Saturday Art Classes

Young Artists Getting Started [Sections A & B]

Bring your creative skills and get ready to discover your inner artistic voice! Young artists are challenged to play with a wide variety of media while learning basic theory on shape, color, pattern, and even design thinking. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.

Young Artists Finding Your Voice [Sections A & B]

Develop your unique artistic voice and hone creative skills! Young artists are challenged to explore different media while focusing on self-expression and personal artistic processes. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.

(Re) Imagination Station

This course will challenge students to innovate using common everyday items such as drinking straws, cardboard, and recyclable materials. Students will brainstorm, sketch, prototype, test, and reflect, revise, and construct original designs in this innovative workshop. Inventors will study sculpture and product design methods to make their own toys, vehicles, dimensional spaces, and more!

Character Design

Learn the basics of character design in this exciting class! Artists will consider shape, expression, and even species while creating characters inspired by the world around them. Study movies, television, and video games to learn how the professionals create the memorable characters we know and love.

Color Theory

Discover the secret life of colour through a variety of mediums. This course allows artists to explore color theory as a narrative practice as well as an expressive choice. Young artists will experiment with materials such as pastels, acrylic paint, and papercraft.

Digital Art

Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional arts.

Expressive Drawing

Develop your technique in this expressive art form through still life, contour drawing, perspective drawing, and other illustrative approaches. This course allows artists to explore different media all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.

Illustrated Comics

Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. This workshop will cover the necessary skills to bring your written stories and characters to life.

FabLab Exploration: Design & Prototype Workshop

Unleash your inner maker! This workshop will offer an introduction to our campus fabrication studio hub through dynamic projects that will have students learning how to use tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and more. Through design research and hands-on training in a combination of computer and fabrication lab settings, students will learn how to bring their prototypes to life!

2D Animation

Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animation tools. Learn to animate objects and characters using basic walk and morph cycles. Fundamentals of animation, including character design, timing, and movement, will be introduced along with skill-building exercises for drawing and animating the human body. Mastering 2D animation basics lays a foundation for continued work in creating the illusion of movement.

Experimental Illustration: From 2D to 3D

Formerly titled “3D Illustration”, this class teaches foundational drawing techniques that take images from the page to 3D objects. Experiment with mixed media techniques, collage, clay, and more as we learn and bend the rules of developing characters and artistic storytelling.

Digital Art

Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional art.

Digital Comics

Computer technology merges traditional comics illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist to this popular platform. Storytelling and character design will be emphasized while reviewing the history of digital comics. Utilizing digital tools allows for faster changes to panels and a format that makes it easy to share finished work.

Dragons, Dice, and Design

Young artists and designers will learn about character and creature design, world-building, and game strategy. Students will develop design thinking skills and foundational art skills as they learn—and have fun!—through game design. Perfect for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and role-playing games!

Expressive Drawing

Take drawing techniques to the next level by creating personal narrative works. Delve into a study of the variety of materials that can be used to express yourself through drawing. You’ll explore charcoal, Conté crayon, ink, and toned papers while practicing silhouette and shapes. Learning when and how to combine drawing techniques and materials for your own desired effect will help reveal your aesthetic voice.

Foundations of Painting

Foundations of Painting expands students’ understanding of color and technique through a variety of paint materials. Traditional painting techniques as well as experimentation are used to guide students toward greater confidence in their medium and in their ability to create unique, expressive works.

Intro to Costume Design and Cosplay Crafting

Students will begin by researching existing or developing original characters through material research, sketching, and model making. From there, students can craft costume elements such as props, jewelry, or wearable clothing using materials and techniques from the world of cosplay.

Intro to Fashion Design

It’s time to give clothing an upgrade. By exploring skills such as fashion illustration, design research, basic sewing and embroidery, and garment upcycling, this course will have you thinking like a designer as you develop your personal style!

Digital Sculpting & 3D Modeling

Students learn, practice, and utilize 3D modeling software for generation of form, character, and building environments. Includes conceptualization, development, and final delivery of 3D models. Perfect course for those interested in animation, 3D printing, environmental design, and game design.

