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Advertising Design | Apparel + Textile Design | Art and Antiques Appraisal + Connoisseurship | Art History + Appreciation | Book + Paper Arts | Business of Art + Design | CAD | Ceramics | Computer Animation + Video | Culinary Arts + Entertaining | Digital Foundations | Drawing | Special Events | Family Workshops | Floral Artistry Institute | Foundation | Glass | Historic Preservation | Home + Garden Design | Illustration | Interior Design | Jewelry + Metal Arts | Landscape Design | Painting | Photography | Print Design | Printmaking | 3D Computer-Generated Imaging | Design for the Web | Woodworking | Young Artists: Youth (12 and Under) | Young Artists: Teen (12 - 17) | Young Artists: Vacation Camps |

Steven Ruggieri

Students in this course examine the core aspects of advertising from its emergence as a force in American culture to current developments in electronic media. While reviewing such basic components of advertising as marketing goals, concept development, good design, copywriting and strategic problem solving, students come to understand the day-to-day realities of working for an advertising agency. The course further illustrates how the art of selling products and services has changed over time, with today's consumers more diverse, sophisticated and attuned to various media. In the process, students gain insight into how campaigns are conceptualized, created and produced, and how brands get established in such advertising venues as print, broadcast and the Internet. Note: This is not a computer-based course.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-R, AN-E, PD-E, VE-E, WE-E

Julie Ruditzky

Whether a thirty-second TV commercial or a thirty-minute infomercial, it all begins with a creative strategy. And before strategizing, advertising professionals need to answer certain questions: Why purchase our product? Which groups comprise our demographic? Who are our competitors? How can we stand out visually? What is the call to action? This course takes you from concept to script and storyboard, and onward to casting, shooting and editing as we try to understand how pictures and words work together. Indeed, in each class session we strive to reveal the challenges and excitement that broadcast designers encounter every day. Ultimately, students leave the class with well-conceived storyboards for thirty-second TV commercials, which they can use in their portfolios or as the basis for projects in a subsequent video production course.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-R, AN-E, VE-E, WE-E

Adrian Burke Zeller

No aspect of surface design has remained immune to the advances brought about by the introduction of digital technology. Not only do digital tools allow for great time savings in surface design, but even more important, they facilitate the more creative aspects of this artistic process, allowing for experimentation with color, pattern, texture and product simulation. This course widens the scope of and deepens your familiarity with the digital toolbox, and helps you understand how to better integrate Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator into your work. We focus on creating decorative prints and fabric structures such as knits and wovens, as well as facilitate other texture simulations and promote product concept development.
Prerequisite: Surface Design: Digital Tools or equivalent professional experience per instructor's approval.
Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): ID-E

Anne Emlein

This course teaches pattern drafting and finishing techniques for knitwear, including machine and hand knits. Participants begin by drafting a basic pattern to their measurements (a sloper) from which they learn how to design and draft their own knit garments. We explore the importance of garment shape, material choices, gauge and stitch selection, while focusing on the inherent properties of knits, the ability to shape garment pieces during the process of knitting and the flexibility of knit fabrics. A range of finishing techniques -- including seams, blocking and edgings -- are also covered. Note: Students should have basic knowledge of knitting techniques, be prepared to work between classes, and expect to purchase a variety of materials.

Leonore Alaniz

Truly collaborating with nature, the technique of botanical printing allows us to capture the structural and textural wonders of the natural world and to transfer them directly onto textiles. Unlike botanical illustration, reliant on drawing and painting skills to depict what is seen, botanical prints record the physical appearance of a plant specimen by "inking" the actual surface and then imprinting it on fabrics. The results can range from exquisitely detailed to boldly expressionistic, depending on the interaction of plant and fabric properties, and the printer's dexterity. Class begins with an introduction to nature printing techniques, using acid and fiber-reactive dyes and methods of fixation. Fabric choices, ranging from plain silks to linen damask, composition and pattern are also covered. Ultimately, students print many samples which may be incorporated into beautiful art pieces.

Louise T. Hall

Corinne Cain, Kateri Weiss

This two-day seminar introduces participants to Native American basketry, pottery, textiles, beadwork and personal adornment items, with an emphasis on identifying work through corresponding techniques, materials, forms and decorations. Students learn how to determine age and condition of Native American arts and crafts, distinguish the differences between pieces of each category and how to qualitatively judge pieces. Students are taught to recognize work by the best-known producers of various tribes and styles, and how to prepare effective descriptive information and condition reports. Conservation issues of Native American art are also discussed.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): AS-E

Kim Mills

This two-day introductory course covers the basics of identifying and valuing Oriental rugs. Students explore the historic and geographic development of Oriental rugs, learn to identify the major rug groups including Turkish, Caucasian, Persian and Central Asian, as well as major motifs, designs and color trends. Students are taught to discern if a rug being appraised is hand-knotted or machine-made through the study of rug structure, weaving techniques and dyes, and learn methods for dating rugs, as well as identifying damages and alterations. Finally, they learn what impact on value, if any, these elements have on various rug types.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): AS-E

Robin Wiseman

Vincent van Gogh's visionary paintings are vivid expressions of his conviction that the goal of painting is to convey human emotion. Though he was a self-taught artist working in obscurity, in a span of only ten years van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890) created a wealth of richly colored, textured paintings that have profoundly influenced art in our time. His insistence on the use of expressive values of color led him to develop a corresponding expressiveness in his application of paint. His thick, motion-filled brush strokes create a tactile counterpart to his intense color schemes as they create intense direction, movement and texture. Most of the work for which he is known dates from the last three years of his life, which ended tragically in suicide at age 37.

Applies to the following certificate program (2 contact hours): AS-E

Robin Wiseman

Painter and decorative artist Alphonse Mucha (Czechoslovakian, 1860-1939) is considered the preeminent artist of the Art Nouveau movement. Mucha, along with his contemporary Toulouse-Lautrec, greatly influenced the future of poster art. His sensuous images, combining intricate floral designs, flowing patterns and attractive women, were visible everywhere in Paris during the Belle Epoque -- on theater posters, boxes of sweets, menus and magazine covers. In this class, we look at how Mucha's work helped establish the remarkable effectiveness with which beauty can be exploited to promote commerce, while also paying tribute to his work's ability to transcend its original intent.

Applies to the following certificate program (2 contact hours): AS-E

TBA TBA

For centuries, people have tried to use lenses to capture their world on paper. But not until the period 1826 to 1840 was this possibility realized. Surprisingly, what began as scientific venture ultimately became a tool for art and culture. Indeed, the world of photography expanded exponentially as George Eastman gave everyone a chance to bring photography into his or her life. Later, with motion and sound added, photography became inextricably linked to every part of life, from the news of the world and visions of the unseen to exploration of the universe beyond. Photographic images have helped to mold public opinion, from the realm of politics to seismic shifts in fashion. At the same time, artist-photographers have continued their efforts to broaden what photography can do as a medium. This course covers all these facets and more of what is surely the "liveliest art."

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AS-E, DI-R

Bryson Dean

Bryan Rodrigues

Maryjane Begin

These workshops, offered every winter, demonstrate how professionals in various fine art and design fields market their work and themselves. Current and potential students -- as well as those considering a career change -- have the opportunity to meet practitioners in select disciplines and to see actual portfolios or demo reels that have proven successful. Note: These workshops are open to all students. You need not be in a certificate program to register.

Applies to the following certificate program: CB-R

John Wormley

These workshops, offered every winter, demonstrate how professionals in various fine art and design fields market their work and themselves. Current and potential students -- as well as those considering a career change -- have the opportunity to meet practitioners in select disciplines and to see actual portfolios or demo reels that have proven successful. Note: These workshops are open to all students. You need not be in a certificate program to register.

Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

Amy Bartlett Wright

These workshops, offered every winter, demonstrate how professionals in various fine art and design fields market their work and themselves. Current and potential students -- as well as those considering a career change -- have the opportunity to meet practitioners in select disciplines and to see actual portfolios or demo reels that have proven successful. Note: These workshops are open to all students. You need not be in a certificate program to register.

Applies to the following certificate program: NS-R

Reece Tormos

The practicing artist has no choice but to learn the survival skills necessary for a successful commercial art career. Specific topics covered in this six-session course include interacting with clients, financial planning and record keeping, billing and collections, copyrights, contracts and legal issues, marketing and promotion, and time management. Tax, accounting and legal experts serve as guest lecturers. The material covered is suitable for designers, illustrators, photographers, and all other commercial artists.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, CB-R, DI-R, DS-E, ID-R, NS-R, PD-E, SA-R, VE-E, WE-E

Andy Cutler

Whether you are an entrepreneur, thinking about starting your own venture or working for a private or public institution, what people think about you is important. People tend not to think about themselves as a brand, but how you package yourself is critically important to advance in today's aesthetically conscious and brand driven world. In this course, learn how to differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace and how branding yourself helps define your version of success. We discuss how being seen as a "connector" to who's who in economic, social and political circles serves to enhance your brand. Finally, we explore how creative partnerships contribute not only to your personal brand and success, but also to that of the community. Artists, designers and those in any profession leave this course with the tools and knowledge to brand themselves and to position themselves for success.

