SPRING 2026
Adult Continuing Education
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
OPEN TO STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS
Evening and weekend courses offered in person or online. From beginner courses to advanced workshops taught by practicing artists in state-of-the-art facilities, there’s a creative outlet for you at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Enroll in an Adult Continuing Education (ACE) noncredit course (or two), or delve deeper in one of our certificate programs. As a community member, you will cultivate creative confidence, learning with and from your instructors and peers as you produce work based on your 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.
“In other classes I have taken, all of the feedback is positive. I appreciated the constructive and honest criticism during class discussions. As a new photographer, it gave me the opportunity to learn from my mistakes and improve. ” — ACE student, Expanded Printmaking
Scheduling Options to Meet Your Needs 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. The majority of online classes meet in real-time through dynamic video conference sessions, which include demonstrations and lectures, group discussions and critiques with peers, and one-onone 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.
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“As I am planning a second career as an online gallerist, this class was exactly the background information I needed. I learned about different art markets and talked with various gallery owners, collectors and artists.” — ACE student, Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future
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Adult Continuing Education (ACE)
Spring 2026 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
10-WEEK SESSION: February 7 to April 26, 2026;
No classes March 16 to March 22 (SAIC Spring Break) and April 4 to 5 (Easter)
Art History Art Survey at the AIC: American Art #2392 Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern #2391 NEW Highlights of the AIC: Shades of Blue #2515 Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future #2393
Interior Architecture Color Theory #2395 Design Matters #2396 Digital Drawing: Interior Design #2397 Interior Design Studio: Kitchens and Baths #2433 Introduction to Interior Design #2431 Introduction to Interior Design #2432
SA 2-4 F 12-2 TH 6-9
SA 11-2
Artist and the Sketchbook #2401 NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 Children’s Book Illustration #2430 Comics and Graphic Novels #2400 Digital Drawing + Illustration #2457 Drawing Studio: Multi-level #2399 Introduction to Drawing #2398 Introduction to Drawing #2402 Introduction to Oil Painting #2437 Introduction to Watercolor Painting #2460 Narratives in Acrylic Painting #2459 Painting: Color and Light #2435 Painting Studio: Multi-level #2447 Portrait Drawing #2446
T 6-9
M 6-9 T 6-9 SA 1-4 TH 6-9 SA 9-12
Graphic Design Color Theory #2395 Creating Visual Language: Designing Symbols, Icons, Logos, and Infographics #2429 Design Matters #2396 Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator #2458 Digital Design: Adobe InDesign #2426 Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2425 Digital Drawing + Illustration #2457 Introduction to Graphic Design #2423 Introduction to Graphic Design #2424
W 6-9
SA 9-12 M 6-9 T 6-9 W 6-9 T 6-9 M 6-9 SU 10-1 SU 2-5 SU 2-5 SU 10-1 M 6-9 W 6-9 W 6-9 W 6-9
Photography I ntroduction to Digital Photography #2439
TH 6-9 TH 6-9 SA 1-4 T 6-9 SA 9-12 T 6-9 M 6-9 M 6-9
W 6-9 TH 6-9 T 6-9
Painting and Drawing
Fashion and Fibers Fashion Illustration #2411 Fashion Medium: Embroidery, Embellishments, and Sewn Elements #2414 Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2419 Patternmaking and Construction: Above the Waist #2412 Sewing Techniques: Below the Belt #2415 Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2413
W 6-9 TH 6-9 M 6-9
M 6-9
Printmedia NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 Expanded Printmaking #2440
M 6-9 W 6-9
Writing
NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 The Art of Creative Writing: Short Forms of Fiction and Poetry #2444
M 6-9 TH 6-9
SATURDAY WORKSHOP: APRIL 11, 2026 Interdisciplinary Portfolio Preparation #2434
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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.
Key:
= In-Person,
= Online
ART HISTORY
FASHION AND FIBERS
Art Survey at the AIC: American Art #2392 SA 2-4, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 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.
