SAIC Adult Continuing Education Fall 2025: Early Bird by School of the Art Institute of Chicago

FALL 2025 + WINTER 2026

OPEN TO STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS

10% TUITION DISCOUNT when enrolling from July 15-29

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.

“This is one of the best things I’ve spent my money on in some time. I felt like I was able to grow as an artist in ways that I was not able to while working independently. The lessons learned here will help me not only in my creative life but also to convey ideas professionally.” —ACE student, Introduction to Drawing

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] helped me think about art, space, and objects in a more technical way but also exercising a more digital approach to creating things (objects, space, art) which I have never done before!”

—ACE student, Digital Drawing: Objects + Space

“The class was well organized, well delivered and the instructor was clearly very knowledgable. I taught in Universities for 30 years before retiring. This class was outstanding.”

—ACE student, Contemporary Watercolor

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Fall 2025 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: September 29 to December 14, 2025

No class from November 24 to November 30 (Thanksgiving break).

Art History

Art History from the Ground Up #2489 SU 11-1

Art Survey at the AIC: American Art #2417 F 12-2

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond #2418 SA 2-4

Contemporary Art in Chicago #2419 SA 11-2

Fashion and Fibers

Fashion Design #2437 T 6-9

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving #2442 T 6-9

Patternmaking and Construction: Below the Belt #2433 SA 9-12

Sewing Techniques: Above the Waist #2436 TH 6-9

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2434 M 6-9

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #2435 SA 1-4

Graphic Design

Brand Identity Systems #2450 W 6-9

Color Theory #2421 W 6-9

Color Theory #2422 W 6-9

Design Matters #2423 TH 6-9

Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator #2479 SA 9-12

Digital Design: Adobe InDesign #2480 TH 6-9

Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop #2447 M 6-9

Digital Drawing + Illustration #2427 W 6-9

Introduction to Graphic Design #2445 TH 6-9

Introduction to Graphic Design #2446 SU 10-1

Introduction to Typography #2448 T 6-9

Interior Architecture

Color Theory #2421 W 6-9

Color Theory #2422 W 6-9

Design Matters #2423 TH 6-9

Digital Drawing: Objects + Space #2420 M 6-9

Introduction to Architecture #2478 T 6-9

Introduction to Interior Design #2453 W 6-9

Introduction to Interior Design #2454 T 6-9

Introduction to Interior Design #2455 SA 9-12

Painting and Drawing

Artist and the Sketchbook #2481 SA 9-12

Contemporary Watercolor #2458 SA 1-4

Digital Drawing + Illustration #2427 W 6-9

Introduction to Drawing #2424 SU 10-1

Introduction to Drawing #2425 T 6-9

Introduction to Figure Drawing #2426 M 6-9

Introduction to Illustration #2451 T 6-9

Introduction to Oil Painting #2461 TH 6-9

Introduction to Oil Painting #2462 SU 2-5

Painting: Materials and Methods #2460 W 6-9

Pigment Painting—from Lascaux to Tibet #2488

Water-Based Painting #2459 T 6-9

Photography

Introduction to Photography #2464 M 6-9

Printmedia

Experimental Printmaking #2465 W 6-9 Writing Editing for Writers #2471 TH 6-9

SATURDAY WORKSHOP: November 22, 2025

Interdisciplinary

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Winter 2026 Courses

2-WEEKEND SESSION: January 9 to January 18, 2026

Fashion and Fibers

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals #1004 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

Graphic Design

Color Theory #1002 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5 Color Theory #1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

Introduction to

Design #1005 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

Interior Architechture Color Theory #1002 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5 Color Theory #1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

SketchUp for Interiors #1008 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

Painting and Drawing

Explorations in Acrylics #1006 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5

Introduction to Drawing #1003 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

Fall 2025

10-Week Session: September 29 to December 14, 2025

No class from November 24 to November 30 (Thanksgiving break).

Art History

Art History from the Ground Up #2489 SU 11-1, 10/5-12/14, no class on 11/30

From cave paintings to contemporary art, this lively introduction to a complex discipline explores how art reflects—and reshapes—the world around us. Along the way, we’ll explore the question that every artwork invites us to ask: “What does it mean?”

Art Survey at the AIC: American Art #2417 F 12-2, 10/3-12/12, no class on 11/28

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.

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond #2418 SA 2-4, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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.

Contemporary Art in Chicago #2419 SA 11-2, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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.

= In-Person | = Online

Fashion and Fibers

Fashion Design

#2437 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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.

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

#2442 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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.

Patternmaking and Construction:

Below the Belt

#2433 SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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 develop professional slopers, waistbands, pattern pockets, and fly fronts.

Sewing Techniques: Above the Waist #2436 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27

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

#2434 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24 #2435 SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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

Brand Identity Systems

#2450 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

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.

Color Theory

#2421 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

#2422 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

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

#2423 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27

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 #2479 SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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 #2480 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27

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 #2447 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24

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.

Digital Drawing + Illustration #2427 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

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 #2445 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27 #2446 SU 10-1, 10/5-12/14, no class on 11/30

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

Introduction to Typography #2448 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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.

Interior Architecture

Color Theory #2421 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26 #2422 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

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

#2423 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27

Digital Drawing: Objects + Space

#2420 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24

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. This course is taught on Mac OS.