Concept Art - Exploring Fantasy & Science Fiction 

The most elaborate Science Fiction and Fantasy worlds often start with concept art. Bring your creative vision to life using a variety of mediums and learn how artists take their concepts from first sketches to fully-realized projects. A great fit for those interested in storytelling, character design, environment design, and the fantastical intersection between art and technology.

Stop Motion Animation

Life is full of movement! You’ll learn how to capture it in this unique hands-on animation workshop. Students will work with experimental forms (think claymation, 2D paper forms, or other forms of animation made with unexpected materials) and industry-grade software to develop unique characters and animated shorts. Students will have the incredible advantage of making these works using state-of-the-art animation facilities, with the support of an expert instructor.

Digital Painting

In this workshop, students will utilize computer-based drawing programs and techniques to create digital paintings. Projects that demonstrate the process of creating concept art and painted illustrations will allow students to grow in their ability to create dynamic compositions and lighting while exploring the expressive powers of colors and perspective. This workshop will have a strong focus on more niche digital techniques, like blending, photo-bashing, keyboard shortcuts, and photo editing skills.

Ceramics

This course provides a foundational exploration of design and structure, wheel throwing techniques, hand building, and sculpture. Artists will experience exercises designed to encourage creativity and craftsmanship while developing a repertoire of methods for working with clay.

Drawing

Hone your technique in this expressive art form through still life drawing, illustrative approaches, perspective drawing, and other techniques. This course allows artists to explore different media, all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.

Figure Drawing

This foundational course offers the opportunity to learn how short-term speed drawings and sustained life drawing studies can develop your skills as an artist. Explore different artistic media and objects while gaining confidence in anatomy, expression, and gesture with life models and challenges that strengthen artists at all levels. Live, clothed figure models will attend many class sessions, but not all lessons will make use of a live model.

Oil Painting

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape, still life, and portrait paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with oils are included.

Watercolor Painting

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings on location and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with watercolor paints are included.

NEW: Welcome to the Woodshop

Learn fundamental woodworking techniques as you create objects from scratch in this new course! Work with hand tools and learn how to safely operate specialized equipment such as a bandsaw and a drill press in CCAD’s woodshop as you explore this versatile craft.

Jewelry Design: Getting Started (5-Week Workshop)

Use professional-grade tools such as saws, drills, torches, and presses to make lasting, one-of-a-kind jewelry in this series of five workshops. With a focus on metalwork and foundational skill-building, this class is designed for beginners through confident jewelry makers who wish to enhance their techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Sewing & Mending (5-Week Workshop)

Learn about visible mending traditions and techniques and hone your skills to transform or extend the life of a garment. This workshop series will cover the basics of hand and machine sewing to help you understand the construction and care of your favorite fabrics. Students will leave with a foundational understanding of garment construction, care, and mending techniques.

*Please note that the classroom space for this workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to [email protected] with any concerns.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Printmaking Studio (5-Week Workshop)

With a focus on block printing, this 5-week course introduces students to the rich world of printmaking. Carve your own designs in linoleum and explore layers, colors, and texture as you produce one-of–a-kind prints in CCAD’s specialized printmaking lab.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Digital Photography (5-Week Workshop)

In Digital Photography, students will investigate photographic techniques and aesthetic principles of subject, light, and composition. Students will learn fundamental techniques of photographic artmaking for still photography. They will have a deeper understanding of how to use the settings of their DSLR or smartphone camera to create successful images, be able to composite aesthetically pleasing images, and edit images in the student's own artistic style.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Creative Fibers & Fiber Surface Design (5-Week Workshop)

Join us in the surface design laboratory as we explore the world of textile modification and fiber art, including felting, dyeing, distress/repair, and printmaking techniques. By using materials like natural fibers, dyes, paints, threads, and beads, students will learn to enhance the visual appeal of everyday fabrics and objects.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Crochet for Beginners (5-Week Workshop)

Students will learn the foundations of crochet, including how to use a crochet hook, create a variety of stitches, read patterns, and experiment with colorwork. Through engaging, small-scale projects, crafters will learn how to crochet flat works and in the round.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Special Effects Makeup (5-Week Workshop)

Interested in the performing arts, or just ready to take your costume skills to the next level? This course teaches how to fabricate and apply synthetic flesh wounds, cuts, bruises, and fantastical creature design elements just like SFX artists do on Hollywood movie sets. Students will also research popular SFX artists and create makeup looks influenced by their iconic designs.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Intro to Film Photography (5-Week Workshop)

