All Courses and Workshops

This course teaches students how to communicate original ideas using the geometric principles of design, and helps them to master block pattern structure. Basic garment construction, fundamental draping, and development of couture are covered. These skills are used to translate creative designs into three-dimensional form in both fabric and non-textiles. … Read more

Students are introduced to visual principles, as the basis of graphic design communication, and elements and issues of visual language. The course covers the manipulation of graphic form to convey meaning, strategies for idea generation and development of unique concepts, and the designer’s role as visual storyteller. Prerequisites: drawing skills, … Read more

Interactions are a core part of our everyday experiences. We interact with the world, each other, and with dynamic systems. This class explores the design process, prototyping, and evaluation of interactive experiences. Through project-based curriculum, students are exposed to various dimensions in design of interactive experiences, including user experience, information … Read more

An introduction to the fundamental principles of expression through movement in time, sequential composition, editing, and integration of image sequences and sound. A series of short projects will apply basic animation principles. Presentations and projects involve simple phenomena of cycles, transformations, transitions, sequential structure and the expression of emotional and kinetic states. The use … Read more

Through a series of collaborative and individual exercises, students explore the entire process of making a book, including inspiration for initial ideas, writing effective stories, character development, sequential flow, constructing the book, and researching potential markets. All course lectures and exercises apply to children’s books, graphic novels, animations and other … Read more

In this class, we will analyze selected contemporary artworks around the city of Boston by testing out the claims about those pieces found in recent art-historical writing. Throughout the semester, students determine where these essays are most and least useful for thinking about their firsthand experience of contemporary art. Close … Read more

Students will learn basic principles of business and entrepreneurship and create a business plan for their own creative entrepreneurial ventures. Tools used for marketing, finance and strategic planning will be explored. Lectures will include case studies on the strategies being employed by both established players and newer startups. The class … Read more

Students apply typographic principles to communication design projects of moderate complexity. They strengthen skills in building typographic relationships and detail, creating sophisticated typographic layouts, including dynamic use of the grid, and employing type use and choice for creating expressive, conceptually based, typographic design. Prerequisites: Foundations of Graphic Design, Typography, and … Read more

An introduction to the planning, organizing, designing and building usable, accessible and beautiful web sites using industry-standard design methods and modern, semantic development techniques. Students are exposed to a user-centered design process that will aid them in balancing aesthetics with user experience. Participants learn to build their designs for the … Read more

Understanding the body’s anatomy has a profound effect on one’s figurative artwork as the internal structures of the body informs its surface topography.  This course is designed for students of any level and in any art discipline desiring a greater understanding of the figure’s skeletal and muscular structures. Students will … Read more

Good drawing skills and painting go hand-in-hand. This sequential course begins by covering basic drawing principles with an eye towards creating successful underdrawings and compositions. Using still life as subject matter, we will then explore aspects of the indirect painting method based on Flemish painting techniques. Discussions, examples, and demos … Read more

This course builds upon students’ existing digital photography skills, with the goal of cultivating a personal vision and photographic style through increased technical competence. Topics covered include advanced-level DSLR operations (focus and metering modes, interval timed shooting, and tethering), honing of the digital image workflow, image sequencing, and the fine … Read more

Designed for students who have some painting experience and wish to develop their work. Participants consider content, composition/format, color, surface, materials, and craft while exploring aspects of painting that interest them the most (e.g., experimentation with materials, conceptual and technical approaches, observational work). Individual attention and group discussions of student … Read more

This course is an exploration of how typographic techniques and principles are used for effective visual communications through professional typesetting, typographic layout, and expressive use of type. Students build skills for creating cohesive typographic systems, information hierarchy, and typographic grids. Prerequisites: drawing skills; for Graphic Design Certificate Students, Foundations of … Read more

This course is a condensed and comprehensive introduction to the history of Western art from prehistorical times to the twenty-first century. The basic purpose of the course is three-fold: to examine a selection of the most significant monuments of creative endeavor which constitute the canon of Western art; to contextualize … Read more

Discover the synergy between Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign with course work based on a real-life project. Each program is approached as a specialized tool: Illustrator for digital illustrations and web graphics; Photoshop for editing images and creating special effects for web, broadcast, or print design; InDesign as a desktop … Read more