Steve McDonald

Artists and designers usually think of their work product as works of art and design, but those works are also often -- and often more importantly -- considered intellectual property. To make things even more complicated, artists and designers frequently incorporate the intellectual property of others into their own works. Failure to understand the rules can result in the loss of rights, liability and have other significant legal implications. In this course, we cover the basics of copyright and other forms of intellectual property: what intellectual property is, how to get it, how to protect it and how to use it. You leave the course equipped to make intelligent decisions about your ownership of and use of intellectual property in your work.

Steve McDonald

We often think of contracts as lengthy and incomprehensible documents used in significant transactions. However, whether running your own studio, working for someone else or just occasionally doing commission work, the reality is that you are forming and entering into contracts every day, often on nothing more than a handshake basis. Just as often, technicalities and details of the transaction are not worked out in advance, leading to misunderstandings and disagreements as deadlines loom. A good contract goes a long way in eliminating these potential pitfalls. In this course, you learn that you don't need to be a lawyer to improve your contracting skills. The basics of contracting are covered: what a contract is, how to create one and how to go about determining what it should say.

David Paolino

Autodesk's AutoCAD, a powerful computer-aided drafting (CAD) program, is the industry standard for architecture and design professionals. Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on experience, students learn to use this visualization and productivity software to take a project from the initial design stages to a finished two-dimensional plot. Students create templates with layer, color, linetype, line weight and layouts that aid productivity as they familiarize themselves with drawing, editing, text, dimensioning, modifying, solid modeling, 3D design, and perspective and rendering tools. Additionally, students use blocks with AutoCAD's design centers, built-in and online, and generate scale plots in model and paper space using native templates for borders and title blocks.

Applies to the following certificate programs (36 contact hours): AN-E, HP-E, ID-R

Sharon Pollock

Expand upon the possibilities of clay as a creative medium. The open-studio format of this course offers students with previous experience in ceramics the opportunity to further their technical skills and develop their expressive abilities in clay. Instructor and student work together to define individual projects, whether functional or sculptural, that enable students to refine skills while pursuing creative ideas. Come to the first class with ideas and/or items such as photographs or special objects for inspiration.
Prerequisite: Previous experience in ceramics

Sharon Pollock

Explore the alchemy of clay and glazes melding together to create surfaces that transcend both materials. Ceramic surfaces offer exciting possibilities for color and texture. In this hands-on studio format, ceramists of all experience levels come together for a common exploration. The course covers various techniques for application, a basic overview of the different families of glazes, how to mix a glaze, and an introduction to glaze testing and development. Beginning students make and work on basic tiles, while more experienced students are welcome to expand on previous work.

Debora Aldo

From ancient Roman palazzos to Byzantine churches, architectural mosaics have adorned the floors, walls and fountains of grand homes and buildings for centuries. This class offers a comprehensive hands-on introduction to creating mosaics for specific sites and surfaces, including home interiors, exteriors and other architectural structures. The process begins with developing imagery and planning the design of the mosaic for a designated site. Both traditional and contemporary techniques of making mosaics using stone, glass, ceramic, found objects, broken china, metal and other recycled materials -- by themselves or in combination -- are explored. Students use simple tools to cut the materials into small cubes known as tessera, which are then assembled into the design. While students work in small format to gain technical experience, the logistics of working on a much larger scale are discussed, including possible on-site installation in your own home or beyond.

Julia Wolin

Why storyboard? Storyboards can be used to discuss ideas, describe a sequence, visualize a "look" and create a blueprint for implementing an animation, saving time by facilitating experimentation and exploration before the real animation begins. Professionals also use storyboards to communicate ideas to creative teams, clients or potential employers. In class, students translate their story ideas into visual images and accompanying text, describing the action, mood, setting and timing of the story. Storyboard conventions are covered, along with narrative development, production and presentation techniques. Students also learn how to choose the appropriate type of storyboard for their audience, as well as how to set and manage client expectations. A variety of film and animation projects are presented for discussion so that students emerge with brand new tools for successful animation project planning.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-R, VE-R

TBA TBA

While virtually all typography attempts to be dynamic, students in this class invest their type with actual motion. Emphasizing pace, sequence and placement, students use the features found in Adobe AfterEffects to expand their computer graphics toolkit so that what formerly was limited to the printed page now soars. The results are clearly recognizable as the swirling, sparkling and smoldering letterforms characteristic of broadcast graphics and feature film title design. Just close your eyes and think of the opening credits of just about any film to picture what we mean. By utilizing such choices, graphic design students add value to their portfolios even as video directors and animators add virtuoso titles to their show reels. In all cases, the outcome is not so much attention getting, as attention demanding.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, PD-E, VE-E, WE-E

Jenn Dlugos

This advanced screenwriting course is a deeper exploration of the topics introduced in the basic course (also known as the prequel), as well as a vehicle for students to accelerate the development of their own creative voices. Through analysis of existing scripts, examination of their translation to the screen, and rigorous writing exercises, each student produces a production-ready short script by the end of the course. In the process, students learn both to define and refine a working approach to screenwriting, but always with an eye on the next step of the production process. Please note that while the focus of this class is on the art and craft of screenwriting, we also briefly address the business side of writing for the moving image.
Prerequisite: Screenwriting or equivalent experience
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, VE-E

Stephen Souza Jr.

Movie-making is often seen as a mysterious, smoke-and-mirrors operation, but behind the scenes lies a collaborative form of communication that links art, science and commerce. This course unravels the details of that intertwined structure, peeling back the layers of a finished product to provide students with a deconstructed view of the movie-making process. Such important movie-making concepts as storytelling, mis-en-scene and non-linear editing are discussed, as students learn to connect vocabulary and theory with applied techniques. By the end of the course, students will have examined the complete pre- through post-production process -- and even touched upon distribution -- of this technologically rich art form.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, DI-E, SA-E, VE-R, WE-E

Jim Williams

The aroma of a freshly baked loaf of bread is, well, the best thing since sliced bread. In this workshop, Jim Williams, co-owner of Providence's Seven Stars Bakery, shares with participants the art and science of bread making by hand. We learn about the properties of different flours, length of fermentation, and what happens when the proportion of water is increased. We also explore the effects achieved using various starters, egg and butter types, and learn when organic methods of cultivation make for a noticeable difference in ingredients. Student/bakers not only get to try their hand at shaping and baking techniques, but also get to sample their own loaves. Note: Class takes place at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

Steve Krohn

Matching wine with the intense flavors of chocolate can be one of the most challenging tasks in food and wine pairing circles. Just in time for Valentine's Day, discover how to successfully pair gourmet chocolates with some of New England's finest wines. Steve Krohn, co-owner of The New England Wine School and Wine Entertainment Resources, is our guide as we investigate how the different flavors in sweet and dark chocolate match to sparkling, white, red and dessert wines from the Coastal Wine Trail. By following a few guidelines, we learn that chocolate and wine can be paired in a way that shows off the best and most interesting characteristics of each. Note: Class takes place at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

Jules Ramos

As winter approaches, nothing warms the soul like the thought of hearty stews teeming with robust flavors. Join Jules Ramos -- executive chef of Rhode Island Monthly's 2008 choice for Best New Restaurant, Eleven Forty Nine -- as he guides you through his signature technique of searing and braising meats with a variety of root vegetables. Braising, a key technique in the increasingly popular Slow Food movement, is a cooking method that uses both dry and moist heats. Food is first browned and then cooked slowly in a covered pot with liquid, allowing for flavors to mingle and intensify, and meat to tenderize. In this class, Chef Ramos prepares a delicious meal of osso bucco (braised veal shanks) served with spaghetti squash, and discusses the inspiration behind his imaginative and diverse menu. Revel in a master chef's flair for comfort food that's helped propel both Eleven Forty Nine restaurant locations into the limelight. Note: Class takes place at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

Robin Brandes

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to carry out your New Year's resolution to eat healthier in 2010. Join Certified Health Counselor Robin Brandes to learn simple methods for preparing healthy foods that are comforting and delicious. Participants experiment with warming winter spices to help our bodies adjust to the cold weather, hearty whole grains like barley to make satisfying and healthier risottos, soups and stews, and sweet root vegetables to provide moisture and to help satisfy sweet cravings. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, so you also learn to make desserts that are delicious, satisfying and healthy. The best part? You get to enjoy the food prepared during class and return home with recipes and nutrition handouts.

