readings, and class projects provide an overview of both the science and art of designing buildings. All levels of experience are welcome.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Painting Studio: Multi-level | 502 (001) | Kaylee Rae Wyant | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 05, 2025 - April 09, 2025 |
Description
Focus your interests, refine your skills, and learn to create a compelling and personally meaningful body of work. In-class exercises and individual painting assignments will act as the catalyst for you to discover your point of view through painting. You¿ll learn to communicate your vision and receive feedback and support from your instructor and peers in one-on-one meetings, group critiques, and discussions. You may work in the painting media (acrylic, oils, tempera, watercolor) of your choosing. Prior painting is helpful but not necessary. Introductory painting skills will not be addressed in this course.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Erik Brown | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM February 02, 2025 - April 13, 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.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Patternmaking and Construction: Above the Waist | 503 (001) | Kylee Marisa Alexander | Sat
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM February 01, 2025 - April 12, 2025 |
Description
In this course, students create, manipulate, and sew patterns that cover the upper half of the female form. Students learn to draft a basic bodice from their personal measurements or by measuring off a dress form, to create a professional sloper, as well as sleeves and collars. They will also manipulate darts, add fullness, and contour. These principles will be used to create a bodice of the student's own design.
Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course that would provide you with introductory experience is Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop | 503 (001) | Kimberly Karen Viviano | Sat
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM February 01, 2025 - April 12, 2025 |
Description
Learn the skills you need to manipulate and enhance photographs and digital images. Explore the principal elements of design including composition, color, and typography, as you develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role Photoshop can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Digital Photography | 503 (001) | Lauren Koo | Mon
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 03, 2025 - April 07, 2025 |
Description
This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in both black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their own digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point and shoot cameras.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
The Art of Creative Writing: Short Forms of Fiction and Poetry | 503 (001) | Emilie Jane Yardley-Hodges | Thurs
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 06, 2025 - April 17, 2025 |
Description
Share your raw and polished literary efforts with our supportive and dynamic community. Explore different poetic, non-fictional, and fictional forms of writing as you learn to find, build, and develop your own stories. Each class is the ideal blend of writing exercises and experiments, peer critique and feedback, and discussion of curated readings hand-picked by your instructor. All levels are welcome; no prior experience is necessary.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Drawing | 503 (002) | Helen Oh-Conklin | Sun
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM February 02, 2025 - April 13, 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.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Digital Design: Adobe InDesign | 504 (001) | Mary-Jo Mostowy | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
Description
Learn the skills you need to format layout projects in InDesign. Explore the principal elements of the software including paragraph and character styles, object styles, layers, and master pages, as well as how to import graphics. Develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role InDesign can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course, experience with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is recommended.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Children's Book Illustration | 504 (001) | Alex Perkins | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
Description
This course emphasizes the artist's role in children's picture book illustration and focuses on the world of visual storytelling. Through demonstrations and in-class assignments, students working at a variety of skill levels explore materials and techniques used to create children's book illustrations; images that guide children into a whole new imaginative universe through a sequence of memorable visual images. Creating book dummies to organize their ideas, students learn to balance text and image on the page. Students should have basic drawing skills.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Color Theory | 504 (001) | Rhonda Castillo | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 05, 2025 - April 09, 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.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving | 505 (001) | Katie Vota | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM February 04, 2025 - April 08, 2025 |
Description
Learn to weave in this beginner's course, exploring traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. Don¿t have a frame loom? No problem. Your instructor will walk you through building your own. Through faculty guided discussion and presentations, you¿ll also deepen your understanding of weaving's relevance in relation to material production, fine art, and craft. Presentations on contemporary handweavers supplement this studio experience. No experience is necessary.
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Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future | 505 (001) | Noah Hanna | Sat
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM February 01, 2025 - April 12, 2025 |
Description
Art collectors and patrons play a major but often unseen role in art history and cultural heritage. From monarchs, and the Church, to anthropologists, and the mega donors of today¿s museums, art has long been defined and supported through expansive webs of patronage and private funding.
Making use of the Art Institute of Chicago¿s collections and Chicago¿s vibrant art community, this course explores the roots of art collecting and patronage, as well as investigating larger issues within collecting, including its ethical implications, repatriation, finance, psychology, and the personal perspectives of artists, curators, dealers, and collectors. Through lectures, discussions, and visits to museums, galleries, collections, studios, and EXPO Chicago: Chicago¿s International Exposition of Modern and Contemporary Art, this course will provide not only an introduction to art history¿s relationship to patronage but consider its present and future role, as well as how we can all be patrons of the arts. This course fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates. |
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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!