By examining the varied traditions in portraiture, through the lens of time and culture, this course will investigate a rich diversity of expression, spanning the frescos of Rome, the psychology of Alice Neal, the beauty of Leonardo, the technique of Ingres and the vulnerability of Vincent Van Gogh. We will … Read more

In this course you will design in two-dimensions and three-dimensions, and learn how to transform flat paper into moving sculpture. Three different categories of pop-ups will be introduced: those that become dimensional while in motion, those that become dimensional when open fully, and constructions that combine multiple parts. These paper … Read more

This course takes a reductive approach to painting the head, experimenting with how little information is enough. We will investigate whether translating the head into simple, accurate shapes of color and value can create a truer likeness than a detailed description can. A  drawing method will be introduced to help … Read more

REMOTE SPRING 2021 This course will provide a solid foundation in the digital skills used in the fashion industry to create the “fashion plates” that introduce a line or collection. Through hands-on projects, students learn how to use Photoshop and Illustrator to design presentation boards and fashion collections in flats. … Read more

Students apply skills for concept development, visual design, and user-centered thinking to design projects of moderate complexity for both print and interactive media. Prerequisites: Graphic Design 1, Intermediate Typography; students should also have completed Interaction Design (or be taking it at the same time) or have some background in User … Read more

Students are encouraged to develop a unique personal voice while effectively solving the needs of client and audience. The emphasis is on critical thinking, concept development, and research and marketing methodologies. Prerequisite: Graphic Design I and II. (Graphic Design students: Intermediate Portfolio required.) Please bring your portfolio and resume to … Read more

In this class students develop a portfolio suitable for children’s books. The class focuses on creating compelling characters, single and sequential images that resonate with younger audience. A variety of concepts are explored: character consistency, emotion, narrative, action, setting, etc. The students experiment with traditional and digital media to come … Read more

Students are introduced to the creative and technical possibilities of digital photography while exploring photographic history and current practices. They learn how to use a digital camera and computer imaging software to create photographs through raw file formats. Topics covered include camera operations (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length) as … Read more

Review the basics of drawing using the figure, portrait, and still life to organize their common elements into a cohesive whole. Emphasis is on sustained studies to develop personal direction. Pencil and charcoal are used. All levels welcome.

Discover your identity as a storyteller and focus on the stories that matter most to you and that you can best tell. Learn how to successfully structure compelling narratives with a scene-based, character-driven approach. With this hands-on course, you will also learn how to avoid the pitfalls of stories that … Read more

This course teaches students how to communicate original ideas using the geometric principles of design, and helps them to master block pattern structure. Basic garment construction, fundamental draping, and development of couture are covered. These skills are used to translate creative designs into three-dimensional form in both fabric and non-textiles. … Read more

  Drawing and Mixed Media Exploring Interdisciplinary Arts and Diverse Cultural Traditions and Practices Students develop self- reflective studio work, research ancient healing arts traditions and  contemporary contemplative cultural practices. Coursework includes selective readings, virtual studio visits, audio/visual interviews and presentations featuring interdisciplinary artists and  historical survey of diverse cultural studio … Read more

Capturing a powerful portrait goes well beyond the press of a button. In this class, we will explore all aspects of portraiture and delve in to the process of creating a long term project involving portraiture. Participants will learn attention to detail, postures and expressions, approaching potential subjects, establishing trust … Read more

This critique group of advanced photographers offers peer group feedback on current work. Typically, participants are developing a portfolio, project, or exhibition. Meetings are scheduled once every two to three weeks. To be admitted into this class, students should submit five jpeg images and a one paragraph description of their … Read more

Advance your sewing skills as you learn professional seam finishes, closures, collars, pockets, hems and more. Create a collection of fabric samples demonstrating each technique including, French and flat felled seams, bias edge finishings, button and zipper variations, invisible hems, and additional industry standard techniques. Use your new skills to … Read more

Through this workshop, students will learn various techniques for converting common household and art studio materials into elements useful for the creation of non-textile garments. We’ll have a brief overview of non-textile garment history and sessions dedicated to material development. Students will meet virtually with the instructor and in group … Read more

