Cleveland Institute of Art
2021
Pre-College Program
Cleveland Institute of Art
Session 1: June 20–July 2 Session 2: July 11–23
2021
Pre-College Program Find your home. Tell your story. Build your future. Whether you’re working digitally or getting your hands dirty, CIA has a space for you, and Pre-College is a great way to get started. During this rigourous residency program, youll spend two- or four-weeks focusing on what you love: art. With dedicated studios and faculty, CIA’s Pre-College program is the perfect way to refine your skills and prepare for your creative future. Build a portfolio, earn college credit, and start your journey here.
cia.edu/precollege
Students entering grades 10–12 are encouraged to apply.
Committed to health and safety during COVID-19 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cleveland Institute of Art has worked towards maintaining a healthy environment. Current measures (cia.edu/covid) include mandatory face masks inside the building; modified facilities and studio spaces to address social distancing; increased building sanitization and safety mechanisms; reduced classroom and lab capacities; and health monitoring including daily temperature checks and COVID pre-screening assessments. We continue to work in consultation with federal, state and local governments, and in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic, to maintain a healthy environment when our community is on campus. We will move forward with PreCollege only if we feel it remains safe to do so.
Why CIA’s Pre-College program? Prepare for your creative future From the interfaces of the apps we use, to the spaces we live in—the results of creativity are all around us. Our Pre-College program is the perfect way to see if a college of art and design is right for you. You will spend each day immersed in our state-of-the art studios while working alongside students who share your passion.
Here’s what you’ll gain
College credit + a head start on college Receive three college credits and a grade upon successful completion of the two-week program, or six college credits for taking both sessions of the program. Pre-College students are also eligible to earn designated scholarships toward CIA’s BFA program.
Techniques and skills Work intensively in an area of your choice to refine your skills and try new techniques. Our rigorous curriculum matches that of full-time students, so you know you’re getting the most out of your stay. To help develop their skills even further, students will participate in an evening of life drawing similar to what they would experience during Foundation year at CIA.
Experience life as an art and design student Join a small cohort of like-minded artists and thrive in the cultural hub of University Circle in Cleveland, Ohio. Live on campus, make new friends, and make lots of art!
Knowledge about professional practices It’s not too early to start preparing now for your future as an artist or designer. All Pre-College students complete the program with finished pieces to contribute to their college application portfolio, making you a more competitive applicant. While you’re here, you can meet with one of our admissions counselors for a portfolio review and speak to our Career Services staff about opportunities as a fulltime student.
Learn something new, or focus on something you love.
At the Cleveland Institute of Art, we are dedicated to teaching art and design students in an environment built exclusively for creative thinkers. Taught by experts in the field, our courses are designed for students with talent, but not necessarily experience in each discipline, so feel free to explore something new. Students take one area of study per session. Can’t decide on one class? Take both sessions of Pre-College to explore another class!
Session 1 June 20–July 2
Session 2 July 11–23
Animation 2D Design: Color + Form Foundation in Drawing Game Design Life Sciences Illustration Illustration Industrial Design Painting Sculpture + 3D Design Video + Digital Cinema
Animation Digital Painting Foundation in Drawing Glassblowing Graphic Design Illustration Interior Architecture Painting Photography Print + Ceramics Wearable Art + Design
View full course descriptions and example projects at cia.edu/precollege
“CIA’s Pre-College experience was amazing. By spending two weeks on campus, it gave me the chance to see that I really do want to pursue a career in design.” —Cynthia
Animation Learn how to share your story and create interesting characters that move and inspire. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Session 2: July 11–23 Overview We will focus primarily on the production of two-dimensional animation, exploring storyboarding, visual development, animation, and post-production. The final assignment will be a group project, where each student adds their unique voice and style to create a single animation reel. You will leave this course with a demo reel and an animated short for your portfolio. This class is highly recommended for anyone who wants a better understanding of how to create animated films or hopes to enter the animation industry. Students will gain knowledge of industry-standard techniques, terminology, and how to work in a professional production timeline. Each day, we’ll view a variety of animations and behind-thescenes DVD extras, supplementing our education on the history of popular and underground animation. Hands-on lessons will begin with animating objects to mimic the laws of natural physics through principles like “squash and stretch,” and “anticipation.”