Fashion Illustration
Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern #2391 F 12-2, 2/13-4/24, no class on 3/20 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. NEW Highlights of the AIC: Shades of Blue #2515 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 Venture across the Art Institute of Chicago’s diverse museum collection to explore how artists throughout time have employed and utilized blue as a concept. From Pablo Picasso to Ellsworth Kelly, blue is returned to time and again as a communicative tool. With no shortage of meanings—Chicago blues (music), snowy landscapes (temperature), melancholic atmospheres (emotion), navy (color)—prepare to relearn and see the art world anew. Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future #2393 SA 11-2, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 This course explores the roots of art collecting and patronage using the Art Institute of Chicago’s collections and Chicago’s vibrant art community. It investigates larger issues within collecting, 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.
#2411 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 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 #2414 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 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 #2419 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 Learn techniques to create surface, image, texture, and various color effects within a woven form on a frame loom. Patternmaking and Construction: Above the Waist #2412 SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 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: Below the Belt #2415 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 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: Fundamentals #2413 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 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.
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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
GRAPHIC DESIGN Color Theory #2395 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class on 3/18 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 #2429 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 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 #2396 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 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 #2458 SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 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 #2426 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 Learn how to use Adobe InDesign to create paragraph and character styles, object styles, master pages, and import graphics as you investigate many aspects of digital publishing. Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2425 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 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.
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Digital Drawing + Illustration #2457 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 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 Graphic Design #2423 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 #2424 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 Investigate design principles such as composition, color, and typography through a series of projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
INTERDISCIPLINARY Portfolio Preparation #2434 SA 10-4, 4/11 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 #2395 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no classes on 3/18 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 #2396 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 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: Interior Design #2397 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 Learn how to 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 #2433 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class on 3/18 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 Interior Design #2431 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 #2432 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 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 #2401 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25, no class on 3/21, 4/4 Investigate the personal nature of artists’ sketchbooks, develop drawings, collages, paintings, and notes to generate new ideas, and even build a handmade sketchbook. NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 Explore the exciting world of handmade artists’ books and zines! Use your preferred medium to develop content for your own artist’s books–drawing, painting, printing, writing, photography, or other experimental approaches–and explore additional processes like laser cutting and risograph printing to push your ideas further. Children’s Book Illustration #2430 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 This course introduces students to children’s book illustration, from ideation and freehand sketching to developing a finished product. Comics and Graphic Novels #2400 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class 3/18 Experiment with lines and techniques to develop your drawing skills and gain the tools to create and think critically about time-based sequential work. Digital Drawing + Illustration #2457 T 6-9, 2/10-4/21, no class on 3/17 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. Drawing Studio: Multi-level #2399 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 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 #2398 SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26, no class on 3/22, 4/5 #2402 SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26, no class on 3/22, 4/5 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 #2437 SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26, no class on 3/22, 4/5 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. Introduction to Watercolor Painting #2460 SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26, no class 3/22, 4/5 Learn how to paint with watercolors as you develop your personal style through wet and dry techniques, washes, color lifting, and glazing with a variety of subjects, including still-life, photographs, and more. Narratives in Acrylic Painting #2459 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class 3/16 Experiment with various acrylic paints, mediums, surfaces, and techniques to develop a personal approach to image-making. Through individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will receive feedback and direction on challenging their practice. Painting: Color and Light #2435 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class 3/18 Learn to paint form, space, and atmospheric effects by focusing on depicting light with color. Explore color theory in painting practices, emphasizing using color expressively. Painting techniques are demonstrated, and color effects, schemes, and properties will be discussed.
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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 Studio: Multi-level #2447 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class 3/18 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 #2446 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class 3/18 Working from a live model, you will focus on the proportional relationships of the human head and face to achieve a naturalistic resemblance in your drawings. Work in black and white and color as you explore the use of line, shape, light, and shadow to achieve a believable volumetric form.
PHOTOGRAPHY Introduction to Digital Photography #2439 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class 3/16 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 NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 Explore the exciting world of handmade artists’ books and zines! Use your preferred medium to develop content for your own artist’s books–drawing, painting, printing, writing, photography, or other experimental approaches–and explore additional processes like laser cutting and risograph printing to push your ideas further. Expanded Printmaking #2440 W 6-9, 2/11-4/22, no class 3/18 This course is designed to give a brief overview of basic printmaking processes, such as monotype, relief, image transfer, and basic screen printing. Each technique will be explored through an introductory project, culminating in one final personalized project at the end of the course.
