FALL 2024 + WINTER 2025
Adult
Continuing Education
OPEN TO STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS
Evening and weekend courses for everyone.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago invites you to be part of our diverse community of artists, designers, and scholars by enrolling in an Adult Continuing Education (ACE) noncredit course (or two), or one of our exciting certificate programs. 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, goals, and interests.
Our outstanding faculty are experts in their respective fields and experienced educators committed to creating opportunities for students to explore concept development while engaging with new materials and techniques.
“I loved the mix of practical instruction as well as creative inspiration from looking at the work of contemporary practitioners. It opened up a whole world/ community that I knew very little about. I appreciate the value of looking at the work of artists using weaving as a medium of expression rather than just creating functional craft objects.” —ACE student, Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving
Scheduling Options to Meet Your Needs
This fall and winter, you can take courses in-person at our campus in Chicago’s Loop or enjoy the flexibility and convenience of learning online from wherever you are.
Students from around the world and right here in Chicago are joining us for online courses taught by our acclaimed faculty. The majority of our online classes meet in real time through dynamic video conference sessions, which include demonstrations and lectures, group discussions and critiques with peers, and oneon-one time with our exceptional instructors.
In-person courses take place on SAIC’s campus, giving you access to a vast array of creative resources and face-to-face learning experiences with faculty members and fellow students.
“This course was rewarding and exposed me to many new organizations and structures throughout the city. I appreciated Noah [Hanna]’s effort to touch on such a wide range of arts organizations with varying missions. I know I will use the information I learned in both my personal and professional life.” —ACE student, Contemporary Art in Chicago
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Fall 2024 Courses
For complete course details, including description and instructor, visit continuingstudies.saic.edu Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170
10-WEEK SESSION: October 2 to December 15, 2024; no class 11/27-12/1
Art History
Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism #2368 F 12-2
Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern #2369 SA 2-4
Contemporary Art in Chicago #2370 SA 11-2
Design
Color Theory #2375 W 6-9
Color Theory #2376 T 6-9
Design Matters #2377 TH 6-9
Digital Drawing: Objects + Space #2374 M 6-9
Drawing
Digital Drawing + Illustration #2382 W 6-9
Introduction to Drawing #2379 SU 10-1
Introduction to Drawing #2380 T 6-9
Introduction to Figure Drawing #2381 M 6-9
Fashion
Fashion Design #2387 T 6-9
Patternmaking and Construction:
Below the Belt #2383 W 6-9
Sewing Techniques:
Above the Waist #2386 TH 6-9
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2384 SA 9-12
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2385 SA 1-4
Fiber and Material Studies
Introduction to Frame Loom
Weaving #2388 T 6-9
Graphic Design
Brand Identity Systems #2396 W 6-9
Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator #2391 SA 9-12
Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator #2395 | asynchronous
Digital Design: Adobe InDesign #2393 T 6-9
Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2392 W 6-9
Introduction to Graphic Design #2389 M 6-9
Introduction to Graphic Design #2390 SU 10-1
Introduction to Typography #2394 TH 6-9
Illustration
Digital Drawing + Illustration #2398 W 6-9
Introduction to Illustration #2397 T 6-9
Interior Architecture
Introduction to Interior Design #2399 W 6-9
Introduction to Interior Design #2400 T 6-9
Introduction to Interior Design #2401 SA 9-12
Painting
Contemporary Watercolor #2403 SA 1-4
Introduction to Oil Painting #2406 TH 6-9
Introduction to Oil Painting #2407 SU 2-5
Painting: Materials and Methods #2405 W 6-9
Water-Based Painting #2404 T 6-9
Photography
Introduction to Digital Photography #2408 W 6-9
Printmedia
Experimental Printmaking #2409 W 6-9
Writing
Editing for Writers #2410 TH 6-9
5-WEEK SESSION: October 2 to November 5, 2024
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Winter 2025 Courses
2-WEEKEND SESSION: January 10 to January 19, 2025
Design
Color Theory #1004 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5
Drawing
Introduction to Drawing #1005 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5
Fashion
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #1006 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5
Graphic Design
Introduction to Graphic Design #1008 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5 PAINTING
Explorations in Acrylic Painting #1009 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Course Descriptions
For complete course details visit continuingstudies.saic.edu. Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170
Art History
Art History from the Ground Up #2371 SU 10-12, 10/6-11/3
From cave paintings to contemporary art, this speed-date with a complex discipline will consider the history of art and its missing narratives. The course will also try to answer the age-old question about an artwork: “What does it mean?”
Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern #2369 SA 2-4, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
Learn how to analyze a work of art and gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and the range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. Part of a three-course series, this class meets in galleries and observes, discusses, and finds connections between works from different points of history.
Contemporary Art in Chicago #2370 SA 11-2, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
In this introduction to Chicago’s vibrant visual art scene, you will participate in visits to museums and galleries throughout the city. Students will also have the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes into artists’ studios and collectors’ homes, where they can view works in progress, ask questions, and get to know the real people who make up Chicago’s art world.
Modern to Contemporary Art History: 1960 to the Present #2372 SU 10-12, 11/10-12/15, no class 12/1
While contemporary art reflects the current moment, its concepts and processes often merit further examination. This course will consider the differences between modern and contemporary art and discuss the impact of works made in the recent past and those being made today.
5-WEEK SESSION: November 6 to December 15, 2024 ; no
SATURDAY WORKSHOP: November 23, 2024
Interdisciplinary
Portfolio Preparation #2367 SA 10-4
Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism #2368 F 12-2, 10/4-12/13, no class 11/29
Develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum. Works by Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and van Gogh, among others, will be discussed.
Design
Color Theory
#2375 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27 #2376 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10 #1004 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/10-19
Learn the variety of ways that color is used as a design element by working with current color theory principles and models to develop color plans and concepts.
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Course Descriptions (cont’d.)
For complete course details visit continuingstudies.saic.edu Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170.
Design Matters
#2377 TH 6-9, 10/3-12/12, no class 11/28
Discuss and analyze design principles by surveying successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. Engage in lectures, readings, and discussions to discover a variety of approaches to problem-solving.
Digital Drawing: Objects + Space #2374 M 6-9, 10/7-12/9
Students will develop an understanding of software interfaces as they learn to translate 2D drawings into 3D models, working with digital drawing tools including Autodesk AutoCAD and SketchUp, and using Enscape, KeyShot, or SU Podium for renderings.
SketchUp for Interiors
#2378 M 6-9, 10/7-11/4
Learn how to model and modify rooms, furniture, cabinets, and other elements in this introduction to SketchUp, a 3D modeling and visualization tool, for interior design.
Drawing
Digital Drawing + Illustration #2382 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Develop ideas using traditional media, then translate them digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the digital programs and concept development as students create original characters and environments.
Introduction to Drawing #2379 SU 10-1, 10/6-12/15, no class 12/1 #2380 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
#1005 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/10-19
Learn to draw in this beginner’s course designed to help you build foundational skills and understanding of line, perspective, composition, texture, light, and more.
Introduction to Figure Drawing
#2381 M 6-9, 10/7-12/9
Working from the nude model, students will learn to draw the human figure from direct observation. The essential elements of life drawing will be addressed, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone.
Fashion
Fashion Design
#2387 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Examine the fundamentals of designing a fashion collection as you investigate conceptual inspiration and technical apparel design and apply real-world practices of marketing plans, competitive research, and costing to your visions.
Patternmaking and Construction:
Below the Belt
#2383 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Perfect the necessary techniques to assemble garments covering the lower half of the female form. Instruction will focus on developing skills to draft a basic skirt and pants and creating professional slopers, waistbands, pattern pockets, and fly fronts.
Sewing Techniques: Above the Waist #2386 TH 6-9, 10/3-12/12, no class 11/28
Industry-standard techniques and tips are presented for sewing together a pattern for a button-down shirt with sleeves and a lined, zippered shell. Students leave with the ability to transfer their skills to commercial patterns or their own designs.
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals
#2384 SA 9-12, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
#2385 SA 1-4, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
#1006 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/10-19
#1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/10-19
Learn how to sew with industry standards in mind in this beginner’s class. Create a personal library of seam samples and then apply fundamental techniques in two foundational projects.
Fiber and Materials Studies
Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2388 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Learn introductory techniques such as tapestry and plain weave to create surface, image, texture, and various color effects within a woven form on a frame loom.
Graphic Design
Brand Identity Systems
#2396 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Identify, develop, and produce an integrated brand identity system that goes beyond the traditional logo. From rough sketches to final digital files, develop the practical components to create a public-facing brand.
Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator #2391 SA 9-12, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
#2395 asynchronous, 10/7-12/13, no class 11/27-12/1
Learn Adobe Illustrator skills to create sophisticated designs and illustrations, beginning with a review of important functions and tools, demonstrations, and class projects.
Digital Design: Adobe InDesign #2393 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Learn how to use Adobe InDesign to create paragraph and character styles, object styles, layers, master pages, and import graphics as you investigate many aspects of digital publishing.
Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2392 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Explore techniques to create imagery and designs of a more advanced nature using Adobe Photoshop. Discover the far-ranging use of this software for print, web, and mobile devices.
Introduction to Graphic Design #2390 SU 10-1, 10/6-12/15, no class 12/1 #2389 M 6-9, 10/7-12/9 #1008 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU, 10-5, 1/10-19
Investigate design principles such as composition, color, and typography through a series of projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Introduction to Typography #2394 TH 6-9, 10/3-12/12, no class 11/28
Learn the typographic history, type do’s and don’ts, type terminology, how to set copy and display text using style sheets, type styles, and handwriting and illustrative calligraphy in this working lab.
Illustration
Digital Drawing + Illustration #2398 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Develop ideas using traditional media, then translate them digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the digital program and concept development as students create original characters and environments.
Introduction to Illustration #2397 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Explore the illustration process, from ideation and freehand sketching to the final piece. Experiment with various materials and styles, from traditional to digital and their hybrid.
Interior Architecture
Introduction to Interior Design #2399 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27 #2401 SA 9-12, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30 #2400 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Learn the essentials to design and build an interior space, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality.
SketchUp for Interiors #2402 M 6-9, 10/7-11/4
Learn how to model and modify rooms, furniture, cabinets, and other elements in this introduction to SketchUp, a 3D modeling and visualization tool, for interior design.
Interdisciplinary
Portfolio Preparation #2367 SA 10-4, 11/23
Open to students of all disciplines, this course will help you craft a digital portfolio that combines imagery, composition, text, and narrative to successfully showcase your creativity, skills, and passions. Perfect for certificate students preparing for Portfolio Review Day and anyone interested in refining their portfolio for their website, residency or grant applications, or graduate admissions.
Adult Continuing Education (ACE)
Course Descriptions (cont’d.)
For complete course details visit continuingstudies.saic.edu Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170
Key: = In-Person, = Online
Painting
Contemporary Watercolor #2403 SA 1-4, 10/5-12/14, no class 11/30
Explore traditional and contemporary approaches to the watercolor medium, including gouache. A variety of techniques, papers, and alternative painting surfaces, as well as mixed media processes, are introduced.
Explorations in Acrylic Painting
#1009 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/10-19
You will learn how to work with acrylic paints through demonstrations, individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques.
Introduction to Oil Painting #2406 TH 6-9, 10/3-12/12, no class 11/28 #2407 SU 2-5, 10/6-12/15, no class 12/1
Learn how to stretch your own canvas, lay out a palette, experiment with painting techniques, and mix colors in this beginner’s course designed to provide you with the fundamentals.
Painting: Materials and Methods #2405 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Explore traditional and contemporary painting materials and methods through demonstrations and in-class projects.
Water-Based Painting #2404 T 6-9, 10/8-12/10
Discover traditional and non-traditional materials and methods used in water-based paintings you create from observation and the imagination, using current artist practices and historical examples. You will build color, tone, volume, contrast, and temperature skills.
Photography
Introduction to Digital Photography #2408 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Learn the foundations of photography and how to use a manual digital camera as you select and capture subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context.
Printmedia
Experimental Printmaking #2409 W 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class 11/27
Learn do-it-yourself printmaking techniques that do not require the use of a print studio! From transfers, linoleum stamps, digital and handmade repeat patterns, digital printing on fabric, and alternative substrates to lo-fi silkscreen with stencils and drawing fluid, these processes can be transferred easily from the classroom to the artist’s workspace.
Writing
Editing for Writers #2410 TH 6-9, 10/3-12/12, no class 11/28
Whether penning the Next Great American Novel or preparing a writing sample for a fellowship, grant, or MFA application, you will gain insightful feedback workshopping new or existing projects.
Certificate Programs
Delve deeply into an area of personal or professional interest. Designed to be completed in less than two years, Adult Continuing Education noncredit certificates provide you with opportunities to develop a contemporary art and design practice, explore new areas of study, expand your skill set, or prepare a portfolio.
