SAIC Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Brochure Fall 2023/Winter 2024

ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION

FALL 2023 + WINTER 2024

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING, OPEN TO STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS

EVENING AND WEEKEND COURSES FOR EVERYONE. OFFERED IN PERSON AND ONLINE.

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.

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.

“The course helped me realize the connections between artists and their work and the many different facets and ideas driving Modern and Contemporary Art. I came away with a greater appreciation of Contemporary Art, especially Conceptual Art.”

—ACE student, Modern to Contemporary Art: 1960 to the Present

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 one-on-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, as well as face-to-face learning experiences with faculty members and fellow students.

“Tina Brown is an outstanding teacher. The modules that she prepared for the class were over-the-top excellent ... on target with the course, informative, and paced well. I’ve never had a class as information-packed and organized. Also, I am now in love with the asynchronous course structure, whereby I could play back the lectures for thorough understanding. I now prefer this type of class format.”

—ACE student, Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator (asynchronous)

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Fall 2023 Courses

For complete course details, including description and instructor, visit continuingstudies.saic.edu Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170

Key: = In-Person, = Online Thanksgiving holiday break November 22-26

10-WEEK SESSION: SEPTEMBER 27 TO DECEMBER 10, 2023; no class November 22-26

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Winter 2024 Courses

2-WEEKEND SESSION: JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 21, 2024

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 #2405 SU 10-12, 10/1-10/29

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: American Art #2402 F 12-2, 9/29-12/8, no class 11/24

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond #2403 SA 2-4, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25

Observe, discuss and learn how to analyze a work of art in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing. Lectures and discussions give students insight into the context of the dawn of Modernism, exploring the work of Cezanne, Picasso, Braque, Matisse and others, and traces breakthrough developments in drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture.

Contemporary Art in Chicago #2404 SA 10-1, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25

5-WEEK SESSION: OCTOBER 1 TO OCTOBER 30, 2023 ART HISTORY

5-WEEK SESSION: NOVEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 10, 2023; no class November 22-26

Modern to Contemporary Art History: 1960s to the Present #2406

SATURDAY WORKSHOP: NOVEMBER 18, 2023

Investigate American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including but not limited to: Ivan Albright, Edward Hopper, Barbara Kruger, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood. Develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as you learn about the history, literature, music, and theater of the period in which it was created.

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 behindthe-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: 1960s to the Present #2406 SU 10-12, 11/5-12/10, no class 11/26

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, as well as those being made today.

Portfolio Preparation #2438 SA 10-4

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Course Descriptions

For complete course details visit continuingstudies.saic.edu. Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170

DESIGN

Color Theory

#2408 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

#2409 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

#1004 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/12-1/21

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.

Design Matters

#2410 TH 6-9, 9/28-12/7, no class 11/23

Discuss and analyze the principles of design through a survey of successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. Engage in lectures, readings, and discussions to discover a variety of approaches to problem-solving.

Design Process + Projects

#2419 M 6-9, 11/6-12/4

Investigate approaches to traditional design projects with a new sketching or model-making assignment each week focused on graphics, interiors, or objects.

Digital Drawing: Objects + Space

#2407 M 6-9, 10/2-12/4

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 SU Podium for renderings. This course is taught in Mac OS.

SketchUp for Interiors

#2417 M 6-9, 10/2-10/30

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.

DIGITAL

Game Design: Maya + Unity

#2411 asynchronous, 10/1-12/10 Design, develop, and create art for video games. Use industry-leading software Autodesk Maya and Unity to create 3D objects and integrate them into visually compelling environments. Explore interiors and exteriors, experiment with lighting, and develop complex soundscapes while enjoying the flexibility of an asynchronous online course. No prior experience is required.

DRAWING

Digital Drawing + Illustration

#2415 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

Develop ideas using traditional media, then translate them digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the digital programs as well as concept development as students create original characters and environments.

Introduction to Drawing

#2412 SU 10-1, 10/1-12/10, no class 11/26

#2413 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

#1005 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/12-1/21

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

#2414 M 6-9, 10/2-12/4

Working from the nude model, students will learn to draw the human figure from direct observation. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone will be addressed.

FASHION

Fashion Design

#2424 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

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

#2476 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

Perfect the necessary techniques to assemble garments that cover the lower half of the female form. Instruction will focus on developing skills to draft a basic skirt and pant, and develop professional slopers, waistbands, pattern pockets, and fly fronts.

