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Family Workshops | Young Artists: Ages 5-12 | Young Artists: Teen/Daytime | Young Artists: Teen/Evening | Young Artists: Vacation Camps |

Amy Leidtke

"Three, two, one, BLAST-OFF!" Calling all aspiring astronauts and aeronautical engineers, girls and boys, artists and designers -- to build, test, modify and launch rockets of your own design. Using basic tools, participants combine one-liter bottles, a modified tire valve, water, and air pressure to design, prototype, test and launch a series of super-cool water rockets. Each person makes and takes home up to three different working water rockets, plus experiences and the sheer pleasure of learning all about the design process and relevant aspects of physics -- concepts such as air pressure, stability and aerodynamics. Note: Come prepared to get wet! Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, and adults and children must register separately.

Marya Errin Jones

Enter the world of Dramarama, where all the world's a play. Using basic visual and performing arts concepts, students collaborate to adapt, design and ultimately, perform a short theatrical production. From creative brainstorming to acting in costume, and from sketching plans to building sets and making props, Dramarama is a one-of-a-kind experience that lies at the intersection of the visual and the performing arts. Everyone finds a role to play -- whether it is writer, painter or actor -- and in the end, all work together to create the final work. Join us to explore the territory beyond the boundaries of two art forms, a place limited only by the imagination.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

Paintbox is all about possibilities. Children have the opportunity to share the joy of learning while exploring the intricacies of a variety of media. Drawing, painting, printmaking, working with clay, building constructions and making sculptures all combine to heighten the children's imagination and sensory awareness, introducing them to a panoply of visual art concepts and skills. In the process, instructors acquaint children with great works of art and stress a greater degree of technical proficiency than was required in Artstart.

Melissa Cardillo

To young artists, the opportunity to explore a variety of media, including pen and ink, paints, pastels, printmaking and paris-craft, is, to put it simply, eye-opening. The most ambitious students seek to explore the very limits of their imaginations and memories. In this class, we stimulate the children's innate creativity by visiting The RISD Museum and Nature Lab, as well as by providing other thought-provoking resources to help them find inspiration for their artwork. We emphasize personal expression, problem solving and efficient, inventive use of media as children participate in group discussions about their artmaking.

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.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

Oh my! There really are dragons in The RISD Museum! But don't worry. In this course, creatures from ancient legends, magical fairytales and fantastic dreams come alive only in drawings, paintings, puppets and sculptures. The emphasis is on imagination as young artists explore the facts and fiction surrounding a panorama of wondrous beasts. Children visit the RISD Nature Lab to observe a variety of real -- and very strange -- animals, even using the microscope to investigate the tiny world of bugs. The RISD Museum provides other creature adventures as well. Our young artists use this treasure trove of information as inspiration for a variety of visual projects, building basic art and design skills as they let their natural curiosity take them far beyond their day-to-day world of creature comforts.

Ellen Blomgren

Here is a welcome opportunity for children to design and create pots, cups, tiles, sculptures -- indeed, a cornucopia of interesting ceramic objects. Children discover how easy it is to make inventive forms using the pinch, slab and coil methods of clay construction, and enjoy the fun of sinking their hands into the clay itself. Students finish their projects by adding surface patterns and colored glazes, and before long, they have transformed raw materials into a finished product to cherish forever.

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 new 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. Moreover, students learn to combine images with sound and produce a DVD of their work to share with family and friends.

Nicholas Holcomb

The sky's the limit as students fold their hearts out while exploring a wide array of paper airplanes and paper folding. In this two-week course, students fold their way through basic to advanced origami as an introduction to the importance of design and paper folding. Moving on to paper airplanes, students learn how they can be built for distance, for stunts and for speed. Such planes as the Classic Dart, the Flying Zeppelin, the Paper Frisbee, the Classic Square Nose and the World Record Paper Airplane are all discussed and built. The class culminates with each student building their own full scale, dimensional paper kite. Short-range field trips around the RISD and Brown campuses are included to fly our creations.

Jesse Thompson

Punch it, pull it, make it move. Clay has a lot of character -- wouldn't Gumby or Wallace and Gromit agree? Their talented animators certainly would. Join us to learn the secrets of frame-by-frame moviemaking, using clay as a medium to make moveable creatures, people and objects for an animated video. While relying upon traditional animation techniques at first to develop the idea, style the characters and put them through their paces on a miniature set, soon enough we find ourselves employing digital still cameras to shoot our Plasticine players and capture them for computerized moviemaking. In the process, all aspects of pre-production, storyboarding, using the camera, lighting, basic editing and post-production techniques come together, resulting in a stop-motion animated film to take home on a DVD for home viewing.