Projects The first week of the course will focus on building students’ understanding in the basic principles of animation, including using the interface and software, and creating a sense of time and weight in their animated object. The second week of the course will introduce storyboarding, with each student pitching their idea for the final collaborative project. Topics that will be explored include using Adobe Animate and Adobe After Effects, storyboarding, and animating facial expressions, gestures, and human walk cycles.
Digital Painting Polish your skills and learn how to create professional digital artwork from a fine art perspective. Session 2: July 11–23 Overview This course offers digital painting as a means of visual communication and self-expression, through painting from life and the imagination. We will explore how digital art intersects with traditional techniques including renaissance approaches that employ underpainting and transparent layers, and combining photographic images into a unified composition. Our tools will include Wacom drawing tablets and Photoshop painting on the desktop.
Projects The first week of this course will act as an introduction to the digital tools and software used to create images. Lectures will cover Adobe Photoshop and the various brushes available, including how to make your own custom brushes. Color theory, layering, texture and other effects will push the digital image to the next level. The second week of the course will provide students with time to practice and perfect the skills they’ve learned, while applying them to multiple projects. Projects and topics that will be explored include utilizing layers and blending modes, using a Wacom tablet for drawing, creating a digital self-portrait, developing an understanding of color in a digital context, using presets and creating custom brushes and marks, and applying professional printing and output settings.
2D Design: Color + Form Experience a class similar to one you would take in your first year at CIA, through an intensive exploration of color, form, design, and creative problem solving in 2D and digital platforms. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview In this introductory course, students will explore a variety of materials and processes, including experimental mark making, collage, digital design, and site-specific installation. These methods of creation will allow you to develop a better visual understanding of design and craft, and you’ll discover how line, form, color and composition act as the building blocks for your art. Through group discussion, students will develop the tools necessary to problem solve their ideas. The course will primarily focus on 2D design and digital design, but may also include some 3D design problem solving as well. This course is great for students interested in building a portfolio for your college application.
Projects The first week of this course will build students’ foundation skills in the basic principles of design, including color, composition, line, mark and shape. Students will gain an understanding of how these elements create the building blocks to a successful piece of work. The second week will focus on pattern, texture and the use of negative/positive space to create a dynamic and interesting image. The final project will combine all of these skills into an installationbased piece. Projects and topics that will be explored include applying design principles to two-dimensional work, gestalt theory, color theory, abstract versus representational design, geometric design, space-value relationships, contemporary artists and practices, and designing and constructing a site-specific installation.
Foundation in Drawing Enhance your portfolio by looking at the world from a new perspective, and building your understanding of drawing fundamentals. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Session 2: July 11–23 Overview This class will cover the fundamental elements of drawing, while focusing on creative problem-solving. The primary goal is to enhance your prospects for building a better portfolio by strengthening your observational skills and rendering techniques. Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with a multitude of drawing materials to build your artistic repertoire. Daily demos and a wide variety of projects will help you gain a greater understanding of the creative process, from initial sketches and layouts to the finishing details. Your time will be spent exploring and creating art in areas such as life drawing, landscape studies, and figurative work. Throughout the session, we will have group critiques to discuss creative possibilities and unique solutions to design problems.
Projects The first week of this course will focus on building foundational skills in traditional materials such as graphite, charcoal and pencil. Students will sharpen their skills through observational renderings of still-lifes, portraits and perspective drawings. During the second week, students will experience life drawing at a college level through live figure drawing. Color will be introduced with a review of how light and color can bring depth and atmosphere to an image. Students will strengthen their artistic vocabulary through group critique and will leave with a portfolio of application-ready pieces. Projects and topics that will be explored include line and weight in drawing, perspective, setting up your workstation and prepping a drawing, using a value scale, utilizing a grid system, observational drawing, figure drawing, drawing with color and light, and selecting pieces for a portfolio.
Game Design Projects
Get on board and learn the fundamentals of designing and building games. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview We will uncover several approaches to creating games so that you’ll be capable of building a foundation for your own unique ideas and projects. During the first week, we’ll discuss what “play” is and take a brief look at the history of ancient gaming and the mechanics of tactile and digital gaming. We will start by examining construction approaches through the creation of traditional board games. You will then explore Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), a professional AAA gaming engine with which popular games like Fortnite Battle Royale, Gears of War 5, Batman Arkham Asylum, and Borderlands 3 were created. Throughout the second week, we will develop a 2D side scroller using art you create! You will learn the basics of “Blueprinting” which is UE4’s intuitive visual scripting language that makes programming easier to approach for artists and designers. You will learn how to create custom character animations, platform traps, and other game play elements. By the end of the second week, you will have created a fully playable basic 2D game level that you can take home and share with friends.