This workshop is geared toward artists and makers of all disciplines who are looking to create a robust and well-organized website for showcasing, sharing, and selling work.  We will explore several of the major current web-building platforms including Wordpress, Squarespace, and Wix, looking at the pros and cons of each … Read more

With a focus on felting techniques, you will lean wet felting, needle felting, and a combination of both to make irresistibly soft sculptures. We will also explore felting around armatures, using molds, resists, and incorporating other materials. This workshop will consist of demonstrations, experimenting, and guided work time in which … Read more

In this course you will learn variations on accordion fold books, and create sculpture that folds flat for storage. These  inventive structures will inspire you to tell your personal stories in a unique format. You will learn how to manipulate paper to form Origami books, Tunnel books, Flag books, and Carousel … Read more

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An introduction into the wide spectrum of moving image art, this course focuses on developing the necessary skills to create short experimental films directly from home. Using various image-capturing devices, such as phones, DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras and more, this class will examine the potential to construct both abstract and narrative … Read more

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Using plant life as the basis for experimentation and documentation, this class gives students an opportunity to explore various drawing techniques and media based on the natural world. We will draw, paint, use mixed-media and printmaking to create informed mark-making, solidify sketching and journaling skills, and give form to your observations. Subject … Read more

This is a very fun, enriching, and smart way to invest in your future. This class is designed around YOUR needs and respect is given to your workflow. We take a thoughtful approach to solving problems, and learn how to build images in an intelligent way. Adobe Illustrator is the … Read more

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This two session workshop gives students a broad understanding of the field of industrial design as well as hands-on experience to understand the fundamentals of design process, research, concept sketching, presentation and fabrication. Students will be exposed to design thinking methodology, and how it informs the industrial design process. The course will discuss … Read more

One of the most emotive forms of intaglio printmaking is drypoint etching, which allows for direct and uniquely personal markmaking. This home-based course is designed for those looking to explore this technique but don’t have access to a studio, press or expensive materials. We will focus on methods that can … Read more

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Print is alive and well, and the graphic designer of today has never had it better. This workshop will open up the vast world of possibilities available in print today. New digital presses are allowing designers unprecedented control of the printed surface, including custom inks, varnishes, foils and other advanced finishing techniques. As well, traditional and … Read more

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Explore everything it takes to succeed as a freelance graphic designer or illustrator in this 3-session boot camp. We’ll cover everything from marketing and pricing your work to writing proposals and contracts to managing clients and delivering work. Lectures will feature real-world client case studies and students are encouraged to … Read more

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Thinking about a career in graphic design? Do you currently “dabble” in graphic design for personal projects? Have you found yourself designing flyers, webpages, brochures or other graphic design work professionally without any design training? This one-day workshop is specifically targeted for those with no graphic design background, to understand what makes a design “work” visually … Read more

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“The eye sees but the ear imagines.” This course will explore everything that filmmaker Robert Bresson meant with that famous statement while giving equal emphasis to what it takes to record moving images and sounds that tell engaging stories and stimulate the imagination.  We will cover the aesthetic and technical … Read more

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In this course, students develop the techniques and skills needed to express their ideas in visual form. Working with a variety of materials and media (from traditional drawing media to collage) and diving into the psychology behind both color and mark making, our creations come to life as ways to communicate … Read more

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Discover the possibilities of working with dry and water-based materials. Dry media includes pencil, colored pencils, China marker. For wet media we use:  watercolor, gouache, acrylics, etc. as well as interesting mediums such as Pe masking fluid and gesso. Gain skills in a variety of techniques, then experiment with mixing mediums in non-traditional … Read more

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How do you make art without depending on conventional machines and tools? In this workshop, we will discover how to create temporary and permanent sculptures with readily available materials and using our hands as tools. We will explore various methods including drawing, collaging, stacking, and weaving to build three-dimensional forms. Materials … Read more

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This remote course looks at how to create and appreciate abstract works of art. We will consider various art-historical origins for abstraction such as DADA, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual Art as jumping off points for various studio projects. These projects offer ways of exploring geometry, gesture, expressivity, structure and process in non-objective … Read more