Mary Geisser

If you can redo, remix and refry, why can't you re-art? It's just a matter of whether you have the willingness to experience the sheer joy of making art. In this exciting multi-sensory class, children create fantastic images, sculptures and constructions limited only by their imagination! Using common objects -- even found materials like cardboard tubes and shapes, foam scraps, plastic bottles, buttons, beads and more -- in uncommon ways, the most amazing things can happen. But first you've got to mix in such traditional materials as paint and clay in a process that provides children with opportunities for play and exploration. From building three-dimensional cities and creatures to printmaking, painting, collage and sculpting, young artists quickly discover innovative ways to rethink, recreate and revive the world around them.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

Paintbox is all about possibilities. Children have the opportunity to share the joy of learning while exploring the intricacies of a variety of media. Drawing, painting, printmaking, working with clay, building constructions and making sculptures all combine to heighten the children's imagination and sensory awareness, introducing them to a panoply of visual art concepts and skills. In the process, instructors acquaint children with great works of art and stress a greater degree of technical proficiency than was required in Artstart.

Michael DiMucci

To young artists, the opportunity to explore a variety of media, including pen and ink, paints, pastels, printmaking and paris-craft, is, to put it simply, eye-opening. The most ambitious students seek to explore the very limits of their imaginations and memories. In this class, we stimulate the children's innate creativity by visiting The RISD Museum and Nature Lab, as well as by providing other thought-provoking resources to help them find inspiration for their artwork. We emphasize personal expression, problem solving and efficient, inventive use of media as children participate in group discussions about their artmaking.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

"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.

Jana DeSimone

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.

Marylena Sevigney

If kids could design their very own playhouses or forts, what would they look like? Would they perch in a tree or stand on the ground? And what kind of games could kids play both in and around such a structure? In this class, students develop ideas, plans, drawings and models of their fantasy buildings with the city of Providence itself providing inspiration though its varied historical and contemporary examples of architecture and landscape. And while they're laying the foundations, kids simultaneously learn how to manipulate space, materials and style through exercises that focus on drawing and thinking, and through demonstrations of the properties of assorted materials. To top it off, students finish up by constructing models of their very own dream structures.

Michael Underhill

Don't believe everything you see! Nearly every photograph that appears in print has been changed or manipulated in some way via the computer. The results of this computer-manipulated art can be found in magazines, newspapers, posters, and comics -- in just about all printed matter. In this course, learn the secrets of digital magic that professional artists use to alter the truth and create fantastic works of art. Here young artists get to create original work from photographic or other printed resources after learning the tools that Adobe Photoshop provides to create comics, CD covers, posters and more. You won't believe the techno-wizardry that magically springs forth from your printer!

Ellen Blomgren

Here is a welcome opportunity for children to design and create pots, cups, tiles, sculptures -- indeed, a cornucopia of interesting ceramic objects. Children discover how easy it is to make inventive forms using the pinch, slab and coil methods of clay construction, and enjoy the fun of sinking their hands into the clay itself. Students finish their projects by adding surface patterns and colored glazes, and before long, they have transformed raw materials into a finished product to cherish forever.

Michael DiMucci

What would it be like to transform yourself into something or somebody else? Well, with masks, you can do just that. In this course, children explore various techniques involved in mask-making and theatrical sculpture to create a variety of multimedia masks. First we view art examples from a variety of cultures and artistic periods to understand the nature of handcrafted disguises throughout history. Then we build our very own assortment of mask creations. Emphasis is placed on casting, molding, shaping and covering the students' three-dimensional designs. Young artists explore this type of "wearable art" through a multitude of exciting art materials, learning how to properly apply papier-mache and plaster of Paris, use modeling clay, paint, make handmade papers, and even recycle objects to create a number of original masks.

Mary Geisser

Fire-breathing dragons have heated up myths and legends, children's stories and tales of old for centuries. But what does a dragon actually look like? Some picture the creature as a frightful dinosaur with wings, and others in a more affectionate light. But no matter how they are interpreted, dragons raise a lot of questions: Can they be a force for good? Where do they come from? In this class, we challenge children to envision their own magical creatures by exploring a variety of art media and materials, poetry, stories and dramas. After examining art, folk and fairy tales from around the world, children craft artwork that resonates with their particular background and world outlook, and soon develop ways to put their unique stamp on familiar stories.

Jill Palumbo

This class exposes children to the many creative possibilities that photography provides, zooming in on ways to have fun with various aspects of this strange and wonderful visual art. Making pinhole cameras is just one of the exciting and fun class projects we have in store. Students also learn to make photograms, cyanotypes, collage, photomontage, and their own photodocumentary journals, as well as feel the alchemist's thrill of seeing their photos spring to life in a chemical bath. The ultimate goal is to experience the magic of photography both inside and outside the darkroom. So focus, say "cheese" and join us for what is bound to be an eye-opening journey.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

Paintbox is all about possibilities. Children have the opportunity to share the joy of learning while exploring the intricacies of a variety of media. Drawing, painting, printmaking, working with clay, building constructions and making sculptures all combine to heighten the children's imagination and sensory awareness, introducing them to a panoply of visual art concepts and skills. In the process, instructors acquaint children with great works of art and stress a greater degree of technical proficiency than was required in Artstart.