The first week of the course will begin with a history of games and what it means to ‘play.’ Students will construct their own board game, thinking carefully about the mechanics that structure the rules and experience of the game. During the second week, students will develop their own game level using some pre-existing assets provided by the Unreal Development Kit. Projects and topics that will be explored include understanding game mechanics, prototyping a game, learning Unreal Engine 4 basics, visual scripting with ‘blueprints,’ Adobe Photoshop and simple animation, creating characters and environments, and using templates to expedite the creation process.
Glassblowing Projects
Discover what it means to be a craft artist and entrepreneur in the contemporary craft world. Session 2: July 11–23 Overview With an emphasis on techniques, good habits, problem solving methods, and the importance of teamwork, this course will equip students with the fundamentals needed to create a variety of glass forms. We will cover shop safety and etiquette, tool function, gathering and shaping glass, bubble setup, blown forms, color application, cold working techniques, and open-faced plaster mold for casting. Our goal is for each student to manipulate the bubble into a blown form, texture at least one sphere, and create an open-faced plaster mold for casting a glass tile. Instruction time will be split between demonstrations and lots of hands on individual attention, and will also include discussion of glass history and the properties of glass. You will leave with a firm grasp of how to use glass and what it means to be a craft artist and entrepreneur in the contemporary craft world.
The first week of this course will focus on shop safety, and becoming familiar with the tools and equipment used to manipulate glass. Students will practice gathering, blowing and shaping glass forms. Through demos and practice, students will begin to plan for their final projects, which will be completed during week two. Projects and topics that will be explored include hot-shop safety, gathering and shaping glass, blown forms, color application, and plaster mold making for casting.
Graphic Design Graphic design takes into account the importance of clear visual communication. Session 2: July 11–23 Overview As our methods of communication become increasingly mobile, we rely even more on design to communicate in creative and engaging ways. Everywhere we look, graphic design is a part of everything— from signs, to books and packaging, advertisements and logos, television commercials and websites—you name it! As designers, we will use a visual and strategic thought process to come up with solutions for real world, practical problems. You will get an inside look at the designer’s process from concept to branding to application. We will explore the design principles of typography and visual organization, and the role they play in graphic design. The latest technology and computer software will be utilized to build your technical skills. Communication skills and techniques for presenting your ideas will be emphasized as well. You will receive a broadened view of the graphic design field and the impact that it (and you!) can have on society.
Projects Students will explore various combinations of traditional and digital design tools through a series of intensive studio exercises. The first week of the course will focus on understanding design basics, including the combination of type, image, color and shape in an engaging composition. During the second week, students will put their new skills to the test by creating designs for a logo, package, and poster. Projects and topics that will be explored include the history and classifications of typography, the principles of compo-sition and visual organization, professional practices and display for designs, using the Adobe Creative Suite, and discussion of portfolio development.
Illustration Projects
Illustrators can wear many hats but the common thread that links us is our desire to tell a story. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Session 2: July 11–23 Overview Whether the project is a children’s book illustration, storyboards for film or television, editorial illustration or character development for animation, illustrators create the visual narrative. As an applied art, illustrators create work to satisfy a client’s need and apply the artwork to a specific purpose. Classroom assignments will mimic real-life job situations and cover a variety of topics. You will explore the full creative process, from brainstorming and concept art to a finished piece ready for display. Additionally, you will discover dynamic composition, storyboarding, fundamental rendering techniques, and basic pre-press print production. During the first week, you will sample many different avenues of illustration, and develop core skills and design principles that will be applied to finished artwork during the second week. Presentations and critiques throughout will help you present ideas and gain the experience necessary to sell the concept. This course is designed to help you find your creative voice, execute advanced-level artwork, and discover the diverse field of illustration.
The first week of this course will focus on building the skills needed as an illustrator. Students will work on observational drawings, learn how to utilize thumbnail sketches, and carefully choose composition and design. The elements of art and design will be explored further through the creation of brand identity. During the second week, students will focus on illustrating narrative and feeling, learning how to tell a story in a single image. Projects and topics that will be explored include composition and value, aesthetic and comprehensive design, brand identity, visual communication of an idea or story, character development, poster and book jacket design, and storyboarding.
