Columbus Art Classes & Workshops

Young Artists Getting Started: Grades 1-4

Students in grades 1–4 are challenged to play with a wide variety of media while learning basic theory on shape and color. Classes are grouped by grade level (with individual classes for students in grades 1–4) and perfect for those seeking a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.

Art for Me and Art for We: Grades 5–6

In this multidisciplinary experience, students will create projects based on contemporary social issues framed by their vision for a better world. This course prioritizes learning through art, building community, and most importantly, hope. This class draws inspiration from youth activists such as Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, and Mari Copeny.

Dragons, Dice, and Design *NEW!* 

In this new course, 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!

2D Animation: Grades 7–9

Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animating 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.

3D Modeling: Grades 10–12 *NEW!*

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, environments design, and game design.

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 figure studies, life drawing, illustrative approaches, and other techniques. This course allows artists to explore different media all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.

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 paintings on location and still life 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.

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: $150* 

Class dates: Jan.20 - Feb.3, 2024

Explore typography, logos, commercial design, and more! Students in this class will have the opportunity to study basic graphic design techniques, software, and applications. This class will focus on graphic design tools within the Adobe Creative Suite.

Cost: $150*

Class dates: Feb.10 - Feb. 24, 2024

Today’s artists use digital portfolios to share their work with the world. Learn to create a professional web presence using industry-standard software. Design skills such as type, graphics and color theory will be explored while editing and preparing images for use online. Creativity and personalization are emphasized to achieve a unique representation of your artistic voice.

Cost: $150*

Class dates: Mar. 2 - Mar. 23, 2024 (no class March 16)

Enroll in all three courses (Digital Photography, Graphic Design, & Web portfolio) for $370

Explore the art of jewelry making using materials such as beads, wire, metal, and clay. This series of five workshops is designed for beginners and confident jewelry makers who wish to enhance their techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.

Cost: $175

Class dates: Jan. 20- Feb. 17, 2024

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 sewing basics, by hand and sewing machine, 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.

Cost: $175

Class dates: Jan. 20-Feb.17 2024

• Saturday Morning Art Classes run concurrently with college semesters, with one 10-week session in the fall and spring of each academic year. Creative Summer Workshops begin in the second week of June of each year and conclude in early July. 
• Each Saturday Morning Art Class and Creative Summer Workshops session will focus on the same subject for the duration of your registration.

• Registration for Saturday Morning Art Classes begins one month before registration closes. Registration for Saturday Morning Art Classes closes two weeks before the start of each session. Registration for Creative Summer Workshops begins in late March, with registration closing two weeks prior to each session.
• Due to the logistics of staffing, supply ordering, and class rosters, we are unable to accept new registrants past a program’s enrollment deadline. 

• The grade recommendations listed with each course are present 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.

• Refunds are granted according to the following policy: I understand that I may request to withdraw my student(s) from a course up to two weeks prior to the start of a class by emailing [email protected] for a refund of 100% minus a $25 administrative fee per course. There are no refunds thereafter. Nonattendance does not constitute a withdrawal. 
• Please note that classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. There is no administrative fee or other penalty applied to registrants who need to withdraw and receive a refund due to COVID-19 or other illness.

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

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

• 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. 

• 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.
• 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. For Saturday Morning Art Classes, students will take their work home with them after they visit the Saturday Morning Art Classes Exhibition.

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

• As a growing campus with frequent updates to our lab spaces, we often change where classes are held and where students should park. You will receive an email within two weeks of the start of your program with a campus map, pickup and dropoff instructions, and your classroom location.