Bryson Dean

David Fleurant

Eric Emerson

Bryan Rodrigues

Fred Spencer

Fred Spencer

Bryan Rodrigues

Robin Wiseman

Capturing a likeness of the human face has intrigued artists throughout history. Explore this fascinating process by learning to translate your observations of structure, proportion and the relationships among visual elements onto the two-dimensional page. Students also examine how the artist reveals personality traits while capturing the physical likeness on paper. The course bases its investigation of technique and approach on the work of both Old Masters and contemporary artists. Both composition and expressiveness are emphasized, and students are encouraged to develop their own personal style.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DI-E, DS-E, NS-E

Robin Wiseman

Capturing a likeness of the human face has intrigued artists throughout history. Explore this fascinating process by learning to translate your observations of structure, proportion and the relationships among visual elements onto the two-dimensional page. Students also examine how the artist reveals personality traits while capturing the physical likeness on paper. The course bases its investigation of technique and approach on the work of both Old Masters and contemporary artists. Both composition and expressiveness are emphasized, and students are encouraged to develop their own personal style.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DI-E, DS-E, NS-E

Marc Torick

This course provides many tools for the artist who wishes to depict the human form with confidence and precision. We use various conceptual models that allow for the presentation of the figure from any point of view, combining structural and muscular systems into a dynamic whole. By coding the movements of the joints, plotting anatomical landmarks on the volumes of the figure, establishing a proportional system, and uniting exterior contour with interior anatomical structures, students develop a set of figurative principles that can be applied to any figure in any position. Working from live models, students arrive at a fusion of the conceptual figurative model with observations from life. Artists at all levels of experience stand to benefit from this course.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DS-E, NS-E, SA-E

Lydia Walshin

Channel your inner Jasper Johns or Martha Stewart at a Drop In & Decorate cookies-for-donation event offered in conjunction with RISD Dining and Catering to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's Kids Cafe program. Popular RISD|CE cooking instructor and food writer Lydia Walshin founded the local nonprofit organization Drop In & Decorate, which has donated more than 10,000 hand-decorated sugar cookies to food pantries, domestic violence shelters, and programs serving families in need nationwide. She teaches several simple techniques for "painting" cookies with flair, using squeeze bottles of colored icing to create edible art. The ultimate goal is to donate the cookies created in class to more than 500 low-income Rhode Island school children for Valentine's Day. No experience necessary; practice cookies will be available and you may decorate as many cookies as you wish. There will also be recipes and cookies for participants to take home. Inside- or outside-the-lines decorating welcome! All materials generously donated by RISD Dining and Catering. Note: Participants are encouraged to "drop in" at their convenience anytime between 1 and 4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and adults and children must register separately.

Amy Leidtke

Come join the fun as we create "micro kites" -- small flying toys that can actually be flown indoors (and outdoors, too)! This interactive workshop begins with an historical and cultural survey of kites, followed by a look at contemporary kites, then culminates with an interactive design/build experience. Participants have the opportunity to make and fly a variety of designs, experimenting with materials, surface treatment and construction techniques. All are encouraged to bring in their own kites for show and tell. Appropriate for kite enthusiasts of any age. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and adults and children must register separately.

Amy Leidtke

Everyone loves a kaleidoscope! You can spin it, turn it and shake it, then voila -- a new mini masterpiece of sparkling color, shape and design every time! This hands-on make-and-take workshop introduces participants to a variety of kaleidoscopic elements, such as optics, reflection and tessellating patterns. We experiment with mirrored geometric volumes, building a variety of hand-held toys. Each participant designs and constructs a kaleidoscope, kaleidoviewer and kaleidocycle. All are encouraged to bring in their own kaleidoscope for show and tell. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and adults and children must register separately.

Dennis DelSignore, John Orton

Dennis DelSignore, John Orton

John Orton

Naomi Garcia

Deborah Forman

Robin Wiseman

Carlotta Danzante Miller

Bill Riker

The art of glass blowing is enjoying a lively revival in specialized facilities throughout the country. Join us at a professional glassblower's studio to learn the basics of working molten glass, and see how this transparent medium both accommodates and challenges the imagination. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students explore contemporary glass-working techniques under the guidance of a skilled artisan, with historic and modern examples of glass works providing inspiration and perspective. As the course progresses, students are encouraged to experiment as far as their newly acquired skills take them. Note: Space is limited in this course, which meets at an off-campus studio, so early registration is encouraged. Directions are sent to registered participants.

Bill Riker

The art of glass blowing is enjoying a lively revival in specialized facilities throughout the country. Join us at a professional glassblower's studio to learn the basics of working molten glass, and see how this transparent medium both accommodates and challenges the imagination. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students explore contemporary glass-working techniques under the guidance of a skilled artisan, with historic and modern examples of glass works providing inspiration and perspective. As the course progresses, students are encouraged to experiment as far as their newly acquired skills take them. Note: Space is limited in this course, which meets at an off-campus studio, so early registration is encouraged. Directions are sent to registered participants.

Bill Riker

The art of glass blowing is enjoying a lively revival in specialized facilities throughout the country. Join us at a professional glassblower's studio to learn the basics of working molten glass, and see how this transparent medium both accommodates and challenges the imagination. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students explore contemporary glass-working techniques under the guidance of a skilled artisan, with historic and modern examples of glass works providing inspiration and perspective. As the course progresses, students are encouraged to experiment as far as their newly acquired skills take them. Note: Space is limited in this course, which meets at an off-campus studio, so early registration is encouraged. Directions are sent to registered participants.

Bill Riker

Less daunting than glass blowing, the traditional kiln-forming techniques of fusing, slumping and casting offer a wide variety of interesting possibilities. We explore glass fusing, in which flat glass, powdered glass and glass stringers are melted into flat sheets to create fused glass panels or tiles. We also review slumping techniques, heating glass into molds to create dimension in form for bowls or other vessels. Finally, we experiment with glass casting, which involves making an original sculpture in clay and then using such techniques as hot pad and pate de verre to create a glass form. Various cold working techniques are also addressed in the studio, including cutting, grinding, polishing and sandblasting. Note: Space is limited in this course, which meets at an off-campus studio, so early registration is encouraged. Directions are sent to registered participants.

Robert Cagnetta

Historic structures evolve through time. Such buildings are a collection of structure, mechanical systems and finishes, which have worked in concert to provide function and an aesthetic presentation. This course outlines the tools and techniques used to identify a historic building's needs and leads to an understanding of how historic buildings work, how they change, how they react to their environment and how they wear and age. Participants learn how to engage with a building's history, identify and date materials, and work with contractors and specialists toward developing appropriate preservation methodologies and treatment recommendations. We also review the challenges of retrofitting, altering and upgrading historic structures, focusing on the long-term ramifications of such changes and how they may impact the underlying structure.

Applies to the following certificate program: HP-R

Chris Eramo, Paul Santos

Join us for a guided tour of the Boston Design Center, New England's only total resource for the interior design industry. The Boston Design Center houses 87 showrooms carrying more than 1,200 international lines of exquisite home and workplace furnishings and accessories. In showrooms of firms the likes of Brunschwig & Fils, Kravet, Robert Allen | Beacon Hill and F. Schumacher & Co., one can find beautiful, unique fabrics, wall and floor coverings, furniture, fixtures, accessories, antiques, lighting, kitchens and much more. Rub elbows with professional designers, get inspired and gain inside knowledge as you explore this treasure trove of interior design. Note: Class meets at the Boston Design Center; directions are sent to registered participants. Participants should plan to buy lunch in Boston.

Stacy Rexrode

Join us for an inspirational tour led by Stacy Rexrode, the designer and general contractor of a renovated home that takes sustainability and "green" to the max. Transforming a historical barn into a primary residence, Stacy took the 3 R's -- reduce, reuse, recycle -- to heart. The home features innovative building methods and materials designed to maximize energy conservation while maintaining important elements of the original structure, such as the hayloft and silo. Stacy discusses how sustainability and green thinking influenced every aspect of the renovation, including material selection, energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity, window placement/orientation, natural color palette selections and decoration with found objects. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply seeking inspiration to rethink your living space in more sustainable ways, this tour shows you how. Note: Class meets at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

Kathleen Scully Berenback

Did you know that you can use herbs and essential oils to naturally clean and disinfect your home, while eliminating the expense and eco-impact of harsh, commercial products? Led by a certified herbalist and aromatherapist, this hands-on class teaches you to make your own cleaning products, guaranteed to be safe and effective. You even learn how to customize them to your own personal scent preferences! Discover how simple it is to make these products and how satisfying it can be. A modest initial investment in a few key ingredients and a little know-how results in quality, all-natural products for years of safe, aromatic cleaning. Participants make several products, including an all-purpose detergent, a glass cleaner/disinfectant spray and more, all of which can be taken home and customized with a favorite scent.