Interior Architecture Have you ever thought about why stores, restaurants, hotels, libraries, hospitals, and homes look and function the way they do? Session 2: July 11–23 Overview This course will teach you the elements, principles, and theory of architecture as applied to residential and commercial environments. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on studio projects, you will learn the general process of sketching, drawing and the basic principles of architecture. We will explore the fundamentals of design and space planning, as well as the skills and techniques of visual and oral presentations. These skills will include drafting, rendering, perspective drawing, material selections and critiques, and will be used to develop projects of your choice. Throughout this two-week course, you will be encouraged to develop imaginative, responsible design solutions to problems created by the physical limitations of the built environment.
Projects The first week of this course will focus on the review of the elements of design in relation to environments and interior spaces, and the various tools designers use to communicate their ideas. Students will begin with a design problem of their choice, and will brainstorm on contemporary and innovative ways to resolve that challenge. During the second week, students will learn about professional presentation and display of their final designs, and how to add finishing touches into their environments. Projects and topics that will be explored include the history of interior design and architecture, creating layouts and floorplans in traditional and digital media, sustainable and green design concepts, creating an inspiration board, adding details like texture and furniture, and presentation of a final design.
Inventive Design Projects
Learn to see things differently, solve problems creatively, and bring your ideas and solutions to life—the key principles to Inventive Design. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview This course focuses on designing products and vehicles for fictional characters of your creation: an explorer on a distant world, a warrior from a different time, or an adventurer in uncharted territory. In this course, you will design the tools for survival (products, tools, gear, or vehicles) using realistic design processes (researching, conceptualizing, and refining). Through creative storytelling and maybe magical thinking, you’ll develop the industrial design skills needed for real-world applications: concepting, drafting, presenting, and bringing your 2D ideas to 3-dimensional life. This class will challenge your understanding of function with awareness of form, color, texture, line, and ergonomics. The course will conclude with your personal project presentation, complete with concept sketches, renderings of the final design, and a physical model.
The first week of this course will focus on the tools and equipment an industrial designer uses, including CIA’s state-of-the-art fabrication studio and wood shop. Students will brainstorm and research their target user group, and find inspiration for the type of product or design they want to create. During week two, students will have a completed concept board and will begin creating a mock-up of their design using clay or foam. Projects and topics that will be explored include shop safety, mind-mapping, concept sketching, the study of ergonomics and manufacturing processes, model building with clay and foam, pitching your design, and professional display of a finished piece.
Life Sciences Illustration This unique course combines traditional drawing media with digital drawing techniques to illustrate figurative anatomy and other scientific rendering. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview Through observation, figure drawing, and the use of line, motion, and media, you will learn how the amazing human body moves in space. We will explore human anatomy fundamentals as they relate to the development of focused artistic skills in figurative proportion and visual expression. You will learn how the skeleton and muscles form the figure; what structures enable motion; and specific methods for improving observational figure drawing. Throughout our anatomical adventure, we will utilize a variety of techniques and materials to visually reveal various anatomical layers of the human form, including colored pencil, charcoal, graphite, and ultimately digital rendering in Photoshop. Exercise both your artistic creativity and your scientific curiosity as you illustrate the inner workings of the natural world. Life Sciences Illustration is an ever-growing field and CIA is proud to offer one of the few programs of its kind in the country.
Projects The first week of the course is designed to strengthen students’ understanding and use of the human form within their work through observational drawing from a model and lectures. Other aspects of the Life Sciences field, such as zoological and botanical illustration, will be explored with a series of smaller projects. The second week of the course will focus on the finishing touches of an illustration, including the use of color, texture and digital rendering techniques. Students will visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to find inspiration for their projects, and to practice their observational drawing skills. Example projects and topics include portrait studies, skeletal and muscular anatomy, drawing a specimen from observation, utilizing graphite and charcoal, digital rendering, and using a Wacom tablet.
