Columbus Art Classes & Workshops

Saturday Morning Art Classes 

CCAD's popular Saturday Morning Art Classes run concurrently with the college semester, with one 10-week session in the spring and fall. During the session, students will have the chance to dive into their medium of choice, with classes ranging from traditional arts to art & technology. The session will culminate in a student exhibition, where we will showcase artworks from all ages and mediums in one space!

Registration:
Nov. 8, 2023–Jan. 5, 2024

Class dates:
Saturdays, Jan. 20–April 6, 2024
9–11:30 a.m. 
No classes Saturday, March 16, and Saturday, March 30

Cost:
$370 per session
Includes all materials, access to studio spaces, and cost of instruction.

Scholarship Opportunities


Enroll Today - Here's How

Step 1: Explore Classes

Use the dropdown below to select the appropriate grade level and then choose the corresponding session week for enrollment.

Looking for Saturday morning sessions for adults?

 


Youth Art Classes

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.


(Re) Imagination Station: Grades 3-4

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 industrial and product design to make their own toys, vehicles, and more

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.


Character Design: Grades 5–6

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: Grades 5–6

Discover the secret life of color 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 papercraft and materials such as pastels and acrylic paint.


Digital Art: Grades 5–6

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: Grades 5–6

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


Illustrated Comics: Grades 5–6

Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. Students will explore everything from costumed gesture drawing to designing and constructing 3D characters from Sculpey. This workshop will cover the necessary skills to bring doodles of superheroes or characters to life.


Prototype Hype: Grades 5–6 *NEW!*

Designers are always coming up with new ways, or improving old ways, of doing things. Investigate contemporary innovations in design, learn about how interior architecture and product designworks, and create your own prototypes to bring your wildest ideas to life! Students will take home research, concept design, and a final design prototype at the end of this course, and learn how to use systems and machines like laser cutters and 3D printers.

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 Illustration: Grades 7–9

Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. Students will explore everything from costumed gesture drawing to designing and constructing 3D characters from Sculpey. This workshop will cover the skills to bring doodles of superheroes or fantasy characters to life.


Digital Art: Grades 6-8

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: Grades 7-9

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 faster changes to panels and a format that makes it easy to share finished work.


Expressive Drawing: Grades 7–9

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 with 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: Grades 7–9

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 Fashion Design: Grades 7–9

It’s time to give clothing an upgrade. Learn to design and construct totally new, one-of-a-kind garments and accessories from patterns, scratch, and existing clothing. Using the latest fashion trends as inspiration, skills learned in this workshop will allow you to give your wardrobe a makeover.


Creative Writing: Grades 7-9

Students often have the opportunity to experience expository writing in the classroom but have little time to develop imaginative writing. Promoting self-expression, exploring various writing styles, and creating variety in diction, sentence structure, and format, students will develop a creative outlet through writing experiences in fiction and/or nonfiction.

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.


Art & Storytelling: Grades 10–12 *NEW!*

Participants will explore visual storytelling through narrative art, visual poetry, and solo and group story creation. Using drawing, painting, graphic novel design, and basic bookmaking, participants will create both quick and multi-session projects. Artists will experiment with logical and illogical/surreal art and practice skills like asking questions, imagining narratives, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.


Figure Drawing: Grades 10–12

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.


Illustration: Grades 10–12

Develop your own illustration style while exploring the various media--both 2D and digital--that illustration can offer. Learn how to prepare work for print and digital publications while balancing creativity and technical skill in software such as Adobe Illustrator.


Ceramics: Grades 10–12 

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: Grades 10–12 

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: Grades 10–12 

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: Grades 10–12 

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.

Adult Art Classes

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.

Skill-Building Workshops For Teens & Adults

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


Step 2: Enroll

After selecting which course and session week you'd like to enroll in, use the button below to sign up and enter your enrollment information.


Step 3: All set!

After enrolling, you'll receive a confirmation email for your records. One week prior to the start of class, you'll receive additional information about the syllabus, map of the campus, parking, and other important details for the workshop.


