On Campus and Hybrid Courses and Workshops

Metalshop 1 is a comprehensive introduction to steel fabrication techniques and processes. It includes various welding processes, such as the venerable oxy-fuel process, the lost art of “stick” welding, and an emphasis on MIG welding, better known as the “hot glue gun for steel” (just point and shoot!). The more precision oriented TIG welding process is … Read more

Learn woodworking fundamentals through a series of exercises utilizing both hand tools and machines. Develop a habit of sharpening and tuning your tools. Practice a variety of joinery techniques and build your own sample library of construction options. Put your newly honed skills to test by building a final project … Read more

Screen printing is an old and versatile process with many modern uses. We present a variety of techniques and contemporary fine art applications of silkscreen printing. Students are guided through the transformation of an idea to printed image and encouraged to take a creative approach. The emphasis is on experimentation, … Read more

An overview of pattern drafting and an introduction to clothing construction. Students explore the different methods of pattern making, from using the dart for fit to adding shape for fullness, and learn how to take body measurements for fit. Pattern drafting and construction techniques are then applied to an original … Read more

Explore advanced construction and drafting methods for custom tailoring. Learn how to design and construct a tailored ensemble using traditional methods that include pad stitching, foundation shaping, special lapel and collar treatments, and finishes. Prerequisites: Introduction to Creative Fashion and Introduction to Pattern Drafting or permission of instructor.  Email: achan@massart.edu. … Read more

In this introductory course, students will learn the foundations of drawing, including line, proportion, shape, gesture, blocking, value, mark-making, and space. Students will focus on developing these skills through a variety of in-class and independent assignments in-class that emphasize drawing from observation, iterative invention, and materials exploration. No prior drawing … Read more

This course exposes students to a variety of specialized woodworking techniques applicable to furniture production. Through a series of modules devoted to select skills, sessions explore the basics of techniques with the objective of giving students enough exposure to begin applying them independently to studio projects. Areas include carving and … Read more

We often think of wood as rigid and hard, but by adding heat, we can bend flexible, sweeping curves. It really feels like magic – suddenly you can tie a knot in a piece of wood or form the ribs of a canoe. Steam bending doesn’t have to be intimidating! We’ll … Read more

This course introduces a variety of concepts and techniques used in contemporary ceramic object-making. Demonstrations and studio activities include hand building, mold making and wheel working. Each student researches and designs a series of pieces which reflect their personal interests. Projects may include work in tableware, sculpture, or designed objects. … Read more

Students create and fit virtual garments using CLO software. Through the run of this course the designer translates in-person activities, such as patternmaking and fitting, into a virtual language. Specifically, the cohort begins by virtually sewing and fitting conventional garments – pants, shirts, jackets, and skirts –  and transitions to … Read more

An overview of pattern drafting and an introduction to clothing construction. Students explore the different methods of pattern making, from using the dart for fit to adding shape for fullness, and learn how to take body measurements for fit. Pattern drafting and construction techniques are then applied to an original … Read more

In this workshop, you will learn various basketry construction techniques including coiling, twining, plaiting, netting, and interlacing. You’ll also learn how to create your own cordage from recycled materials. We’ll study historic basketry traditions, and also look at the way contemporary artists are using fiber construction techniques today. Using materials … Read more

Fusing design activities and methodologies, including aesthetic sourcing (visual, literary, emotional, and structural) and drawing and modeling, participants engage in design as a problem-solving process. Projects emphasize the development of conceptual visualization through the exploration of two- and three-dimensional sketch techniques.

Students explore the current practices being used by sustainable fashion designers/companies, organic and eco-friendly textiles, innovations in design/ production, textiles, waste minimization, and upcycling in design and manufacturing. While working through their own process, students will use sustainable methods to design and create projects addressing social responsibility in the fashion … Read more

Individual attention in a supportive environment is the focus of this 7 session on-campus figure drawing course designed for students of all levels and experience. The foundations of gesture, proportions, and anatomical structures will be examined while drawing a variety of life models in different poses. Fundamental drawing techniques and … Read more

Beginners are welcome to join this introduction to machine woodworking and shop safety in MassArt’s well-equipped woodshop. Build confidence with woodworking equipment and gain a deeper understanding of the science of wood as a material. Practice working with technical drawings and build hands-on experience with the chop saw, bandsaw, jointer, … Read more

Delve into the fascinating world of bent lamination. Explore a range of techniques that will bring versatility and creativity to your wood and furniture projects. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, learn how to bend wood using molds, a vacuum bag, freeform bending methods, and more. This workshop is a module … Read more

In this introductory, course participants will learn how to design and carve wooden utensils. Students will be shown how to safely and efficiently use the bandsaw as well as hand tools such as gouges, rasps, files, scrapers, and a variety of handsaws. Whether it’s spoons, spatulas, forks, knives, or something … Read more

This seven-week course aims to advance students’ evolving painting practice by providing a structured yet flexible environment for artistic exploration. The course begins with quick exercises from observation. In later weeks the focus shifts to self-directed work, students will respond to creative prompts and may incorporate their own source materials. … Read more

This seven-week course aims to advance students’ evolving drawing practice by providing a structured yet flexible environment for artistic exploration. Building on foundational concepts in drawing such as line, value, composition and proportions; students will expand their drawing approach through assignments that focus on drawing from observation and imagination. Exercises … Read more

Explore the wonderful versatility and beauty of hand embroidery. Learn a selection of the most essential  basic stitches and techniques while looking at contemporary artists and their interpretations of the tradition for inspiration. Walk away with the tools to make your own unique works of stitched art. We will have time … Read more

This course is a great start for beginners looking to make a functional wooden object. Course participants will learn how to build a wooden plant stand utilizing machinery such as the table saw, domino joiner, router table and orbital sander. This course will cover how to create a lap joint … Read more