Certificate students take six Adult Continuing Education noncredit courses: five unique to the discipline and an elective of their choice. They pay the same tuition for ACE courses as non-certificate students and a one-time application fee.
Visit saic.edu/ace and select Certificate Programs for individual program details, policies, and frequently asked questions, or register at continuingstudies.saic.edu. For more information, email cs@saic.edu.
We offer courses online and on our campus in Chicago. However, Adult Continuing Education noncredit certificates do not cater to remote completion. Coursework requirements may not be scheduled in the student’s preferred instructional mode. Required courses may not be available every term.
“My profession is not art, but the creative thinking aspect has contributed to my professional life…I actually have a couple of people who’ve commissioned pieces… I feel like it opened up a new window for me.” —ACE Painting Certificate student
DRAWING CERTIFICATE
Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses from those listed under the subject headings Drawing or Painting and Drawing
Art history course (1) One 30-hour course under the subject heading Art History. Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 Drawing Certificate studio courses include Digital Drawing and Illustration, Introduction to Drawing, and Introduction to Figure Drawing. Art history courses: Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern, Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and PostImpressionism, and Contemporary Art in Chicago.
FASHION CERTIFICATE
Required course (1) Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals
Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses from those listed under the subject heading Fashion
Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 Fashion Certificate studio courses include Fashion Design, Patternmaking and Construction: Below the Belt, Sewing Techniques: Above the Waist, and Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals.
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Certificate Programs (cont’d.)
GRAPHIC DESIGN CERTIFICATE
Required course (1) Introduction to Graphic Design
Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses from those listed under the subject heading Graphic Design. You may also use Color Theory as one of your required studio courses.
Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 Graphic Design Certificate studio courses include Brand Identity Systems, Color Theory, Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator, Digital Design: Adobe InDesign, Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop, Introduction to Graphic Design, and Introduction to Typography.
INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATE
Required course (1) Design Matters
Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses under the subject headings Design or Interior Architecture. You may also use Introduction to Architecture as a studio course.
Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 Interior Design Certificate studio courses include Color Theory, Design Matters, Digital Drawing: Objects + Space, and Introduction to Interior Design.
PAINTING CERTIFICATE*
Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses under the subject headings Painting or Painting and Drawing
Art history course (1) One 30-hour course under the subject heading Art History.
Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Fall 2024 and winter 2025 Painting Certificate studio courses include Contemporary Watercolor, Explorations in Acrylic Painting, Introduction to Oil Painting, Painting: Materials and Methods, and Water-Based Painting. Art history courses: Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern, Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and Contemporary Art in Chicago.
* Students with little or no drawing experience are strongly encouraged to take Introduction to Drawing to fulfill the Painting Certificate elective requirement.
Portfolio Review Day
Saturday, December 7
Join us for a 30-minute review session to receive valuable feedback on your work. Strengthen your portfolio and receive guidance about the next steps in your creative development.
All ACE students are eligible to participate, and reviews are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Certificate students who have fulfilled their coursework requirements can register in advance.
For more information, visit saic.edu/ace and select Student Benefits.
Join us for a 1-day Portfolio Preparation Workshop on November 23. Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu or call 312.629.6170 to register.
“This may have been the best course I’ve taken at SAIC to date. I came in with a hyper-focused idea that I would know what I needed to present for SAIC’s Certificate Program Portfolio review, and that I should only focus on the program I am in—Graphic Design. What I got was way more information on how to have a more robust but still focused portfolio, and not just for this review, but for professional purposes outside of the school.”
—ACE student, Portfolio Preparation Workshop
Call 312.629.6170 or email cs@saic.edu.
Students must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Tuition
1-week and 2-weekend intensive course tuition: $750
10-week and 5-week course tuition (10 sessions): $625
5-week course tuition (5 sessions): $375
Portfolio Preparation Workshop tuition: $125
Students are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. A list of required items will be provided at the first course session, along with a syllabus.
Payment Options: We accept credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa).
Refund Policy
A 100 percent tuition refund will be issued if a course is dropped at least one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date.
All requests to drop a course must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, ID number, and course information. Refunds take four to six weeks to process.
Cancellation and Schedule Changes: We reserve the right to cancel or alter the fees, schedule, or staffing when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified prior to the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses will have the option of taking another class or receiving a full refund.
