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.

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

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

2281

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Art History

Location

AIC Front Desk

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.

Class Number

2296

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 734

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

2302

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Sharp 1117

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.

Class Number

2311

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Interior Architecture

Location

Sharp 1217

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

2282

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Art History

Location

AIC Front Desk

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

2303

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Sharp 1108

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.

Class Number

2312

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Interior Architecture

Location

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.

Class Number

2280

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Architecture

Location

Sharp 1217

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.

Class Number

2341

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Painting

Location

280 Building Rm 318

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.

Class Number

2318

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Photography

Location

280 Building Rm 120

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.

Class Number

2320

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Writing

Location

Sharp 409

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

2291

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 325

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

2297

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 702

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.

Class Number

2305

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Sharp 1108

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

2321

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 325

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

2285

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Design

Location

Sharp 407

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.

Class Number

2306

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

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.

Class Number

2310

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Illustration

Location

Sharp 326

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.

Class Number

2283

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Art History

Location

MacLean 301

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.

Class Number

2301

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fiber and Material Studies

Location

Sharp 1216

Description

This hybrid course will use collections generally not available to the public to study a variety of art forms: painting, photography, artists¿ books, video, prints, and drawings. Online sessions before each special collection visit will provide history and context.

Sample Schedule
Week One: Introduction to the course, Drawings and Prints I (remote)
Week Two: Prints II and III, Artists¿ Books (remote)
Week Three: Jean and Steven Goldman Study Collection of Prints and Drawings (in-person)
Weeks Four: Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection (in-person)
Week Five: Introduction to Photography, Modern Photography
Week Six: Contemporary Photography
Week Seven: Museum of Contemporary Photography (in-person)
Week Eight: Chicago Imagists and Video
Week Nine: Roger Brown Study Collection (in-person)
Week Ten: Video Data Bank. Summary of the Course (remote)

The visit to the Jean and Steven Goldman Study Collection of Prints and Drawings is scheduled outside the regular class meeting time.

Class Number

2284

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Art History

Location

MacLean 608

Description

This introduction to typography is recommended for those pursuing a career in art and design fields, and those interested in the history and development of analog and digital type. The course functions as a working lab with multiple projects guaranteed to build confidence and knowledge in typographic usage. Students learn about typographic history, type dos and don?ts, type terminology, setting copy and display text, using style sheets, type styles, and handwriting and illustrative calligraphy. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Graphic Design or equivalent experience.

Class Number

2307

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Sharp 1108

Description

How do we form an opinion about what we see around us? How do we make decisions that are relevant in the design world? In this course, students discuss, analyze, and discover the principles of design through a comprehensive exploration of successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. This course examines problem solving through the principles of design for a variety of project types, and will include lectures, readings, and individual assignments. Class discussions will explore new aesthetic trends and examine how ideas have evolved to address new issues.

Class Number

2286

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Design

Location

Online

Description

In today's interconnected world, effective communication transcends cultural boundaries. Visual language has emerged as a universal tool for conveying information and captivating diverse audiences.

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of shapes, symbols, and icons, tracing their evolution through history. Investigate brand identity, the art of crafting logos, and how to harness the psychology of color to evoke emotions and convey messages. You'll also gain the skills to create compelling infographics and understand practical applications of Adobe Illustrator and stock images.

Cultivate the ability to engage in formal critiques, enabling you to confidently present your ideas and projects and receive constructive feedback from peers and your instructor to refine your work and fuel your artistic growth.

No previous design experience is needed. Bring your passion for creative expression and explore the dynamic world of visual communication.

Class Number

2309

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Description

This class is designed for students with prior drawing experience interested in investigating new subjects and themes while developing technical and conceptual skills through experimentation with a variety of methods and materials. Creative exploration will include exercises addressing scale, mixed-media processes, drawing formats, and series. Individual and group critique and discussions will support each student's personal direction. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Class Number

2292

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 320

Description

Explore an overview of printmaking techniques that don't require a dedicated print studio. This course is designed to give a brief overview of basic printmaking processes, such as monotype, relief, image transfer, and basic screen printing. Each technique will be explored through an introductory project, culminating in one final personalized project at the end of the course. Experiment with a variety of approaches to techniques and materials, and discover the creative and critical potential of the multiple within the broader field of contemporary art and visual culture. Artists of all disciplines, both with and without prior printmaking experience, are encouraged to join.

Class Number

2319

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Printmedia

Location

280 Building Rm 203

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

2298

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course is designed for intermediate and advanced students with a desire to explore concept development and production skills in interior design. Do you want to learn how to remodel a kitchen or bath? Develop and refine the critical thinking skills necessary to find design solutions for existing spaces. Students will have the opportunity to work in analog and digital formats to produce work that is inspired by a broad range of artists and designers. Prerequisite(s): Digital Drawing: Objects and Space or equivalent experience.