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WRITING NEW Artists’ Books and Zines #2466 M 6-9, 2/9-4/20, no class on 3/16 Explore the exciting world of handmade artists’ books and zines! Use your preferred medium to develop content for your own artist’s books–drawing, painting, printing, writing, photography, or other experimental approaches–and explore additional processes like laser cutting and risograph printing to push your ideas further. The Art of Creative Writing: Short Forms of Fiction and Poetry #2444 TH 6-9, 2/12-4/23, no class on 3/19 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 Examine 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 noncertificate 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.
Elective (1)
All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Spring 2026 Drawing Certificate courses include Artist and the Sketchbook, Comics and Graphic Novels, Digital Drawing + Illustration, Drawing Studio: Multi-level, Introduction to Drawing, and Portrait Drawing. Art history courses: Art Survey at the AIC: American Art, Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern, Highlights of the AIC: Shades of Blue, and Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future.
FASHION CERTIFICATE Required course (1)
Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals
Studio courses (4)
Four 30-hour courses from those listed under Certificate Fashion at continuingstudies.saic.edu.
Elective (1)
All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Spring 2026 Fashion Certificate classes include Fashion Illustration, Fashion Medium: Embroidery, Embellishments, and Sewn Elements, Patternmaking and Construction: Above the Waist, Sewing Techniques: Below the Belt, and Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals.
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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 Certificate Graphic Design at continuingstudies.saic.edu.
Elective (1)
All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Spring 2026 Graphic Design Certificate Courses include Color Theory, Creating Visual Language: Designing Symbols, Icons, Logos, and Infographics, Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator, Digital Design: Adobe InDesign, Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop, and Introduction to Graphic Design.
INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATE Required course (1)
Design Matters
Studio courses (4)
Four 30-hour courses under Certificate Interior Design at continuingstudies.saic.edu.
Elective (1)
All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Spring 2026 Interior Design Certificate courses include Color Theory, Design Matters, Digital Drawing: Interior Design, Interior Design Studio: Kitchens and Baths, and Introduction to Interior Design.
PAINTING CERTIFICATE* Studio courses (4)
Four 30-hour courses under Certificate Painting at continuingstudies.saic.edu.
Art history course (1)
One 20- to 30-hour course under CS Art History.
Elective (1)
All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.
Spring 2026 Painting Certificate courses include Introduction to Oil Painting, Introduction to Watercolor Painting, Narratives in Acrylic Painting, Painting: Color and Light, and Painting Studio: Multi-level. Art history courses: Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern, Art Survey at the AIC: American Art, Highlights of the AIC: Shades of Blue, and Who Pays for All of This?: Art Collecting and Patronage for the Past, Present, and Future. * 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.
Did you know? SAIC also offers courses for youth ages 6-18! Visit saic.edu/cs for more information. 10 | saic.edu/ace
Portfolio Review Day Saturday, April 18
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 can register in advance to fulfill their portfolio requirement.
“This is such an important part of the certificate program. Don’t miss out on it.” —ACE student, Portfolio Preparation Workshop
Join us for a 1-day Portfolio Preparation Workshop on April 11. Email saic-ace@saic.edu to register or inquire.
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: $810 10-week course tuition: $675 Portfolio Preparation Workshop: $135 Students are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Supply lists for courses longer than one week are provided to students before the first week of class, along with a syllabus. Payment Options: We accept credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa).
Refund Policy A 100 percent tuition refund may be issued one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to cs@saic. edu and include the student’s name, 7-digit ID number, and course information. Refunds take four to six weeks to process. Note: Nonattendance does not constitute an official withdrawal, nor a cancellation of tuition and fees. 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. saic.edu/ace | 11
Ranked #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
Call 312.629.6170 or email cs@saic.edu.
Questions?
Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu to register today!
Classes begin in February.
Spring 2026
saic.edu/ace
Adult Continuing Education 116 South Michigan Avenue, 6th floor Chicago, IL 60603