Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Spring 2025 Brochure by School of the Art Institute of Chicago

SPRING 2025 Adult Continuing Education

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 community member, 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.

“This class fed my soul and it clearly did the same for others in the class as well. Everyone in the class also clearly improved over the 10 weeks, though we all wish we had more time! I looked forward to this class every week and I am so excited to finally be able to approach portraiture and have the tools to keep improving.”

—ACE student, Portrait Drawing

Scheduling Options to Meet Your Needs

You can take courses in person at our campus in Chicago’s Loop this spring 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 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 and face-to-face learning experiences with faculty members and fellow students.

“One of the best, most intelligent and informative courses I’ve ever taken. The perspective was broad and yet completely relative to today’s art world. And the instructor’s ability to translate such complicated and yet timely topics, and tracing through history, was truly fantastic.”

—ACE student, Who Pays for All of This?

Adult Continuing Education (ACE)

Spring 2025 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, = Hybrid

10-WEEK SESSION: February 1 to April 18, 2025; No class Thursday, March 20 - Sunday, March 23 (SAIC Spring Break)

Art History

Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism #2282 SA 2-4

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond #2281 F 12-2

Special Collections at AIC, SAIC, and Beyond #2284 TH 6-9

Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future #2283 SA 11-2

Fashion and Fibers

Fashion Illustration #2296 T 6-9

Fashion Medium: Embroidery, Embellishments, and Sewn Elements #2299 M 6-9

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2301 T 6-9

Patternmaking and Construction:

Above the Waist #2297 SA 1-4

Sewing Techniques: Below the Belt #2300 TH 6-9

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2298 SA 9-12

Graphic Design

Color Theory #2285 W 6-9

Creating Visual Language:

Designing Symbols, Icons, Logos, and Infographics #2309 TH 6-9

Design Matters #2286 TH 6-9

Digital Design:

Adobe Illustrator #2308 asynchronous

Digital Design: Adobe InDesign #2306 T 6-9

Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2305 SA 9-12

Introduction to Graphic Design #2302 M 6-9

Introduction to Graphic Design #2303 SU 10-1

Introduction to Typography #2307 SA 1-4

Interior Architecture

Color Theory #2285 W 6-9

Design Matters #2286 TH 6-9

Digital Drawing: Interior Design #2287 M 6-9

Interior Design Studio: Kitchens and Baths #2313 W 6-9

Introduction to Architecture #2280 T 6-9

Introduction to Interior Design #2311 TH 6-9

Introduction to Interior Design #2312 T 6-9

Painting and Drawing

Artist and the Sketchbook #2295 SA 9-12

Children’s Book Illustration #2310 T 6-9

Comics and Graphic Novels #2293 W 6-9

Drawing Studio: Multi-level #2292 TH 6-9

Introduction to Drawing #2291 SU 10-1

Introduction to Drawing #2321 SU 2-5

Introduction to Oil Painting #2317 SU 10-1

Introduction to Oil Painting #2322 SU 2-5

Narratives in Acrylic Painting #2315 M 6-9

Painting: Color and Light #2316 W 6-9

Painting Studio: Multi-level #2341 W 6-9

Portrait Drawing #2342 W 6-9

Photography

Introduction to Digital Photography #2318 M 6-9

Printmedia

Expanded Printmaking #2319 W 6-9

Writing

The Art of Creative Writing: Short Forms of Fiction and Poetry #2320 TH 6-9

SATURDAY WORKSHOP: MARCH 29, 2025

Interdisciplinary

Portfolio Preparation #2314

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Course Descriptions

For complete course details visit continuingstudies.saic.edu

Questions? Email cs@saic.edu or call 312.629.6170.

Key: = In-Person, = Online, = Hybrid

Art History

Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism #2282 SA 2-4, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

Develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and PostImpressionist art in the Art Institute of Chicago museum galleries. Discuss works by Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and van Gogh, among others.

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond #2281 F 12-2, 2/7-4/18, no class on 3/21

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 tracing breakthrough developments in drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture.

Special Collections at AIC, SAIC, and Beyond #2284 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Peek behind the curtain of the Art Institute of Chicago and view collections not available to the public! Admire and study a variety of art forms including paintings, photographs, artist books, videos, and more. Online sessions before each special collection visit will provide history and context.

Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future #2283 SA 11-2, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

This course explores the roots of art patronage using the Art Institute of Chicago’s collections and Chicago’s vibrant art community. It investigates larger issues within art valuations, including its ethical implications, repatriation, finance, psychology, and the personal perspectives of artists, curators, dealers, and collectors. Course activities include lectures, discussions, and visits to museums, galleries, collections, studios, and EXPO Chicago.

Fashion and Fibers

Fashion Illustration #2296 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Learn the skills needed to create evocative fashion illustrations. Gain inspiration from influential fashion illustrators as you explore fabric texture and draping, along with drawing principles including body proportions, movement, perspective, exaggeration, and stylization.

Fashion Medium: Embroidery, Embellishments, and Sewn Elements #2299 M 6-9, 2/3-4/7

Learn a variety of traditional and experimental techniques for fabric embellishment and manipulation, such as embroidery, cording, applique, trapunto, pleating, tucking, smocking, gathering, darting, and ribbon work as you create a sample book of foundation techniques and experiments, and produce your final project.

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2301 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Learn the cornerstone techniques of looming such as tapestry and plain weave to create surface, image, texture, and various color effects within a woven form on a frame loom.

Patternmaking and Construction:

Above the Waist #2297 SA 1-4, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

Learn industry-standard techniques to sew a button-down shirt and a lined, zippered shell. You will leave with the ability to transfer your skills to commercial patterns or personal designs.

