Noncredit Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the works of iconic Chicago artists and works inspired by the city in the Art Institute of Chicago museum collection. Discover how Chicago's unique history and diverse communities have influenced art across various mediums, from the vibrant urban landscape to the cultural movements that have shaped one of America's most influential cities.

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. This course will feature dynamic class demonstrations, and group critiques, as well as personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

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.

Examine the many possibilities of creating woven forms using a simple frame loom. Students begin by experimenting with the basic techniques of tapestry and plain weave as they explore ways of creating surface, image, texture, and various color effects within a woven form. Contemporary weaving projects, along with historical references, will be presented through discussions, visual presentations, demonstrations, and readings. This course is open to all levels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn to observe color and capture changing light along the city¿s lakefront and in its parks. Intended for those with no outdoor painting experience, this course will cover the basics of equipment, materials, subject selection, and techniques for painting outdoors in acrylics, oils or watercolor. Observe and apply color to render forms in natural light settings working with a variety of subjects¿landscape, cityscape, figure in landscape, portraiture, and still life. Students will be required to provide their own supplies, including a collapsible easel, which will be discussed in the first class meeting. Basic drawing experience is helpful.

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. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago museum and discussions of practicing artists will supplement the studio experience and encourage inspiration and development of concepts in student artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of material options and acquire the ability to transition from drawing to painting. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Part seminar and part workshop, this course will introduce students to both the fundamentals and possibilities of the poetic form. Through close study of the works and lives of three masters of poetic craft¿Lucie Brock-Broido, Louise Glück, and Marie Howe¿students will engage in lively discussions, practical experimentation, and in-class critiques, building the skills necessary to developing their own poetic voices. No prior poetry experience is required¿all skill levels are welcome.

Explore how artists inspire each other and influence creative movements in this engaging course inspired by the exhibition 'Frida Kahlo's Month in Paris.' Through approximately 100 objects, including paintings, book bindings, works on paper, photographs, and archival materials, you will discover the story of Kahlo, her connection with Mary Reynolds, and her involvement with European Surrealism.<br><br>Note: AIC policy prohibits teaching in special exhibitions. When visiting the exhibition, the instructor will facilitate small group discussions and individual study. Additional instruction will occur in the classroom and other museum galleries.

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.

Do you want to develop a proposal for a grant, residency, exhibition, or curatorial project? Are you applying to graduate school? This is the course for you! Learn how to research and identify opportunities, write an artist statement, and document and present your work. Upon completion, students will have a competitive advantage when it comes to securing new opportunities in today's contemporary art world.