Painting Projects
In Painting, you will begin creating work through the exploration of color theory and application of materials. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Session 2: July 11–23 Overview Begin your painting exploration through practicing building up the surface of a painting while experimenting with layering and composition. As confidence in the use of materials grows, you’ll draw inspiration from your sketchbooks and the work of professional artists to begin crafting their own unique vision. You’ll be introduced to a variety of fundamental techniques, and exposed to the dialogue and professional artists shaping contemporary painting today. Combining materials and imagery, they will investigate how to express their feelings, beliefs, and voices to convey a strong message in their art. We will discuss successes and challenges as a group to build confidence and create a sense of community. Our class will culminate with an exhibition of our work that stems directly from student experience and interests.
In the first week of this course, students will begin their investigations with traditional color theory concepts and painting techniques. After learning to uncover the basics of ‘building’ a painting, students will begin to develop a small body of work that represents their own artistic identity, voice and style. During the second week, students will dig deeper into advanced color theory, discussing subject matter and learning how to communicate more abstract themes and narratives. Projects and topics that will be explored include basic color theory, understanding elements of design and composition, developing observational techniques through still-life, portrait, and landscape, utilizing digital photography as a resource and inspiration for painting, and learning to discuss work critically through group critique.
Photography Projects
Use the fundamentals of photography to explore the world around you. Session 2: July 11–23 Overview Students will gain knowledge through technical training in camera controls, darkroom and inkjet printing, basic studio lighting, digital editing, and gallery installation techniques. In addition, the class will focus on the rules of composition, contemporary concepts, and examples of historical and contemporary photographic works of art. Students will engage in a collaborative studio environment, contribute to and receive constructive critique, establish critical thinking skills, and form a photographic vision while developing personal projects. Demonstrations, lectures, and assignments will take place in the traditional darkroom, digital lab, lighting studio, and during field trips to various locations. No previous photography experience required. We recommend that students bring their own digital SLR camera with the ability to set their cameras to raw. An external hard drive for digital file storage is a must-have.
The first week of this course will include an introduction to the darkroom and the processes related to it. Visits to the Cleveland Botanical Garden and other organizations in the area will act as sources of inspiration for photos. During week two, the focus will shift to digital photography, including editing images and large format printing. Projects and topics that will be explored include darkroom processes and safety, pinhole cameras, composition and design as they relate to photography, best practices when saving and editing images, and studio and lighting set up.
Print + Ceramics Projects
Discover the endless possibilities of combining two and threedimensional practices. Session 2: July 11–23 Overview The focus of this course will be working with drawn, painted, and photographic images in combination with ceramics and printmaking processes. The combination of these technique and materials will produce exciting and innovative objects and images, unique to each student’s artistic voice. The final result is a striking body of work, perfect for including in a college portfolio. Print + Ceramics provides a balanced experience of technical skill building and conceptual development, with some risks and adventure. Students will be exposed to diverse disciplines that will help them in the pursuit of an art career. Through the focused studio practice of ceramics and printmaking, students will discover that hard work, passion, adventure, play and discovery, can lead to a well-rounded art education. This course is excellent for students looking to add additional breadth to their portfolio.
The first week of this course will introduce students to the print and ceramic studios, and the various techniques and processes available within them. In printmaking, students will learn the basics of screen printing and relief carving. In the ceramic studio, demos on creating slabs and wheel throwing will give students the skills to expand on these basic forms. In the second week, these processes will be combined, using printed decals, relief and screen printing on ceramic surfaces. Students will leave with a wide array of unique, portfolio-ready pieces, and with a deeper understanding of image, form and craft. Projects and topics that will be explored include screen printing, relief printing, collage, photo lithography, creating clay slabs as templates, wheel throwing, transfers and decals, glazing techniques, kiln prep and firing, and professional installation and display of two and threedimensional pieces.
Sculpture + 3D Design When one material is not enough for your ideas, consider sculpture and expanded media. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview Create sculptural objects while exploring multiple materials in a contemporary visual arts environment. Push the boundaries of your work in every direction and learn how to produce meaning through the transformation of material. In this course, you will focus on the ever growing and shifting relationship of objects: the way that an object can communicate visually with another, the space they exist in, and how they relate to us. Learn how to develop your ideas into 3-dimensional form with hands-on exploration of scale, material, technique and display. This introductory course will cover a variety of traditional and nontraditional sculptural processes and materials, including additive and reductive carving, foam and plaster modeling, wire armature construction, felt making, pattern making, hand sewing and surface treatment. You will leave this course with complex sculptural work for your portfolio and the ability to read the objects that surround you in a thoughtful and conceptual way.