Christopher McInerney

All graphic artists need to accept the undeniable role that digital technology has assumed in the creation and delivery of illustrated works. Although never intended to replace pencil, ink, paper and paint, technology can introduce workflow options that complement those traditional tools. The Apple computer, scanner and printer are the primary components in this course in which students learn how a graphite drawing in a sketchbook can be transformed -- with the deliberate use of Adobe Photoshop -- into a dependable and transportable file. As the discussion of workflow unfolds, students are acquainted with the editorial judgments made by supervising art directors and publishers. It is a peek into both the technical process and the business decision-making needed by anyone accepting a contract to deliver a digital image.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, CB-E, DI-E, NS-E, PD-E, SA-R, VE-E, WE-E

Susannah Strong

Brilliant people seemingly pull ideas out of thin air. Most people, however, need tools. This course helps to illuminate the structure, play and complexity of the creative process. Methods of generating, collecting and elaborating on ideas are developed through exercises and projects, both individual and group, so as to forge new connections in patterns of work and thought. Students first work in a sketchbook to research, catalog and collect ideas with media exploration to include drawing, painting, collage, etc. Examples and selected readings on how various well-known artists and thinkers generate their ideas are provided for further insight. Ultimately, students discover that ideas do not materialize from thin air and that there are strategies they can develop to sustain idea development as an ongoing process.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DS-E, NS-E

Ariel Bordeaux

Not all comic book stories are spun around alien invasions and radioactive spiders. The autobiographical comic book, in the tradition of the literary memoir, tells tales of the artist's heartbreak, celebrations and unanticipated victories. The instructor, herself a published comic book artist, introduces students to the work of comic book memoir creators including Lynda Barry, Seth, Alison Bechdel, Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Robert Crumb. Students practice fundamental cartooning skills -- storytelling, character design and page layout -- and are given guidance on publication options as they develop and complete a short comic book memoir. By the end of the course, students will have gone through the invaluable discovery process of looking within for stories both astonishing and mundane.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AN-E, CB-E, SA-E, VE-E

Amy Bartlett Wright

Students in this course learn to illustrate with the microscope, using insect specimens as intriguingly complex subject matter. Instruction includes basic methods of drawing accurately, proper use of microscopes, handling pinned specimens, and the fundamentals of insect anatomy. The instructor also demonstrates how to generate a symmetrical image and how to "repair" a damaged specimen through illustration. Students may choose to illustrate their chosen insect in the classic overhead posture (as seen in traditional scientific illustration) or to position it in a more lifelike stance. Preliminary drawings are done in pencil and serve as a basis for final color rendering in a medium of the student's choice: colored pencil, watercolor, gouache, acrylic or a combination. Note: Specimens are provided in class.
Prerequisite: Previous experience with realistic drawing
Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): NS-E

Allison Cole

Illustrators go through a lot of trial and error searching for the medium that best suits their style -- often learning a technique, but not connecting it to a narrative or idea. This course allows you to do both, by harnessing the graphic power of printmaking to tell visually compelling stories. Low-tech water-based processes are demonstrated and explored, including relief methods involving styrofoam and linoleum, as well as silkscreen techniques using paper stencils. Course work and assignments focus on creating images with meaning and discovering how a particular medium can help. Students work on spot illustrations or develop a series of images based on an established story or one of their own. They quickly see that these easy-to-work-with printmaking methods create exciting results and make them a must for all artists' repertoires.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DS-E, NS-E

Beverly Ferguson

This introductory course teaches students how to blend elements such as color, pattern and furniture styles to achieve seamless decorative effects. Explore the myriad possibilities available to the interior designer through the use of fabrics, lighting, and wall and floor coverings. Learn to use accessories, art and personal treasures to give a room unique character. Classroom discussions and critiques offer insights into the design process as students complete projects in decorating and room arrangement.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): ID-E

Barbara Capalbo

Nancy Laurienzo

The materials that engage our senses play an integral role in defining our interior spaces. Indeed, understanding the unique characteristics of various materials is an important aspect of selecting and designing with them. This survey course explores a variety of materials used in interior design, including fabrics, wall coverings, paints, wood, stone, metal, glass, laminates, solid surfacing, tile, carpet, resilient flooring and more. The course covers appropriate and creative uses of these materials in commercial and residential applications, in addition to code considerations, specification writing and identification of sources.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all ID Required Foundation Level courses
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): HP-E, ID-R

Cathy Wilkerson

Interesting and practical textiles are indispensable to an interior designer. This course fully acquaints students with the vast range of textiles used in the field of interiors. From cotton jacquards to silk stries, we cover various constructions, designs, fibers, dying and printing processes, and loom types used to produce many of today's home furnishing textiles. Students learn how to select the proper designs, fiber contents, qualities and suitable applications, and learn what is considered traditional, transitional, or contemporary based on fiber content, construction and color. We also review what is appropriate for residential vs. commercial applications. Last, but not least, students learn to properly measure windows and furniture in order to calculate yardages for workrooms and upholsterers.

Applies to the following certificate program (9 contact hours): ID-E

Shane Wood

The successful interior designer relies on graphic skills to conceptualize and communicate a wide range of interior design ideas and solutions. This studio course introduces students to architectural drafting and its tools and standards. We cover topics and techniques that apply to most projects, such as construction drawings and layouts with dimensions and notations. Also introduced are orthographic drawing (used in custom furniture work), bubble diagrams, and layout sketches that begin the design process. Assignments focus on developing drawing skills as problem-solving tools so that students can turn freehand sketches into scaled dimensional drawings. We also discuss the use of traditional drafting tools and conventions, including architectural lettering, scale, proper line weight, dimensioning, perspective, detailing and elevation.

Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

Karen Triedman

When product development requires 12 to 18 months' advance planning, designers rely on forecasts to determine which colors will be "hot" next year. This course explores the origins of color trends, and how they impact all types of design solutions. Participants examine the process behind trendsetters' color initiatives, including the evolution and development of concept palettes and their use for specific industry applications. Color concepts and terminology essential for trend identification and understanding color schemes are discussed, as well as consumer behavior and the psychological and social responses to color. Participants learn to effectively communicate their understanding of color trends in both visual and written form and prepare professional-quality graphic presentations. Coursework culminates in a final project that evaluates and utilizes a seasonal color story for a home-goods product line or interior design. Note: This course satisfies the Applied Color for Interior Design requirement for certificate students.

Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

Victoria Dryden

This course provides students with a working process for managing a design project. Students are asked to bring to class a design they've completed previously for either a residential or commercial project. After dividing the design into schedules for various elements of the design project -- such as furniture, mill work, lighting, paint, floor coverings, fabric and trim, window treatments, accessories and artwork -- each item is specified and priced, taking into consideration net/list costs, as well as mark-up standards and time billing. Students are responsible for satisfying the program, resourcing all items on the plan, drafting a proposal to clients, preparing purchase orders for vendors and contractors and tracking the progress of the project. Students leave the course prepared to invoice their client, knowing they are able to meet the client's budget and, ultimately, make a profit.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all ID Required Foundation Level courses
Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

Matt Grigsby

Can designers and architects create a truly sustainable future, and can we conceive and develop products with minimal harm to the environment and even create a positive impact? These questions and more are addressed in this timely course taught by the CEO and co-founder of Ecolect, a team of designers, writers, entrepreneurs, educators and researchers who wish to make a positive impact on the world through the materials they use. Students in this course learn why many products have become so harmful and what makes them problematic, brainstorming to discover new solutions to our current challenges. This course is certain to equip designers with the core tools to design with the environment in mind. We cover eco-design, green materials, good manufacturing practices, life-cycle analysis, case studies of successful implementation and more.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): HP-E

David Paolino

This introductory course focuses on the process of design as it applies to the formation of interior space. Students build an acute awareness of core elements -- scale, proportion, light, circulation and progression -- and the interdependence of space and form. Functional, utilitarian, economic and safety requirements of interior spaces in an architectural framework are examined. Armed with a visual lexicon to define interior space and explore its characteristics, students begin to integrate color, materials and texture as a means to convey their original intent. Through project assignments, students learn to apply the basic principles of visual design to interiors, and how functional, aesthetic and expressive needs can be translated into design decisions to develop 3D space.

Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

David Paolino

Strong drawing skills enable designers to communicate effectively and sell interior design concepts. Indeed, the better a designer's drawings are, the better a client -- or potential client -- can comprehend and visualize the designer's ideas. This course assists students in expanding their skills beyond the fundamentals of drafting floor plans and interior wall elevations. Students use 2D and 3D drawings and then apply color, light, pattern and entourage to expand their line drawings into a professional presentation. Demonstrations show how the creative use of tools and materials such as pens, drawing leads, watercolors, colored markers and pencils, as well as the inventive use of printed, copied and computer-generated materials, can help visual presentations transcend the ordinary. Upon completion of the course, students will have improved their ability to attract and satisfy clients using presentation drawings that bring their ideas to life!
Prerequisite: Drafting for Interior Design
Applies to the following certificate program: ID-R

Jennaca Davies

Be dazzled by the engaging process of designing and making jewelry with beads. In this hands-on course, students receive step-by-step instruction in using predominantly seed beads while employing off-loom stringing methods. Projects develop from the simple to the complex -- with issues of design, process, style, color and texture all considered -- as students develop individual ways of working with and creating unique beaded jewelry. Experimentation and play are encouraged, as students gain confidence with various stitches and techniques, including pearl knotting and wire wrapping. For added inspiration, the course includes demonstration and implementation of various traditional and cultural styles of beadwork. Information on bead sources and suppliers is provided, allowing students to continue making necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more -- long after the class is over.

Douglas Borkman

Sculpture has traditionally been a medium where art and industry intersect -- sometimes in a combustible fashion, given the nature of the materials employed. Therefore, we welcome artists and all other interested parties to join us in the RISD Sculpture Department foundry for this rare opportunity to explore the fundamentals of metal casting. Using the ceramic shell method, students create objects cast in silicon bronze. The workshop's intensive format enables students to learn a precise series of casting processes, including direct wax working, gating and spruing, investment, pouring, chasing, metal texturing and finishing. Note: Lab fee covers equipment and consumables supplied in the studio. Students should plan to spend approximately $65 in addition for bronze and other materials.

Jennaca Davies

From Chinese cloisonne objects to precious Faberge eggs, the classic art of enameling -- fusing glass to metal -- has resulted in some of the great masterpieces of jewelers' art. This course offers the unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a process that has changed little since its ancient Egyptian origins. Emphasis is placed on exploration and experimentation using traditional and non-traditional enameling techniques including sifting, layering, stencils, wet packing, basic cloisonne and decals. Demonstrations of each method are given, including an introduction to the proper preparation of the metal and ways of working using non-lead bearing enamels. Students make tile samples using the various techniques, and ultimately select one technique to design and develop a final project. Note: Students are expected to purchase an enameling kit from the RISD Store 3D for approximately $60.

Michael Veracka

The crunching of gravel underfoot, the sound of a wind chime or a fountain splashing, the color of blossoms against a wall: these are the details of a successful home landscape design. To achieve a sense of completeness and satisfaction, we must integrate plantings with the structures that support, enhance and guide our experience of the outdoor environment. Students in this course -- even those with no previous drawing skills -- begin by sketching a base plan or scheme of their property using simple conventional landscape drafting methods. The class then explores such variables as plant materials, pavement, decks, fences, walls, furniture, lighting and pools. Through brief assignments and in-class work, students ultimately develop their own home landscape designs. Note: Bring photos of your property's exterior to the first class.

Michael Veracka

What is "style" in garden design, and how is it created? This lecture addresses sound design principles and other issues critical to the success of any landscape garden design. Focusing on residential and small-scale design, discussion covers reading a site and understanding its potentials and constraints, deciphering existing plant communities, combining landscape design elements to create style, and matching style to architecture and site. Slides are used to demonstrate both good and bad examples of the design principles discussed. Beginning gardeners should find the information presented invaluable to helping them get their ideas off the ground, while more experienced gardeners and designers can use the many visual examples to modify existing projects.

Harley Bartlett

Capturing the sea's many moods and responding to its beauty and mystery are just two of the many visual challenges this dynamic subject poses for an artist. Well-known landscape and maritime artist Harley Bartlett reveals step-by-step methods for beginning and then developing a seascape painting. Demonstrations and lectures focus on using the palette as a tool by pre-mixing colors -- anticipating a gradated range to facilitate working. Once the palette is set up, the paint is applied in layers to create a sense of depth through atmospheric effects. Using photo sources, students learn to extract essential information, as well as establish an all-important point of view. This total immersion workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to a fascinating subject with techniques that can be applied to all painting genres. Note: Students may use oil or acrylic paints.

Applies to the following certificate programs (12 contact hours): CB-E, DS-E, NS-E

Susan Fossati

The natural beauty, spectacular colors and graceful forms of flowers have inspired artists throughout history. Think of Vincent van Gogh's energetic blooms and Georgia O'Keeffe's startling floral close-ups. This hands-on course gives beginning and experienced artists alike a unique opportunity to strengthen their powers of observation while developing their own styles of expression. With flowers as subject, students explore acrylics, oils, or other media of their choice. Numerous techniques are demonstrated and practiced, including glazing (application of thin layers) to help capture the translucence of petals, and the use of additives to help recreate leaf texture. Master artworks are studied and the elements of composition are discussed, with a wide selection of flowers provided to work from in class. Note: Previous painting experience is helpful.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): DS-E

Keith Fox

Matisse and his cohort of early 20th-century French artists were known as les fauves, or the wild beasts, for the vibrant way they reconciled exhilarating, arbitrary color with simplified and flattened shapes to push their work beyond the descriptive and towards abstraction. Later, American painter Milton Avery was inspired to investigate fauvist ideas in familiar subject matter: beach scenes, pastimes and landscapes. Through discussion and assignments, both beginning and experienced painters in this studio course are inspired by Avery's investigations as they learn to depict recognizable imagery through a semi-abstract mode of expression. Students learn how to place more emphasis on form than on content, and using their choice of acrylics or oils, create works that are startling, colorful and bold.
Prerequisite: Basic drawing skills
Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): DS-E

Anna Mogilevsky

It is essential for artists of all levels to have both knowledge of and familiarity with the materials and techniques specific to oil painting in order to fully perfect their craft. Through demonstrations, lectures and hands-on practice, topics covered include stretching canvas and preparing surfaces (cardboard, masonite, wood) for painting supports, paints and paint application, brushes, developing a color palette, and solvents and varnishes. Tonal techniques, direct painting, underpainting and glazing, and use of a palette knife are also explored. Emphasis is on skill building rather than on specific image making so the student is free to experiment. Please note that the course is appropriate for artists of all levels.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DS-R, NS-E, SA-E

Julie Gearan

This oil painting course reviews many of the techniques and approaches discussed and practiced in Painting I: The Transition from Drawing to Painting, with a special focus on the figure. Students are instructed in practical figure painting techniques, including strategies for capturing movement, building a palette specifically for skin and flesh tones, color mixing, brushwork and modeling form. Compositional considerations -- including the all-important and interdependent relationship of the figure to ground/space -- are discussed, as students gain confidence in developing a painting comprehensively. Additionally, examples of figure painting, past and present, augment and inform the painting experience. Please note: While Painting I: The Transition from Drawing to Painting is not a prerequisite, some knowledge of oil painting basics is recommended.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): DS-E

Rob Colclaser

Shooting on location with handheld strobes and portable lighting kits can be unnerving -- it takes a lot of practice to use, control and enhance light, especially when you're on the client's clock. In this course, an experienced location photographer guides students through a series of improvised lighting scenarios that will challenge the photographer's eye. The class meets in four local on-site locations that present common exposure problems, including reflective surfaces, transient shadows and vast spaces. Students become skilled at using the underappreciated camera-top strobe, learn techniques for improving their efficiency, and practice lighting interiors for shots routinely sought by realtors, art directors and fashion merchandisers. Classroom discussions also focus on the lighting needs of photojournalists and fine art photographers. By the end of the course, students will have learned to effectively and efficiently problem-solve a variety of on-location lighting conditions -- indispensable skills for the professional photographer.
Prerequisite: Photographic Lighting I
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, DI-E, PD-E, SA-E, VE-E, WE-E

John Hames

Lindsay Elgin

Roland Gutierrez

David Fleurant

Roland Gutierrez

Whether building a photography business, planning a gallery show or creating a multimedia presentation, photographers are wise to consider the project planning process. To succeed at having your images recognized, you need a deliberate plan that takes into account such aspects of photography as budgeting, rights and permissions, not to mention getting your gear transported for location shooting. In this course, the instructor acts as your director or curator, giving you honest feedback while your self-defined project progresses from raw thumbnails to its unveiling six weeks later. The editing process is emphasized throughout as you learn to examine your shots with a more discerning critical eye, making the course a dress rehearsal for the challenges presented in Final Projects: Digital Photography.
Prerequisite: Photography: An Introduction or Digital Photography I
Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): DI-E

Wayne Vieira

Dina Zaccagnini Vincent

A graphic designer is a creative problem solver who conceptualizes, plans and executes a design that communicates a message. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of working in the field of graphic design by examining the meaning of graphic design, the design process and the role the graphic designer plays in society. Informal discussions, various hands-on assignments, and presentations made to the class provide a forecast to the print design certificate program and the field at large.