Class Number

2313

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Interior Architecture

Location

Description

This course will provoke students to convey a compelling narrative through painting. We will experiment with various acrylic paints, mediums, surfaces, and techniques to develop a personal approach to image making. Through individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will receive feedback and direction on how to challenge their practice. We will investigate the works of artists like Mickalene Thomas, David Hockney, Christina Ramberg, Alex Katz and many others. Basic drawing and/or painting skills are useful, and non-representational artists welcome.

Class Number

2315

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Painting

Location

280 Building Rm 124

Description

This class is for students who want to learn how to use 3D modeling software specifically for a career in Interior Design. Learn how Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, and a rendering solution can help you bring your ideas into the digital space for potential clients and colleagues to view. We will explore how to create a workflow for your interior design projects which will include space planning, furniture modeling, and applying materials for viewing and rendering. This class will also include how to draw 2D floor plans; using 3D warehouse; customizing furniture and fixtures; and setting up views and rendering. Prerequisite(s): Digital Drawing: Objects and Space or equivalent experience.

Students are responsible for their software when this course is offered online.

Class Number

2287

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Design

Location

MacLean 917

Description

Students will focus on the proportional relationships of the human head and face to achieve naturalistic resemblance in their drawings. Instruction in the use of line, shape, light, and shadow will be explored to achieve believable volumetric form. Black and white as well as color materials will be investigated. A model will be present during each class session and a variety of drawing approaches will be demonstrated. Discussion and presentations on contemporary portraiture and group and individual reviews of work are also included.

Class Number

2342

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 320

Description

This course is an introduction to using SketchUp, a 3D modeling and visualization tool, for interior design. Learn how to model and modify rooms, furniture, cabinets, and other elements related to interiors. Any version of SketchUp can be used for the class, including Free, Shop, Pro, and Studio. Subscription information is available at sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing.

Class Number

2289

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Interior Architecture

Location

Description

Learn to paint form, space and atmospheric effects by focusing on depicting light with color. This course provides instruction in color theory as it pertains to painting practices with an emphasis on using color expressively. Paint application techniques are demonstrated and considerations for color effects, schemes, and properties are investigated in their practical application to each student's work. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Oil Painting or equivalent experience.

Class Number

2316

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Painting

Location

Description

Through handwork and machine stitching, this course will cover a variety of traditional and experimental techniques for fabric embellishment and manipulation. Technical processes to be explored may include embroidery, cording, applique, trapunto, pleating, tucking, smocking, gathering, darting, and ribbon work. This course will reference historical and contemporary examples of these processes as research for inspiration. Students will create a sample book of foundation techniques and experiments, and produce a final project of their own design.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

2299

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Description

Open to students of all disciplines, this course will help you craft a portfolio that combines imagery, composition, text, and narrative to most successfully showcase your creativity, skills and passions. Perfect for certificate students preparing for Portfolio Review Day, as well as anyone interested in refining their portfolio for their website, residency or grant applications, or graduate admissions.

Class Number

2314

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

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, virtual 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.

Class Number

2293

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

Sharp 1213

Description

Want to use Adobe Illustrator to create sophisticated and complex designs and illustrations while you hone your skills? Learn the basics of the program before moving on to master transparency, feathering, masking, compound paths, gradients, layering techniques, and the specifics of the pen tool. In this asynchronous course, there are no set meeting times¿you learn when it's convenient for you. Weekly activities include readings, video demonstrations, tutorials, online discussions, assignments, and critiques. Receive personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process, as needed.

Class Number

2308

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Graphic Design

Location

Description

In this course, students learn the necessary techniques to assemble garments that cover the lower half of the female form. Instruction will focus on developing skills to create flies, hems, and waistbands. While learning industry standard techniques and tips, students sew a pair of pants and lined skirt. Students will leave with the ability to transfer their skills to commercial patterns or their own designs.

Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course that would provide you with introductory experience is Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals

Class Number

2300

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

Cultivate a regular sketchbook practice to develop new ideas, stay accountable to your creative goals, and refine the direction of your work. Explore sketching, collaging, painting, and writing, as you investigate how the personal nature of an artist's sketchbook can catapult work to the next level. During one class meeting, handmade sketchbooks are made using an array of book construction methods. You will also review the history of artists¿ sketchbooks and visit the Art Institute of Chicago for inspiration.

Class Number

2295

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

Online

Description

This course introduces the materials, methods, and tools of oil painting while students develop observational skills. Demonstrations on stretching canvas, laying out a palette, working with various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide students with the fundamentals of the medium and a strong foundation for future work.

Class Number

2317

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Painting

Location

280 Building Rm 321

Description

This course introduces the materials, methods, and tools of oil painting while students develop observational skills. Demonstrations on stretching canvas, laying out a palette, working with various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide students with the fundamentals of the medium and a strong foundation for future work.

Class Number

2322

Credits

1

Department

Adult Continuing Education

Subject

CS Painting

Location

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!