Prepare to create original images with meaning as you develop your technical skills in traditional film photography! In addition to exploring how essential elements of art like composition, line, value, and space help artists capture more dynamic images, this course will teach you all the basics from start to finish, including 35mm camera controls, B&W film processing, and darkroom processing techniques. Designed for students new to film photography, as well as more experienced photographers looking to reconnect with traditional practices.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Jewelry Design: Advanced Workshop (5-Week Workshop)

Move beyond the foundational techniques taught in our introductory course and tackle even more ambitious projects in our professional-grade jewelry studio! Hammer, saw, file, anneal, and solder metal into beautiful, wearable art that expresses your distinct style.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Intro to Garment Construction (5-Week Workshop)

In this course, you'll expand on the sewing skills taught in our Sewing & Mending workshop to master garment-making techniques, including pattern reading, size charts, elastic sewing, and pocket construction. By the end of the class, you'll have a finished garment and the confidence to tackle more sewing projects on your own!

*Please note that the classroom space for this workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to [email protected] with any concerns.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Bookbinding & Art Journaling (5-Week Workshop)

Whether it’s full of doodles, observational drawings, poems, or unstructured musings, a journal can become a valued piece of an artist’s creative practice. Learn how to construct and bind your own journal or sketchbook using a variety of traditional bookbinding techniques and embark on your own art journaling journey.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Ceramics

This course provides a foundational exploration of design and structure, wheel throwing techniques, hand building, and sculpture. Artists will experience exercises designed to encourage creativity and craftsmanship while developing a repertoire of methods for working with clay.

Drawing

Hone your technique in this expressive art form through still life drawing, illustrative approaches, perspective drawing, and other techniques. This course allows artists to explore different media, all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.

Figure Drawing

This foundational course offers the opportunity to learn how short-term speed drawings and sustained life drawing studies can develop your skills as an artist. Explore different artistic media and objects while gaining confidence in anatomy, expression, and gesture with life models and challenges that strengthen artists at all levels. Live, clothed figure models will attend many class sessions, but not all lessons will make use of a live model.

Oil Painting

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape, still life, and portrait paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with oils are included.

Watercolor Painting

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings on location and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with watercolor paints are included.

NEW: Welcome to the Woodshop

Learn fundamental woodworking techniques as you create objects from scratch in this new course! Work with hand tools and learn how to safely operate specialized equipment such as a bandsaw and a drill press in CCAD’s woodshop as you explore this versatile craft.

Jewelry Design: Getting Started (5-Week Workshop)

Use professional-grade tools such as saws, drills, torches, and presses to make lasting, one-of-a-kind jewelry in this series of five workshops. With a focus on metalwork and foundational skill-building, this class is designed for beginners through confident jewelry makers who wish to enhance their techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Sewing & Mending (5-Week Workshop)

Learn about visible mending traditions and techniques and hone your skills to transform or extend the life of a garment. This workshop series will cover the basics of hand and machine sewing to help you understand the construction and care of your favorite fabrics. Students will leave with a foundational understanding of garment construction, care, and mending techniques.

*Please note that the classroom space for this workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to [email protected] with any concerns.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Printmaking Studio (5-Week Workshop)

With a focus on block printing, this 5-week course introduces students to the rich world of printmaking. Carve your own designs in linoleum and explore layers, colors, and texture as you produce one-of–a-kind prints in CCAD’s specialized printmaking lab.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Digital Photography (5-Week Workshop)

In Digital Photography, students will investigate photographic techniques and aesthetic principles of subject, light, and composition. Students will learn fundamental techniques of photographic artmaking for still photography. They will have a deeper understanding of how to use the settings of their DSLR or smartphone camera to create successful images, be able to composite aesthetically pleasing images, and edit images in the student's own artistic style.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Creative Fibers & Fiber Surface Design (5-Week Workshop)

Join us in the surface design laboratory as we explore the world of textile modification and fiber art, including felting, dyeing, distress/repair, and printmaking techniques. By using materials like natural fibers, dyes, paints, threads, and beads, students will learn to enhance the visual appeal of everyday fabrics and objects.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Crochet for Beginners (5-Week Workshop)