Sewing Techniques: Above the Waist #2477 TH 6-9, 9/28-12/7, no class 11/23

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

#2421 SA 9-12, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25

#2422 SA 1-4, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25

#1006 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/12-1/21

#1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/12-1/21

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 MATERIAL STUDIES

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2425 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

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

#2433 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

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

#2428 SA 9-12, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25 #2432 asynchronous, 10/1-12/10

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 #2430 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

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

#2429 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

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 #2426 M 6-9, 10/2-12/4 #2427 SU 10-1, 10/1-12/10, no class 11/26 #1008 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5, 1/12-1/21

Investigate principles of design such as composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Introduction to Typography #2431 TH 6-9, 9/28-12/7, no class 11/23

Learn typographic history, type do’s and don’ts, type terminology, setting copy and display text, using style sheets, type styles, and handwriting and illustrative calligraphy in this working lab.

ILLUSTRATION

Digital Drawing + Illustration #2416 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

Develop ideas using traditional media, then translate them digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the digital programs as well as concept development as students create original characters and environments.

Introduction to Illustration #2434 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

Explore the illustration process, from ideation and freehand sketching to the final piece. Experiment with a variety of materials and styles, from traditional to digital and their hybrid.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Introduction to Interior Design #2435 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22 #2436 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

Learn the essentials to design, build an interior space, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality.

SketchUp for Interiors

#2418 M 6-9, 10/2-10/30

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.

Key: = In-Person, = Online

INTERDISCIPLINARY

Artist Materials and Techniques

#2437 M 6-9, 10/2-12/4

Explore two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional media as you produce work that explores personal research and interests and new modes of creative production.

Portfolio Preparation

#2438 SA 10-4, 11/18

Open to students of all disciplines, this course will help you craft a digital 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.

PAINTING

Contemporary Watercolor

#2439 SA 1-4, 9/30-12/9, no class 11/25

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, 1/12-1/21

Through demonstrations, individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, you will learn how to work with acrylic paints.

Introduction to Oil Painting

#2442 TH 6-9, 9/28-12/7, no class 11/23

#2443 SU 2-5, 10/1-12/10, no class 11/26

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

#2441 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

Explore traditional and contemporary painting materials and methods through demonstrations and in-class projects.

Water-Based Painting

#2440 T 6-9, 10/3-12/5

Discover traditional and non-traditional materials and methods used in water-based paintings. Students paint from observation and the imagination, using current artist practices and historical examples.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Digital Photography

#2444 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

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

#2445 W 6-9, 9/27-12/6, no class 11/22

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

#2446 TH 6-9, 9/28-12/7, no class 11/23

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 one or 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 a combination of six Adult Continuing Education noncredit courses unique to each discipline, including electives of their choice. They pay the same tuition for ACE courses as non-certificate students and are charged 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

Note: We offer courses in Chicago on our campus and online, however, Adult Continuing Education noncredit certificates were not designed to be completed remotely. Coursework requirements may not be scheduled in the student’s preferred instructional mode. Required courses may not be offered every term.

“I believe that having the opportunity to participate in a certificate program encouraged me to enroll in new courses, challenge myself more, and gave me the confidence to continue drawing. It also helped me to pace myself and make art a priority.”

—ACE Student, Drawing Certificate, 2022

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 2023 and Winter 2024 Drawing Certificate studio courses include Introduction to Drawing, Introduction to Figure Drawing, and Digital Drawing + Illustration. Art history courses: Art Survey at the AIC: American Art, Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond.

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 2023 and Winter 2024 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 2023 and Winter 2024 Graphic Design Certificate studio courses include Brand Identity Systems, Color Theory, Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator, Digital Design: Adobe InDesign, Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop, Game Design: Maya + Unity, 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 one of your required studio courses.

Elective (1) All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 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 2023 and Winter 2024 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: American Art, Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond

* It is strongly encouraged that students with little or no drawing experience take Introduction to Drawing, which can be used to fulfill the Painting Certificate elective requirement.

Portfolio Review Day

Saturday, December 2

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 are fulfilling their portfolio requirement will be allowed to register in advance.

For more information, visit saic.edu/ace and select Student Benefits.

“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

Join us for a 1-day Portfolio Preparation Workshop on November 18. Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu or call 312.629.6170 to register.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Register online at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

QUESTIONS? 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 (5 sessions): $375

Portfolio Preparation Workshop: $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. Refunds will not be issued if the instructional mode for a course changes from in-person to online due to health guidelines.

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

SAIC also offers courses for youth ages 4-18! Visit saic.edu/cs for more information.

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.