Projects The first week of this course will introduce students to the many types of sculpture, specifically soft sculpture. Students will learn various fabrication methods such as pattern-making, armature construction, felt-making, and joining techniques. Students will work with felt for their final project, creating a unique pattern and thinking critically about installation and environment. The second week will allow time for construction, planning and group discussion of final proposals. Projects and topics that will be explored include contemporary sculpture, producing meaning through transformation of material, the relationship of object to environment, creating a mind map, mold and pattern making, armature construction, wet felting process, dyeing fabric, and professional installation and set-up.
Video + Digital Cinema Video + Digital Cinema is ideal for gaining professional-level skills in the use of digital filmmaking, sound, motion, and sequence-generated content. Session 1: June 20–July 2 Overview In this course, you will learn to meet standards for work in digital cinema, documentary, installation, or experimental video work. Digital Cinema emphasizes the importance of the image and visual storytelling within time-based work, incorporating a solid foundation in photographic essentials. Your focus will be on creative thinking and problem solving as you work on both individual and group projects. In addition, the class will focus on the fundamental rules of composition, contemporary concepts, and examples of historical and contemporary video works of art. Students will engage in a collaborative studio environment; contribute to and receive constructive critique; and establish critical thinking skills while developing personal projects. No previous video experience required. It is strongly recommended that students bring their own digital SLR camera with video functions and an external hard drive or large USB flash drive (64GB) for digital file storage.
Projects The first week, students will be introduced to software including Adobe Premiere, DSLR functions, and sound recording. Film history, scene selection, lighting and staging will also be explored. During the second week, students will learn more about contemporary and experimental film, with ample time to work on filming and editing their final projects for the exhibition. Projects will include video assignments exploring techniques in collage and multiple images, continuous one shot filming, and effects and editing approaches such as cut on action, juxtaposition, cutaways, and inserts. The final project will take into account all the techniques and skills learned in class to create either a narrative or experimental film.
Wearable Art + Design In this class, you will focus on the art and design of things we wear, and the exciting process of working from ideation to creating a polished, finished piece.
Session 2: July 11–23 Overview Jewelry, accessories, wearable art and design change our lives, and offer new and novel experiences to transform the wearer, to empower and provoke, and to reflect and record the times in which we live. This class explores the art and design of things we wear and the exciting process of working from idea to finished piece. Students explore personal inspirations, history, design, materials, and digital technologies. By the end of the session, each student will know the full process of creating wearable art and designs in metal, leather, plastics, and a wide range of other options including 3D printing and laser cutting. This class includes studio visits from local artists and designers, and utilizes the Sears think[box], the extraordinary maker space on the CWRU campus that allows for multiple making technologies. At the end of the program, students have a cohesive body of work (a “collection”) that demonstrates their unique voice and creativity.
Projects The first week of this course introduces students to the contemporary field of wearable art. Each student begins with brainstorming and creating a mood board that will guide their designs and aesthetic decisions. Demonstrations on working with materials, fabricating, and creating CAD models create more possibilities for designs and experiences. The second week includes 3D modeling, casting, and fabricating individual pieces, as well as documentation and preparing the exhibition of the work. Projects and topics include pattern design and fabrication, CAD and 3D printing, printing models and laser cutting components, bronze casting, basic findings and finishing, creating mood boards, developing design vocabulary, researching contemporary artists and careers, designdocumentation-display of a mini “collection.”
Your home in Cleveland Explore the life of a college student. At the heart of a cultural hub Whether you come from California or Cleveland, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Uptown and the amazing cultural hub of University Circle. Chosen by Forbes magazine as “one of the 10 prettiest neighborhoods in the country,” CIA is just a moment’s walk to Case Western Reserve University, museums, dining, and shopping.
A Typical Day
Monday–Friday 8am Breakfast 9am–12pm
Studio Class* (Commuters arrive)
Noon–1pm Lunch 1–4pm Studio Class*
Meals are included, offering a variety of options and accommodations for all dietary needs.
4pm
Can you commute? Yes!
Personal Time
5–6pm Dinner
On weekends, there will be personal time in the mornings and required afternoon and evening studio time, as well as scheduled activities and presentations.
Residential students will stay in CIA’s Uptown Residence Hall, just steps from the studio spaces where you’ll spend your day. The residence hall features apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, a shared common space, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Beyond your suite, you’ll enjoy free laundry facilities, workout machines, and decks overlooking University Circle.