Students will learn the foundations of crochet, including how to use a crochet hook, create a variety of stitches, read patterns, and experiment with colorwork. Through engaging, small-scale projects, crafters will learn how to crochet flat works and in the round.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

NEW: Special Effects Makeup (5-Week Workshop)

Interested in the performing arts, or just ready to take your costume skills to the next level? This course teaches how to fabricate and apply synthetic flesh wounds, cuts, bruises, and fantastical creature design elements just like SFX artists do on Hollywood movie sets. Students will also research popular SFX artists and create makeup looks influenced by their iconic designs.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Intro to Film Photography (5-Week Workshop)

Prepare to create original images with meaning as you develop your technical skills in traditional film photography! In addition to exploring how essential elements of art like composition, line, value, and space help artists capture more dynamic images, this course will teach you all the basics from start to finish, including 35mm camera controls, B&W film processing, and darkroom processing techniques. Designed for students new to film photography, as well as more experienced photographers looking to reconnect with traditional practices.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Jewelry Design: Advanced Workshop (5-Week Workshop)

Move beyond the foundational techniques taught in our introductory course and tackle even more ambitious projects in our professional-grade jewelry studio! Hammer, saw, file, anneal, and solder metal into beautiful, wearable art that expresses your distinct style.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Intro to Garment Construction (5-Week Workshop)

In this course, you'll expand on the sewing skills taught in our Sewing & Mending workshop to master garment-making techniques, including pattern reading, size charts, elastic sewing, and pocket construction. By the end of the class, you'll have a finished garment and the confidence to tackle more sewing projects on your own!

*Please note that the classroom space for this workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Please reach out to [email protected] with any concerns.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Bookbinding & Art Journaling (5-Week Workshop)

Whether it’s full of doodles, observational drawings, poems, or unstructured musings, a journal can become a valued piece of an artist’s creative practice. Learn how to construct and bind your own journal or sketchbook using a variety of traditional bookbinding techniques and embark on your own art journaling journey.

Cost: $250
Class dates: Sep. 19–Oct. 17

Students will often have the opportunity to take work home with them, either physically or by uploading their digital work to a USB drive or digital storage drive. All final projects can be gathered after they visit the Saturday Art Class Exhibition.

No. Due to the logistics of staffing, supply ordering, and organizing class rosters, we are unable to accept new registrants past a program’s enrollment deadline.

For Saturday Art Classes, registration:

• opens about six weeks prior to the session start date

• closes two weeks before the start of each session

Ex: For a program starting February 27, registration opens January 13 and closes February 13.

Refer to the schedule for a list of upcoming programs.

The grade recommendations listed with each course are included to help enrollees make the best decisions regarding the needs of their young artists and are not mandatory.

Please note that we do not allow students younger than 10 in our digital classrooms.

Our classes are designed to accommodate learners of all skill levels and prior experience. If you or your young artist would like increased rigor and independence while utilizing our professional studio spaces, please discuss these needs with your instructor.

Programs within Youth & Community Learning at CCAD are enrichment-oriented classes designed to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

We do not offer certificates of completion for any Youth & Community Learning Programs. If you would like a letter of recommendation after completing a course, please contact your instructor.

The tuition fees for all Youth & Community Learning programs are inclusive of material fees. You do not need to bring any additional materials to class, unless you have your own supplies you would prefer to work with.

You will be notified of your scholarship status at least one week before the start of the program session.

Each scholarship offer is contingent upon the class and program specified in your award email. Scholarships cannot be applied to other classes and sessions outside the specified program detailed in your scholarship offer.

We have two options for scholarship applicants looking for a seat in our programs.

You can either register and pay for the class, and you will be offered a refund if awarded a scholarship, or you can enter a wait list for the class you are interested in.

However, if that class fills, your scholarship amount will be applied to a class with seats available.

Alumni and Veterans both receive a 10% discount and the codes can be obtained by contacting our department directly at [email protected].

We’ll reach out with a welcome email and classroom roster within two weeks of classes starting. Your instructor will follow up shortly thereafter with a personal welcome email and a syllabus.

You will receive an email within two weeks of the start of the program with a campus map, your classroom location and, if applicable, pickup and dropoff instructions.