Cathy Hsiao

**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.** Chicago, home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, designers, and other creative professionals, is a city of unparalleled architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries. In this course, students explore diverse contemporary practices through an interactive presentation series, including studio visits, with Chicago's leading art historians, artists, designers, writers and other creative professionals. Each presenter discusses their practice, followed by a guided workshop that asks students to respond through various exercises, ranging from making to performance to writing. Through the presentations, studio visits, and corresponding workshops, students reshape their definitions of contemporary art and design, explore the difference between cultural production and consumption, and learn what it takes to become a successful creative professional in the 21st century. This course is ideal for those who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.