Applies to the following certificate program: PD-R

Joe Marianek

This offering in the studio series aims to mimic the experience print designers face in the real world. Your instructor acts as the client (or art director) by introducing a design brief that you, the student/designer, must satisfy from concept through design to presentation and delivery. Each stage is critical in this honest rehearsal for the aspiring graphic designer. The topic for this season is the identity package, which is so much more than its constituent parts. Propelling the design direction of course is the need to either establish, reinforce or reinvent a brand identity for the client, whether an individual or corporate entity. By the end of the six-week assignment, you will have a carefully considered project to add to your print design portfolio.
Prerequisite: Graphic Structures + Systems and Thinking Visually
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, PD-R

Amanda Lebel

Van Gogh, Monet and countless other artists have been influenced by Japanese Woodblock prints, a printmaking method which, distinct from Western techniques, doesn't require a press or use oil-based inks. This traditional thousand-year-old process combines ink or paint and nori (rice paste) with hand-pressing techniques to create prints. Students begin by practicing both carving techniques and printing with sumi ink. More advanced applications of color follow, including color gradation (bokashi) and making multiple block prints. Registration and numbering the prints are also discussed. To be true to the classic art form, design and composition are integral considerations in the development of individual imagery. An overview and brief history of the ancient craft, combined with actual practice, ultimately provide students with rare insight into this timeless and elegant tradition.

Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): CB-E, DS-E, NS-E

Jane Kernan

This intensive three-day course introduces Maya, the Academy Award-winning software. Think of Shrek, Monsters, Inc. and the Lord of the Rings trilogy to get an idea of what Maya can do. In this brief start-up course, learn the basic steps necessary to create 3D digital models using its robust polygonal modeling tools to set up a simple skeleton system, which can then be animated and simulated with keyframes. The final outcome is a sample 3D animated character and a 15-second QuickTime movie. No previous 3D experience needed!
Prerequisite: Basic computer experience
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AN-E, VE-E, WE-E

Walter Zesk

The new Rhino plug-in Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor that allows the user to build parametric models, without the prefabricated data sets and design assumptions of previous software products. Grasshopper requires no programming or scripting knowledge, and has an intuitive interface, allowing designers the freedom to roam in a full-featured modeling environment. Students in this course begin with Grasshopper basics, including paneling and patterning tools, and progress to the construction of generative models based on classic recursion formulas. Exercises develop into projects, as students become proficient in the use of this groundbreaking 3D tool, joining a rapidly growing community of visualization professionals.
Prerequisite: Beginning 3D Modeling with Rhino or equivalent experience
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AN-E, WE-E

Kathryn Rotondo

You may be surprised to learn that many award-winning Flash websites are created without the use of Flash Professional. Instead, top interactive agencies and savvy web designers are using Adobe Flex Builder, a powerful tool for creating rich Internet applications (RIAs). Flex Builder foregoes the animation timeline, empowering you instead to create full websites using ActionScript and MXML, a markup language helpful for rapidly prototyping a user interface. In this course, students learn to lay out visual controls, load external files and use data binding to populate content, handle events such as mouse clicks, and style your site with a custom look and feel. We explore sophisticated debugging tools and cover how to deploy your website online. By the end of the course, participants will have learned to become a more productive and efficient web design professional.
Prerequisite: Flash I: Web Animation + Interactivity
Applies to the following certificate programs (18 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, VE-E, WE-E

Fred Spencer

Fred Spencer

Jessie Rauch-Dickson

Bruce Campbell

While many software application packages address front-end issues, if you want to deepen your experience in the back-end of web design, then MySQL is well worth investigating. With a reported incidence of ten million installations, it is simply the most popular open source database available because of its extreme adaptability to run dependably on more than twenty platforms. Additionally, it is a popular database management tool for such web applications as YouTube, Friendster and Wikipedia, not to mention that it has a particular affinity for PHP. Besides the primary objective of examining the system for its practical applications, MySQL is worth exploring, as it has many uses that are within the General Public License.

Applies to the following certificate program (18 contact hours): WE-E

Fred Spencer

Good web typography enhances legibility while enhancing the character of the content; ideally, it draws interest to the page without compromising usability. No longer forced to select clunky layouts and default styles, today's designer turns to cascading style sheets (CSS) and other technologies for a measure of typographic control that could only be dreamt about a few years ago. Such control provides designers with the keys to achieving a solid layout, clear user interface, elegant visuals and a stronger web design overall. This intensive, hands-on workshop introduces students to the art of typography as applied to the web, and provides the practical skills to start implementing these techniques immediately. The material offers an entry point into web development for graphic designers, as well as a crash course in graphic design fundamentals for web developers.

Applies to the following certificate programs (14 contact hours): AD-E, PD-E, WE-E

Fred Spencer

We have embraced the handheld; it's undeniable that there is an eager new audience waiting for multimedia experiences that open first on their handheld device. From Blackberrys to iPhones, mobile devices are the newest blank canvas for the development of rich content. But this burgeoning platform has unique design requirements and considerations. In this course, web designers discover the key components of modern, mobile device design that include targeted, standards-based web development, and Flash Lite, which uses Adobe's Device Central as a workflow hub and test bed. Students go on to practice published distribution methods following a model established by real-world mobile device businesses. The workshop concludes with a peek into the current marketplace and the future of 'next-gen' development.

Applies to the following certificate programs (14 contact hours): AD-E, AN-E, VE-E, WE-E

Christine Enos

Designing and building a chair is one of the more challenging tasks a furniture designer can pursue, but the simple beauty of the finished product is its own reward. This course engages students in each step of the process of designing and constructing a handcrafted chair. As the class moves deliberately from drawings and models to the completed piece, students gain an intuitive understanding of basic ergonomics, material selection and chair joinery as they form, shape and finish their pieces. While participants begin working with the occasional chair as their basic form, they are encouraged to challenge themselves and bring their own style and design aesthetic to their projects. Note: The course is intended for those with some experience in furniture design, particularly a basic knowledge of woodworking.
Prerequisite: Woodworking I or equivalent experience

Steven Hayes

Artist Keith Haring once said, "Drawing is still basically the same as it has been since prehistoric times. It brings together man and the world. It lives through magic." Young artists in this workshop discover the nature of that magic, as they take command of the marks they make, and are provided with a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of drawing and sketching. Assignments utilize a rich array of drawing materials, while expanding on traditional subject matter: still lifes, landscapes, cityscapes and portraits, as well as both observational and abstract applications of making marks. The course is ideal for students with little or no experience who want to explore the magic of drawing. Group discussion and one-on-one instruction are provided to meet the specific needs of each student.

Emma Tripp

In this class, anything-goes young artists learn to use the video camera as a fun and versatile tool for personal expression. Rather than focusing on the technical side of video production, students use sketch cameras to shoot in new and unusual ways: as a TV interviewer, a YouTube diary or even a bird! Each week, we learn about an experimental video technique, participate in a creative shooting exercise, and take home our results on provided USB drives. At the end of our six-week experiment, we hold a screening of all our work and students leave with a DVD of their individual exercises and a class reel. If you're ready to shoot outside the box and teach your camera to see in new and exciting ways, come experiment in the VideoLab!

Barbara Voccola

Here is a chance for young artists to emulate the art that exists in nature as they define for themselves the nature of art. Students in this course visit RISD's Edna Lawrence Nature Lab and The RISD Museum in search of animals, birds and more. They then use the visual forms and artworks they discover as inspiration for a variety of creative projects. In the process, the course develops art and natural science awareness, builds basic art and design skills, and encourages young artists to explore a variety of media.

Melissa Cardillo

This early art experience introduces young children to a variety of materials and basic art concepts, such as color, line, shape and texture. Storytelling is integrated with drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. A nurturing environment stresses experimentation and fun rather than end product as the course aims to heighten sensory awareness and build confidence in basic artmaking skills. Most especially, the course serves as an exciting introduction to the world of art and all its possibilities.

Lauren Minco

You may not know the term, but you've seen the style that is typical of the characters from Pokemon, The Powerpuff Girls or even LEGO mini figures. They are all chibi style, and while they may be adorably cute, these melon-headed, mitten-handed characters can be challenging for aspiring cartoonists to draw. All it takes is for students to embrace the rules of proportion and cartoon anatomy that are vital for creating characters in the super-deformed style popularized in manga and anime. An understanding of the foundations of two-dimensional principles is emphasized as students learn to draw model sheets and turnarounds. The history of manga form serves as a backdrop for topics explored in class, so that bit by bit students learn to become better draftsmen and storytellers capable of creating original chibi cartoon critters.