Sewing Techniques: Below the Belt #2300 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Perfect the necessary techniques to assemble garments covering the lower half of the female form. Instruction will focus on developing skills to draft basic skirts and pants and create professional slopers, waistbands, pattern pockets, and fly fronts.

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2298 SA 9-12, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

SA 10-4

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.

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.

Graphic Design

Color Theory #2285 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

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.

Creating Visual Language: Designing Symbols, Icons, Logos, and Infographics #2309 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of shapes, symbols, and icons, tracing their evolution through history. Investigate brand identity, the art of crafting logos, and how to harness the psychology of color to evoke emotions and convey messages. You’ll also gain the skills to create compelling infographics and understand practical applications of Adobe Illustrator and stock images. Previous design experience is optional.

Design Matters

#2286 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

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 Design: Adobe Illustrator #2308 asynchronous, 2/3-4/11, no class 3/20-3/23

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 #2306 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Create and publish content for print and the internet! Format layouts to share in online publications or for printing a zine with InDesign. Explore the principal elements like paragraph, character, and object styles, layers, and more.

Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2305 SA 9-12, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

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

#2302 M 6-9, 2/3-4/7

#2303 SU 10-1, 2/2-4/13, no class on 3/23

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

Introduction to Typography

#2307 SA 1-4, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

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

Interdisciplinary

Portfolio Preparation

#2314 SA 10-4, 3/29

Open to students of all disciplines, this course will help you craft a digital portfolio that combines imagery, composition, text, and narrative to showcase your creativity, skills, and passions successfully. 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.

Interior Architecture

Color Theory

#2285 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

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

#2286 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Digital Drawing: Interior Design #2287 M 6-9, 2/3-4/7

Use 3D modeling software to bring your ideas into the digital space for potential clients and colleagues. Create a workflow for your interior design projects that includes space planning, furniture modeling, and applying materials for viewing and rendering using Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, and SU Podium.

Interior Design Studio: Kitchens and Baths #2313 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

This course is designed for intermediate and advanced students who desire to explore concept development and production skills tied to a specific area of interest or theme. It will help them refine the skills necessary to find unique design solutions.

Introduction to Architecture #2280 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Develop an understanding of architectural design and explore historical and contemporary architecture, freehand drawing, and representation.

Introduction to Interior Design #2311 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20 #2312 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Learn the essentials of designing and building an interior space and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality.

Painting and Drawing

Artist and the Sketchbook #2295 SA 9-12, 2/1-4/12, no class on 3/22

Investigate the personal nature of artists’ sketchbooks, develop drawings, collages, paintings, and notes to generate new ideas, and even build a handmade sketchbook.

Children’s Book Illustration #2310 T 6-9, 2/4-4/8

Develop freehand drawings and refine your ideas to produce your very own children’s book!

Comics and Graphic Novels #2293 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

Experiment with lines and techniques to develop your drawing skills and gain the tools to create and think critically about time-based sequential work.

Drawing Studio: Multi-level #2292 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Investigate new subjects and themes while developing technical and conceptual skills through experimentation with various methods and materials. Creative exploration will include exercises addressing scale, mixed-media processes, drawing formats, and series.

Introduction to Drawing #2291 SU 10-1, 2/2-4/13, no class on 3/23 #2321 SU 2-5, 2/2-4/13, no class on 3/23

Learn to draw in this beginner’s course to help you build foundational skills and understanding of line, perspective, composition, texture, light, and more.

Introduction to Oil Painting #2317 SU 10-1, 2/2-4/13, no class on 3/23 #2322 SU 2-5, 2/2-4/13, no class on 3/23 In this beginner’s course, you will learn how to stretch your canvas, lay out a palette, experiment with painting techniques, and mix colors. It is designed to provide you with the fundamentals.

Narratives in Acrylic Painting #2315 M 6-9, 2/3-4/7

Convey a compelling narrative through painting! Experiment with acrylic paints and surfaces to develop a personal approach to image making. Receive feedback and direction through dialogue, class discussions, and critiques to challenge your practice.

Painting: Color and Light #2316 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

Learn to paint form, space, and atmospheric effects by depicting light with color. Explore color theory, expression, and techniques by observing demonstrations and discussing schemes and properties.

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, = Hybrid

Painting Studio: Multi-level #2341 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

This multi-level course is intended for students with previous painting experience ready to take their work to the next level. Through instructor guidance and lively peer critiques, you will organize your ideas and create self-directed work in the media of your choice.

Portrait Drawing #2342 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

Work from a live model to observe and render the human face with graceful proportions in your drawings. Mediums in black-and-white and color are used as you explore the use of line, shape, light, and shadow to achieve a believable volumetric form.

Photography

Introduction to Digital Photography #2318 M 6-9, 2/3-4/7

Use a manual digital camera to learn the foundations of photography as you capture subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context.

Printmedia

Expanded Printmaking #2319 W 6-9, 2/5-4/9

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

The Art of Creative Writing: Short Forms of Fiction and Poetry #2320 TH 6-9, 2/6-4/17, no class on 3/20

Learn the basics of creative writing regardless of what form your work takes in this community workshop. Share your literary efforts, both raw and polished. Explore different poetic and fictional forms as you focus on finding, building, and developing your voice.

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 allow you to develop a contemporary art and design practice, explore new areas of study, expand your skill set, and 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, we did not design Adult Continuing Education noncredit certificates for remote completion. Coursework requirements may not be scheduled in the student’s preferred instructional mode, and required courses may not be available every term.

DRAWING CERTIFICATE

Studio courses (4) Four 30-hour courses from those listed under Certificate Drawing at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

Art history course (1) One 20- to 30-hour course under CS Art History