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In this workshop, students learn the basics of digital photography and explore effective techniques for making better photographs with their digital cameras. Knowing the basics of digital photography allows photographers to take better control of their photographs. This workshop is taught online and is divided into two classes with time … Read more

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Studies in Documentary Photography is a six-week course open to all levels of photography students.  Through weekly assignments, readings, an examination of historical and contemporary documentary work, class critiques and individual meetings, students will explore visual storytelling and the documentary genre.  Students will have the opportunity to create a personal … Read more

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What is Sound Art? Imagine mind-bending sound pieces created with a piano filled with nails/bolts/nuts/screws, a floor tiled with LPs, a secret tone playing underneath a grate in New York City for 30 years, or nothing but the echo of a space. The course will provide a solid knowledge of … Read more

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Students will develop printing techniques using easy to find materials.  Each week we’ll explore a different printing technique – batik, shibori, natural dyeing and more.  Lessons will cover accessible materials found around the house and materials/kits that can be purchased at a low cost.  Students will be able to complete the … Read more

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Mini comics are open to wide ranging subject matter and experimentation. Dive into this accessible medium by exploring different models of content, including: autobiography, adaptation, pantomime and more. Learn how to make comics from a single image to four panels, accordion fold and eight page minis. This course will provide … Read more

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As we move into an unknown post-quarantine phase of artist life, one of the most immediate obstacles to navigate will be disruptions in the scheduling of international artist residencies, scholarships, and MFA programs. During this course, we will take advantage of the virtual class format to bring contemporary artists working … Read more

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This remote course looks at how to create and appreciate abstract works of art. While the course is a follow-up workshop to “Intro to Abstraction,” each project is a standalone experience, and does not require that you have previously taken the introductory course. Over the term, we will consider various art-historical origins … Read more

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Photographer Michael Hintlian will host a 9-week hands-on workshop focusing on shooting on the street, a traditional method of documentary investigation made popular in the 20th century by greats such as Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and Diane Arbus as well as the modern masters working today. The theater of the street … Read more

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Create imaginative silhouettes and wearable soft sculpture for performance, photography and the Fashion runway. Receive a wearable art review as you discover the sculptural possibilities of paper and fabric. Weekly demonstrations will introduce you to professional costuming techniques, including building lightweight armeratures, creating volume with fabric and utilizing found objects. … Read more

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This workshop is an introduction to animation and compositing techniques for setting still images in motion and combining them with video into one cohesive project. Students learn animation techniques,working with masks, traveling mattes and creating motion paths to set still images in motion and to create depth. The primary software … Read more

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An introduction to relief printing, exploring woodcut and related processes. Of all printmaking techniques, relief printing is the most ancient. It is a process characterized by an appealing directness of making an image and by the simplicity of its graphic and expressive qualities. In this course, participants learn how to … Read more

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It can take many years to master the craft of professional typesetting and layout using digital fonts, but in this one-day course, you can learn enough to improve your skills for designing with type substantially and gain insight that will allow you to see type from an expert’s point of view. This workshop will … Read more

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Working from personally selected still life objects, students will learn techniques to capture the object’s form, value structure, and temperature shifts using built up layers of conte crayon. Students will complete two still lifes, the first using naturalistic colors. For the second still life students will choose to either exaggerate … Read more

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Let’s make paper and learn ways of using this ancient craft in your own practice. This course explores the topic of paper as a medium incorporating its traditional and non-traditional uses. Through the process of using creative experimentation to craft unique, beautiful paper, you will learn pulp preparation and basic … Read more

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Invest in your personal or professional growth. Both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are fantastically powerful programs—but radically different. Join us for 2 consecutive Saturdays to learn best practices for each program, and then see how they can work together in harmony. You’ll learn how to properly use the pen … Read more

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Learn the principles and techniques of video editing – the backbone of filmmaking. Whatever your interest or desired role in filmmaking, understanding editing is fundamental to your success. The editor is a detail-oriented storyteller, craftsperson, organizer, and technician. We often rediscover and sometimes reinvent our stories in the edit. Through … Read more

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There comes a time when many of us find ourselves reflecting on our personal and familial histories. Artists have long contemplated these ideas visually and have used various methods to create dynamic personal stories that reflect their experiences. In this workshop, we will explore the various methods photographers have used … Read more

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