Ellen Blomgren

Here is a welcome opportunity for children to design and create pots, cups or boxes to contain their favorite snack or keepsake, or perhaps form and decorate clay tiles or sculptures that tell a story. In this course, students continue to develop their clay building skills and explore the fundamentals of sculptural and functional ceramic art. They also pose a few new questions: Can a sculpture have a useful function, or can a ceramic mug or bowl be a sculpture? As they refine their skills in using the pinch, slab and coil methods of clay construction, students dig deeper into the function of their clay works and finish their pieces with surface decorations, embellishments and glazes.

Matthew E. Paquin

Let's animate! This course exposes students to the many faces of animation, which, at its core, is the art of creating the illusion of moving pictures. But whether it's one of the Totoros of Miyazaki, Disney's winter fairies creating poetry on ice, or the wacky instructional animations of Sesame Street, animation is an art form that wears many masks. Each week, students in this course explore a different style of animation, functioning as animator, actor, camera operator and editor. Using a variety of drawn and two-dimensional media, they go on to create several exclusive short animations. Ultimately, students are introduced to a variety of techniques, including drawing, cut-outs, and pixilation, and learn to combine images with sound, producing a DVD of their work to share with family and friends.

Naomi Messier

Have you ever wanted to use weird, wild, fun, and even ridiculous things to create artwork? Let's make art go crazy on this roller coaster ride through nontraditional artistic media. We create one-of-a-kind compositions, fabulous 3D formations and magnificent or monstrous manipulations by using unusual items like plastic bottles, artificial flowers, found objects, plates, rope, foam, and even teaspoons. The sky's the limit when we combine these out-of-the-ordinary materials with our treasure trove of conventional artistic media including paint, glitter, papier-mache, markers, pastels and more, winding up with out-of-this-world results! Join us to become a mixed media maniac and explore the exciting world of imaginative art where there are no limits placed on your creativity.

Ellen Blomgren

In this introduction to building with clay, the focus is on fun as younger students explore many ways of constructing basic ceramic art works. Children discover how easy it is to make inventive forms using the pinch, slab and coil methods to create oodles of inventive objects, and enjoy squishing their hands into this fabulously tactile medium! Students finish their projects by adding surface patterns and colored glazes and then, through the magic of fire (safely contained in the kiln), their raw materials are transformed into cherished works of ceramic art. Children's creativity explodes through this rich approach to making sculptural and even functional art.

Steven Hayes

"Drawing is the art of taking a line for a walk," said artist Paul Klee. This workshop teaches young artists the fundamentals of drawing and sketching as they learn to interpret "line" in their own way. Drawing assignments include still lifes, landscapes, cityscapes and portraits, all of which serve to expose students to work in pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, felt-tip marker and charcoal. This course is ideal for students with little or no experience who want to discover the sheer fun and satisfaction of drawing. Group discussion and one-on-one instruction are provided to meet the specific needs of each student.

Rhonda Fargnoli

Seeing Missoni's knitwear collection -- celebrated for its bright, colorful designs and intricate patterns -- may have left you wondering how designers get their inspiration. Participants in this course learn that a designer's inspiration comes from everyday life, as they "build" a collection book to help trigger creativity for their own future knitwear designs. Students study established designers and their collections, learn about the finest fibers the world has to offer, create stitches to form swatches, make sketches and write their own patterns. Also covered are the basic elements of hand knitting (focusing on mastering simple stitches and concentrating on design and color to create beautiful and original pieces), finishing embellishments and hand dyeing wool -- all designed to lay a foundation for a career in textiles/design.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Cynthia Ross-Meeks

Fashion tells us much about our lives, our values and ourselves. Why else do we make such stars of Michael Kors and his colleagues? Discover what it takes to be a successful fashion designer in this introductory course. Students learn how fashion designers communicate visually by means of color, fabric, texture and pattern. We discuss design elements, styles, trends and couture as students explore sketching, pattern drafting, fabric and color choices. Creative projects include patternmaking, garment design using the mannequin, and designing from fabric swatches. This is a great chance for students not only to learn the basics of designing their wardrobes, but to make a substantial addition to their portfolios. Note: Previous drawing experience is not required.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Christopher McInerney

This course introduces students to the basic techniques of drawing human and animal characters in cartoon style. Students learn to give expression, action and motion to their characters as they create gag cartoons, caricatures and comic strips. The class also reviews the basics of paneling and composition, and studies the widely divergent styles of such classic strips as Boondocks and Calvin and Hobbes. As students gain experience with black-and-white drawing materials, they become more confident draftsmen and become familiar with rendering as a basis for comic exaggeration. Young artists are encouraged to expand upon their drawing and cartooning skills and to develop their own signature styles.

Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC

Gail Saborio

Have you ever looked at a great drawing and thought, "How was that done? It looks so real!" This class uses an easy, step-by-step approach that unravels the mysteries of successful drawing. Emphasizing observation and exercises based on both traditional and innovative techniques, we focus on the concepts that are vital to any artist's education: composition, line, value and perspective. Using a variety of media, including pencils, pens and charcoal, students strengthen their skills through a series of projects from small to large: from beetles and butterflies in the RISD Nature Lab to the architectural panorama of Providence. See how going back to the drawing board prepares you for a future in the world of art and design.

Applies to the following certificate programs: AT, YA, YC, YG

Kurt Van Dexter

Here is a chance to capture the sheer exuberance of painting while developing skills in a supportive environment that stresses process and expression, not just end product. Using imagination and a range of media (watercolor, ink, acrylics), students experiment with painting still lifes, interior spaces, the figure and landscapes -- the sky's the limit! Explore concepts of color, composition, line, form, value and texture in order to create ever more complex and expressive works of art. Note: Basic drawing experience is helpful, but not required.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Nicholas Holcomb

"The best defense is a good offense," or is it the other way around? Ask the Spartans, Tony Stark or any member of the New England Patriots who have all wrestled with the need to wear protective gear. Armor is the topic of this class that is part history lesson, part sculpture lab and part cosplay theater. We begin with an examination of the unique forms armor has taken, from the samurai and medieval knights to modern-day designs in video games and sci-fi/fantasy epics. No longer confined to our imaginations, we use sculptural techniques to design customized armor prototypes that require neither hammer nor forge. Students end up with a finished construction that is ready for an in-class studio portrait and, later, for cosplay battle and display on your homepage!

Applies to the following certificate programs: AT, YA, YC, YG

Gail Saborio

Drawing and observation are essential skills for all visual artists. This course gives students the opportunity to learn about composition and proportion as they study the techniques necessary to interpret the human form. Working with live models, students experiment with a broad range of drawing materials in a variety of creative exercises, including quick gesture drawings and larger studies. Weekly discussions and critiques introduce students to various aesthetic issues and to the work of important figurative artists. Budding cartoonists can also use this course to better their understanding of the human form. Note: This class uses nude models. Students must be 13-17 ONLY.

Applies to the following certificate programs: AT, YA, YC, YF

David Fleurant

This followup to Introduction to Digital Photography provides more intensive training in a variety of digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop. In this project-based class, students consult with the instructor to choose a photographic theme with the aim of focusing on the many creative possibilities the theme generates. Possible themes include, but are not limited to: landscape, portraiture/self-portraiture, sports, architecture and experimental abstraction. Furthermore, visiting the photographic print collection at the RISD Museum affords students the opportunity to view firsthand and be inspired by the works of many famous photographers. The course is particularly relevant to students in the Photography Certificate Program and others who are building a portfolio.

Applies to the following certificate program: PH

Kurt Van Dexter

This course serves as an introductory experience for students interested in exploring the exciting field of architecture -- where innovative design, aesthetics, practicality, cost and materials all intersect. Topics to be covered include directly relevant issues such as the design process, design development and presentation preparation, as well as secondary issues such as protecting and enhancing the fabric of the community, working with recycled materials and using cutting-edge "green" approaches. Video/DVD documentaries featuring key architects are presented in brief each week to enrich the students' learning experience, and to help provide a sense of context. In the process, we view both historical and contemporary examples of notable architecture to help us address issues of style, space and materials. During the last class, students present their completed projects.

Blue Wade

If you are a movie lover, you've seen Maya in action. This award winning 3D animation software package has advanced features that allow an imaginative artist to create the impossible, or at least the never considered. Maya has been used to create eye-popping movie effects like the outlaw superheroes of Watchmen or the shape-shifting robots from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. In this course, students are introduced to the basics of the Maya interface and the concepts of 3D modeling. During class, students complete a Maya model that, while only the first step to creating a whole new universe, highlights the possibilities of this unique tool. And given the career possibilities emanating from the study of 3D animation, why not start here?

Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC, YG

Blue Wade

Are you a fan of manga, cartoons and video games? Before you shout "YES!" ask yourself if you also like action figures. Would you like to make one of your own? Ah-ha! We thought you would, and so we have designed this ten-session course to teach you how to do just that. Even better, you end up with an original prototype of your unique character that has been manufactured according to your specifications. Students begin their figure creation process with sketchbook conceptual designs that are then modeled using Maya. Only when fully satisfied with your virtual model do you produce a version as a one-tenth scale sculpture. The resulting character is a durable record of your ability to turn your imagination into plastic toy reality.