6–9pm Evening Studio* (Commuters depart at 9pm) 10pm Rest + Repeat!
NOTE* All class and studio time is mandatory, including the 6–9pm sessions.
If you live in Cuyahoga County, commuting is also an option. We have many full-time commuter students at CIA. Take advantage of gaining the same academic experience as residential Pre-College students while returning home each evening.
Application Information
Application Details Online application opens January 1, 2021
Tuition + Fees
Tuition + Fees
Residential Students
Commuter Students
One Session (Two weeks) Tuition $2,500 (includes college credits, room and board, meals, materials, and activities) Refundable Housing Deposit $150 Refundable Materials Deposit $100 Total $2,750
One Session (Two weeks) Tuition $2,000 (includes college credits, meals, materials, and activities) Refundable Materials Deposit $100 Total $2,100
Two Sessions (Four weeks) Tuition $5,000 (includes college credits, room and board, meals, materials, and activities) Refundable Housing Deposit $150 Refundable Materials Deposit $100 Total $5,250
Two Sessions (Four weeks) Tuition $4,000 (includes college credits, meals, materials, and activities) Refundable Materials Deposit $100 Total $4,100
Each session is $2,500, and includes tuition, supplies, room, and meals. Students in Ohio’s Cuyahoga County are welcome to commute for a reduced session rate of $2,000, which includes tuition, supplies, and meals.
Deposits Students are also required to submit a $100 material and lab deposit, which covers any lost or damaged equipment during the program, and the cost of shipping work home if needed. Residential students must submit a $150 housing deposit to cover any damages to their room or other residence hall property. Both deposits are refundable at the end of the program, barring any damages or shipping costs.
Apply online at go.cia.edu/apply by our priority deadline of February 15, 2021. Applications will be accepted after this date on a rolling basis through April 1 as space allows. Your application will include: n Online application n Portfolio n A letter of recommendation n $35 non-refundable application fee
Your application will include a portfolio of 8–10 images of your best work, including observational drawing. Work does not need to relate to the class you’re applying for—we will look at your portfolio as a whole to assess your technical abilities, conceptual problem-solving skills, and use of chosen mediums.
Scholarships A limited number of scholarships from $250–$1000 are available. The number of awards we are able to allocate depends on available funding and the amount of scholarship applicants we receive. We do our best to allot as many scholarships as possible; however applying for a scholarship does not guarantee you will receive scholarship funding. Scholarships are distributed based on financial need and portfolio strength. Apply by February 15 to be considered for scholarships. More details at cia.edu/precollege.
FAQs
Priority Application Deadline February 15, 2021
Rolling Application Deadline April 1, 2021
When will I find out if I’ve been accepted? Priority applicants will be notified on March 1 via email directing them to login to their application to view their status update. Priority tuition and deposits due by April 1. Applications received after the priority deadline must be submitted by April 1, with tuition and deposits due by May 1. Rolling applicants will be notified of acceptance via email two weeks after they submit their application. What happens on the weekend? Course hours continue on the weekend, including presentations from Admissions and Career Services, museum visits, and studio time. Weekend mornings are free to relax and decompress! How do I apply for scholarships? In addition to the application materials, you’ll need to submit the most recent tax returns for whoever claimed you as a dependent and a short personal statement with your online application. Can I take more than one class? Students can take one class per session. But many students choose to attend both sessions, allowing them to take a total of two classes and earn 6 college credits! Can international students apply? Yes! Apply early to allow time to obtain an I-20 visa. You’ll also need to complete a Certification of Finances form and meet CIA’s requirements for English proficiency. More information can be found at cia.edu/precollege.
College Credit Performance level will be assigned by the program instructors and indicated by a letter grade ranging from A to F. This grade will be based on student participation, attendance, and completed assignments. Students must receive a passing grade of a C or above to receive college credit.
Exhibition + Scholarship Ceremony CIA’s Pre-College program culminates in a student exhibition and celebration on the last day of each session. This is an opportunity for students to practice installing and curating their work. During an awards ceremony on the final day, selected students are awarded Pre-College achievement scholarships towards undergraduate tuition from our Office of Admissions. Family and friends are welcome to attend!
CIA’s Pre-College program is supported in part through the generosity of the Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Graffiti HeArt, and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.