Refund Policy

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 cancelled due to low enrollment. Registrants with cancelled sections will be offered an alternative class section for their young artist, or a full refund for their class registration. Our staff will contact registrants no later than five days before the start of the scheduled session.

Scholarship Opportunities


Need-based scholarship: Pat & Hank Brooks Scholarship

Submission form for Need-Based financial assistance for Saturday Morning Art Classes (SMAC) at Columbus College of Art & Design

Please follow this link to complete


Merit-based scholarship

This scholarship, generously endowed by Rebecca and Sheldon Taft, seeks to support young artists and designers who would benefit from foundational art skills such as drawing and painting.

To apply, please provide a brief explanation on behalf of your young artist or designer stating how this scholarship would support their development in foundational art skills through Saturday Morning Art Classes.

Please follow this link to complete


Want to learn more about future classes? 

 


Youth Program FAQ

  • 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.

Other Programs

Creative Summer Workshops

Please note: Creative Summer Workshops enrollment will open January 9, 2024.

Columbus College of Art & Design’s Creative Summer Workshops offer the perfect way for kids, teens, and adults to explore their creativity.

Classes include art and design for young artists, botanical art, printmaking, fashion design, animation, 3D illustration, digital comics, painting, puppetry, game development, and much more.

Program fee: $225 per class, $75 lunchtime care per enrollee 

 


CCAD College Preview

Please note: College Preview 2024 enrollment will open November 15, 2024. 

High school students grades 10 through 12 considering a future in art and design can get a taste of what college is like while also earning three college credits. During this three-week residential program, students will experience college-level instruction in their desired major in the morning, alongside closely mentored professional development, collaborative workshops, and electives taught by Columbus artists and CCAD faculty and staff in the afternoon.

Classes in: Animation, Comics & Narrative Practice, Fashion Design, Film & Video, Fine Arts, Graphic Design,Illustration, Interior Architecture & Design, Product Design and Photography 

Program fee: $3,600 (Cost is $3,350 plus $250 registration fee, includes three college credits, three weeks of on-campus residence, all meals, and all required supplies)

 

students filming in park


Film Columbus Teen Screenwriting Workshop & Competition

Please note: the 2023 Film Columbus workshop & competition has closed. 

Are you a local teen, and do you love movies? Come learn how to write a screenplay with Film Columbus and CCAD! The 2023 Film Columbus Teen Screenwriting Competition is a free, two-part screenwriting workshop for Columbus-area teens ages 13-18 with CCAD’s Chair of Film & Video Kingsley Nyarko. The first workshop covers the basics, from plot to protagonists, followed by a big homework assignment: writing a screenplay. The second workshop gives students a chance to receive feedback on their work and hear from their peers and the instructor. After the workshops, students are encouraged to submit a 3-5 page script. Industry professionals will judge the scripts and select 2-3 winners, whose screenplays will be made into short films in Fall 2023 by CCAD students. These films will premiere publicly in Spring 2024, and you’ll be invited! To register for the workshops, please visit this link.


Unleash your child's creativity.

At CCAD, we provide the resources and mentorship for creatives to discover their true passions. But this isn’t just at the undergraduate and graduate level. An interest in art and design takes shape at a young age. We see the kids who crush sidewalk chalk and make their own paint. The ones who color outside the lines. The ones who build cardboard cities. We’re here to help unleash their creativity and watch their love of art grow. Learn more below.

Future artists, animators & fashion designers

CCAD has one of the largest and oldest youth art programs in the country. From animation and drawing to fashion design and photography, our classes connect students to hands-on projects and experienced faculty who are passionate about art education. Keep reading to learn about current and future opportunities at CCAD or sign up to receive email updates.  

Give the gift of art and design

Introducing gift cards for Youth & Community Learning at Columbus College of Art & Design! Use this link to purchase a gift card. Gift cards do not expire and can be used for any future programs, including Saturday Morning Art Classes, Creative Summer Workshops, and College Preview. 

Gift card purchase link


 

 

Continuing & Professional Studies news

Want to learn more about future classes?