Introduction to Architecture

#2478 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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

Introduction to Interior Design

#2453 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26 #2454 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25 #2455 SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

Learn the essentials to design and build an interior space, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. = In-Person | = Online

Interdisciplinary

Portfolio Preparation #2456 SA 10-4, 11/22

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.

Painting and Drawing

Artist and the Sketchbook #2481 SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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

Contemporary Watercolor #2458 SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, no class on 11/29

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.

Digital Drawing + Illustration #2427 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

Introduction to Drawing #2424 SU 10-1, 10/5-12/14, no class on 11/30 #2425 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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 Figure Drawing #2426 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24

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.

Introduction to Illustration #2451 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

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.

Introduction to Oil Painting #2461 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27 #2462 SU 2-5, 10/5-12/14, no class on 11/30

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

#2460 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

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

Pigment Painting—from Lascaux to Tibet #2488 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24

This course will introduce students to the process, material, and history of painting with organic and inorganic pigments. The basis of study will be the prehistoric cave paintings that date back between 10,000 and 40,000 years and related schools of art, from Lascaux caves to mineral-based traditional pigment painting methods in Japan, Tibet, and India. Students will be introduced to techniques of foraging and harvesting earth pigments from natural surroundings, and this course will culminate in a presentation of completed work.

Water-Based Painting

#2459 T 6-9, 9/30-12/9, no class on 11/25

Discover traditional and non-traditional materials and methods used in water-based paintings, you paint 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

#2464 M 6-9, 9/29-12/8, no class on 11/24

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

#2465 W 6-9, 10/1-12/10, no class on 11/26

Learn do-it-yourself printmaking techniques that do not require 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

#2471 TH 6-9, 10/2-12/11, no class on 11/27

Whether penning the Next Great American Novel or preparing a writing sample for a fellowship, grant, or MFA application, you will gain insightful feedback through workshopping new or existing 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 = In-Person | = Online

Winter 2026 Classes

2-Weekend Session: January 9 to January 18, 2025

Fashion and Fibers

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals

#1004 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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.

Graphic Design

Color Theory

#1002 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

#1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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.

Introduction to Graphic Design

#1005 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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

Interior Architecture

Color Theory

#1002 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

#1007 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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.

SketchUp for Interiors

#1008 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

This introduction to SketchUp, a 3D modeling and visualization tool for interior design, teaches you how to model and modify rooms, furniture, cabinets, and other elements.

Painting and Drawing

Explorations in Acrylics

#1006 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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

Introduction to Drawing

#1003 F 6-9, SA 9-4, SU 10-5; 1/9-1/18

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

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.

“Completion of the Certificate Program gives me a sense of accomplishment and self satisfaction that I am serious about the practice of my art. Family and colleagues who are aware of my participation in the program are impressed with my participation and completion especially in light of SAIC’s reputation. I’m getting more of a sense of validation of my work to this point. This is critical to my confidence in myself and willingness to continue my practice.” —ACE Painting Certificate student

DRAWING CERTIFICATE

Studio courses (4)

Art history course (1)

Elective (1)

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

One 30-hour course under the subject heading CS Art History

All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2025 and winter 2026 Drawing Certificate studio courses include Artist and the Sketchbook, Digital Drawing + Illustration, Introduction to Drawing, and Introduction to Figure Drawing. Art history courses: Art History from the Ground Up, Art Survey at the AIC: American Art, Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond, and Contemporary Art in Chicago.

FASHION CERTIFICATE

Required course (1)

Studio courses (4)

Elective (1)

Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals

Four 30-hour courses from those listed under Certificate Fashion at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2025 and winter 2026 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

GRAPHIC DESIGN CERTIFICATE

Required course (1) Introduction to Graphic Design

Studio courses (4)

Elective (1)

Four 30-hour courses from those listed under Certificate Graphic Design at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2025 and winter 2026 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 Certificate Interior Design at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

Elective (1)

All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2025 and winter 2026 Interior Design Certificate studio courses include Color Theory, Design Matters, Digital Drawing: Objects + Space, Introduction to Architecture, Introduction to Interior Design, and SketchUp for Interiors.

PAINTING CERTIFICATE*

Studio courses (4)

Art history course (1)

Elective (1)

Four 30-hour courses under Certificate Painting at continuingstudies.saic.edu.

One 30-hour course under the subject heading CS Art History.

All 30-hour Adult Continuing Education courses are eligible electives for all certificates.

Fall 2025 and winter 2026 Painting Certificate studio courses include Contemporary Watercolor, Explorations in Acrylic Painting, Introduction to Oil Painting, Painting: Materials and Methods, Pigment Painting—from Lascaux to Tibet, and Water-Based Painting. Art history courses: Art History from the Ground Up, Art Survey at the AIC: American Art, Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond, 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 6

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.

Join us for a 1-day Portfolio Preparation Workshop on November 22.

Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu or call 312.629.6170 to register.

“The class helped me see that I had unlimited options in terms of how I wanted to talk about my work. It helped me to be brave.”

—ACE student, Portfolio Preparation Workshop

Registration Information

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 and 5-week course tuition (10 sessions): $675

Portfolio Preparation Workshop tuition: $135

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

July 15-29: When registering online, a 10% tuition discount is available for fall ACE classes.

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.