Applies to the following certificate programs: YG

Evan Villari

Take a dash of cartoonist and mix well with a dollop of animator and a sprinkle of quirky. The result is Tim Burton, a dark and talented artist who has continually pushed the cinematic envelope and brought Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka and Sweeney Todd to the screen of your local multiplex. These and other cutting-edge works of the master filmmaker provide the inspiration for this moviemaking course. After students revisit Burton's memorable scenes, they go on to capture and transform their own concepts into screen magic by using light, color and thoughtful compositions. Working in groups, students get to wear many hats, such as writer, director, cinematographer and audio technician. The outcome is a hands-on, inside-out understanding of the craft of making movies like a master.

Applies to the following certificate program: YM

Louis Jannetta

The best draftsmen in history were also the greatest sculptors -- just think of Michelangelo. His work is impressive for its ability to evoke a sense of true mass and weight on the paper; so real it wants to jump out at you. Our contemporary artistic heroes have that same ability: see the pages of a Marvel comic book or examine the design work emanating from the studios of Honda or BMW. In this course, we seek to transform everyday, functional objects into illusions of grand sculptural form. With mere paper and a variety of drawing materials, students begin by studying the variety of objects surrounding them -- stopping to arrange and rearrange and seeing them in new ways -- then attempting to capture their energy in large-scale sculptural drawings.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Frank Piccirillo

The human form is a constant in art, and perhaps its most dynamic subject. After gaining a basic understanding of how to see and describe the figure in visual terms, students in this course investigate expressive and experimental directions in their drawings (and possibly paintings) through the use of a variety of conventional and unconventional materials and processes. Students expand on their understanding of fundamental skills, including drawing composition, figure proportion and anatomy, while learning new strategies for using color and choosing mark-making styles so that their work evokes emotional and/or intellectual responses. Throughout, participants are encouraged to experiment and take risks in order to develop their own expressive interpretation of this classic subject. Note: This class uses nude models. Students must be 13-17 ONLY.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Cynthia Ross-Meeks

Fashion designers can find inspiration for a collection from almost anything: nature, literature, pop culture, masterpieces of art and architecture, the weather or even geometry. This intensive fashion design "think tank" focuses on the kind of idea development professional designers use in assembling a fashion collection. From concept to critique, illustration, theme boards, fabric selection, sources of inspiration and methods of fabrication, many variables play a role in creating a consistent and memorable line. Students in this course develop concepts for thematic collections while viewing and discussing notable industry trends by designers past and present. By the final session, students should have a solid foundation in critical thinking as well as a portfolio of work that may one day lead to a fabulous fashion collection!

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Gabrielle Portal

If you are a fan of Japanese comics, you know the female characters who transform themselves, speak to animals and have complex lives complicated by their extraordinary powers. Sailor Moon, Sally the Witch and Pretty Sammy are examples of the mahou shoujo style of manga, and the focus of this cartooning course. As the class explores what makes these magical girls so special, each student works on perfecting original designs with proper attention paid to their graceful anatomy, poses and expressions. Lessons in foreshortening and perspective help to make your creation leap from the page as you complete full color illustrations. And let's not forget pendants, wands and such as you learn to integrate objects, costume elements and props into a dynamic portrait of these amazing young heroines.

Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC, YG

Pat Ubaldi Nurnberger

The rigors of dance require a different kind of design from all other types of clothing. The perfect costume must take into account aesthetic considerations -- visual design elements such as color, line and texture, and fabric choices for creating mood and characterization -- as well as the equally important costume engineering demands of fit and movement. Students in this course explore the history of costumes made for the dance, from the elaborate headdresses of Louis XIV to Isadora Duncan's simple tunics and Pilobolus' high-tech unitards. Using that knowledge, students design a series of costumes based upon specific projects. Finally, each student designs and embellishes their own bodice.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Walter Zesk

Transformers, Gundam Fighters and Shogun Warriors: You've seen them stomping around, but where do they come from? In this new course, students are introduced to the tools and techniques of 3D modeling and animation and use Rhino software at a blazing fast computer workstation to design an original 3D robot. Students determine the details -- cannons or crossbows, rockets or tank treads -- as they equip their robot from top to bottom. Particular attention is paid to the accurate depiction of the gleaming chrome, Plexiglas and rusted iron that cover a typical android. But then again, it's unlikely that your "Giant Robot" will be typical!

Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC, YG

Nicholas Holcomb

The pop music experience is much more than the tracks on a CD -- it's a billion-dollar industry comprised of live events, endorsements, trademarked merchandise and carefully crafted images designed for the artists and their promoters. Bands become brands, which graphic designers craft with innovative logo design, costuming and display imagery. In this course, students are introduced to design through the scope of popular music history. Students work with the latest digital design tools and software to create artwork for CD jewel cases, tour posters and tee-shirt designs for an imaginary pop music idol or to reinterpret the identity for their favorite band. Whether your taste is for the Black Eyed Peas, Miley Cyrus or the Misfits, this course inspires you as you design to rock.

Applies to the following certificate programs: AT, YA, YC, YG

David Fleurant

Discover the basics of shooting, manipulating and printing your digital photographs in RISD|CE's new digital photo studio. Students first learn about the settings and functions of their digital cameras, as well as the basic techniques of shooting digital photos. Each week, we photograph various subjects and review and critique each others' images. Using scanners and Adobe Photoshop, we import our images into Macintosh computers and learn how to manipulate various elements before printing, offering endless possibilities for special effects. Note: Bring to each class your digital camera and either a disk of Photoshop images or a photo CD.

Applies to the following certificate program: PH

Christopher McInerney

The path of heroes is a complicated one, filled with dangerous obstacles and malevolent villains. Batman has to contend with the Joker's schemes and Wolverine and Sabretooth seem destined to battle forever. This advanced cartooning class focuses on illustrating the conflict between the good and the bad (not to mention the ugly) as we discuss the characters that make popular movies, games and comics worth buying. The examination begins with a look at their motivations and origins while learning to draw their heroic, frightening or awe-inspiring anatomy. Pose and gesture are just some of the lessons learned as you perfect your ability to draw larger-than-life super-powered teams, their gear, gadgets and their gallery of rogues.

Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC, YG

Pat Ubaldi Nurnberger

Paris Hilton needs a six-piece wardrobe to wear in Paris. Ellen Page wants to look regal for her Oscar debut. Beyonce needs an after-Grammy gown that will dance all night! Join us as each week we target a different celebrity and design either a specific piece for a special occasion (e.g. the Oscars), or conceive of a seasonal wardrobe for that person. We study what these larger-than-life figures currently wear, where they sometimes go wrong, and how we as designers can utilize our own aesthetic to create an image that is just right for our celebrity clients. Students can expect to generate a portfolio of concept designs that cover a range of styles and design challenges in response to 'real world' scenarios.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Steven Hayes

The historical surrounds of RISD's Tillinghast Farm in the cold grips of winter are the perfect setting for exploring the arts, crafts and amusements from times when kids had no choice but to enjoy toys and games powered by their own imagination. Participants stay warm inside, handcrafting paper and books, and producing puppet shows with puppets they make themselves. We also have fun learning about the games and toys of centuries past by designing and building some of our own, including Hoops and Graces, checker boards and jigsaw puzzles -- with a 21st-century twist, of course! Join in the fun and develop an appreciation for the skill, care and imagination that goes into handcrafting your own entertainment!

Bruce Campbell

There's a world of games out there: on your screensaver, your cell phone and of course, on your home gaming console. So it is our pleasure to announce to all game design enthusiasts, "Your time has come; the fundamentals of game design are within your grasp." Join us to build simple but effective interactive games with Flash as well as to draw, animate and craft interactivity by applying basic programming methods. Although no experience in Flash is necessary, students must be comfortable with computer technology. In a relaxed but thought-provoking environment, you learn the basics of interactivity for game design, including mouse- and keyboard-controlled animation and boundary events. Let the games begin!

Evan Villari

Express yourself through moving images. In this fast-paced course, students learn to make their own independent short films from top to bottom and side to side. Starting from the initial preproduction stage, they work toward the focus of the class -- postproduction -- learning nonlinear video-editing techniques with iMovie. Utilizing fundamental filmmaking applications, participants are challenged to create unique cinematic works in a class involving hands-on video equipment training, open discussions, and screenings of the medium's best examples. After putting together all the pieces students showcase their works for family and friends during the premiere presentation. Note: RISD|CE provides video cameras that can be shared during class time, but if you have a video camera, an existing video and/or CD with video, bring them to class.

Applies to the following certificate program: YM