Ruth Shouval

To young artists, the opportunity to explore a variety of media, including pen and ink, paints, pastels, printmaking and paris-craft, is, to put it simply, eye-opening. The most ambitious students seek to explore the very limits of their imaginations and memories. In this class, we stimulate the children's innate creativity by visiting The RISD Museum and Nature Lab, as well as by providing other thought-provoking resources to help them find inspiration for their artwork. We emphasize personal expression, problem solving and efficient, inventive use of media as children participate in group discussions about their artmaking.

Barbara Voccola

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.

Paul Badger

This class is for the ingenious child who dreams about creating machines with personality -- contraptions that race, dance, goof off, make us laugh or even wreak havoc. This class picks up where Cool Contraptions: The Toy of the Century left off. Students build and customize robots and other whimsical, fantastic machines using Lego bricks, gears and motors in RISD's new electronics lab. Here, they can also experiment with sensors and remote controls and learn the essential principles of physics and engineering, design and structure. In addition, students review the history of the robots and machines that artists have been building for the last twenty years, all leading up to a demonstration and performance of their unique inventions. See http://departments.risd.edu/depts/Contraps.

Paul Badger

This class is for the ingenious child who dreams about creating machines with personality -- contraptions that race, dance, goof off, make us laugh or even wreak havoc. This class picks up where Cool Contraptions: The Toy of the Century left off. Students build and customize robots and other whimsical, fantastic machines using Lego bricks, gears and motors in RISD's new electronics lab. Here, they can also experiment with sensors and remote controls and learn the essential principles of physics and engineering, design and structure. In addition, students review the history of the robots and machines that artists have been building for the last twenty years, all leading up to a demonstration and performance of their unique inventions. See http://departments.risd.edu/depts/Contraps.

Alison Blackwell

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, tiles, sculptures -- indeed, a cornucopia of interesting ceramic objects. Children discover how easy it is to make inventive forms using the pinch, slab and coil methods of clay construction, and enjoy the fun of sinking their hands into the clay itself. Students finish their projects by adding surface patterns and colored glazes, and before long, they have transformed raw materials into a finished product to cherish forever.

Mary Geisser

In this exciting, multi-sensory experience, children playfully interact with and explore a variety of art media and materials, poetry, stories and drama to bring their imaginations to life. The class encourages interest in the written word through a variety of sources, and then integrates the development of literacy skills in fun and imaginative ways. Exploring two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms, young artists soon develop ways to connect the imaginative process to all aspects of learning, empowering them by developing their confidence in their own voices, abilities and imaginations.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

Fold it, rip it, cut it, paint it, or just spend it; creative uses for paper are endless. In ancient times, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans found a special use for a tall reed called Cyperus Papyrus. Beyond stone and wood, this fibrous plant, native to Egypt, became one of the first known forms of writing surfaces in history. Later on, did you know that rice paper was so scarce and valuable in Japan that it was rationed in limited supply to print masters? Meanwhile, in our culture, paper is so available that we recycle it to create various byproducts! Join us for this new course to explore creative decorative paper techniques such as paper marbling, mixed media printmaking, 3D masks, collage, and of course large-scale paintings, reliefs and sculptures.

Melissa Cardillo

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.

Michael DiMucci

This exciting new clay class for younger children introduces the basic methods of clay construction, providing kids with the sheer joy of sinking their hands into a range of clay-like materials. Using air-dry clay and other innovative modeling materials, children soon discover how easy it is to make inventive 3D forms using the pinch, slab and coil techniques. Students finish their projects by adding surface patterns, textures and decorative elements, then use acrylic paints and other creative finishes and varnishes to transform raw materials into a finished product to cherish forever. In a year or two, children are ready for the more sophisticated challenges of Clayworks.

Michael DiMucci

"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.

Ruth Shouval

In this class, students receive a strong, broad-based foundation in the visual arts through instruction in drawing, painting, design, printmaking and sculpture, all in a studio setting. We emphasize concepts and principles of art and design, originality, communication of ideas, and skill development in new and familiar media. Students visit The RISD Museum to connect art history to their work, and they use the natural treasures of the RISD Nature Lab as inspiration for their projects. In a surprisingly short time, students find new confidence in their ability to express themselves through art.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Sondra Arnold

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, CA, YA, YC, YG

Cynthia Ross-Meeks

This course emphasizes sewing sample portions of original designs created in class, giving students the opportunity to take the fashion design process from concept to construction. Pattern drafting and pattern working using the mannequin, various sewing techniques, and an introduction to the sewing machine are part of the curriculum. The course also includes a continuing discussion of design, styles, trends and couture. Finally, students showcase their design and sewing samples by presenting their work in a final classroom exhibit. Note: Some sewing knowledge is helpful, but not necessary.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Bruce Lenore

Many, if not most, sculptural pieces cast in bronze begin life as clay on an armature. In this class, students explore the basic three-dimensional aspects of clay as a sculptural medium. In a wide variety of projects, students create individual solutions to problems of form, scale and surface, using slab work, coiling, extrusions and press molds. We also review slips and alternative glazing techniques to expand the students' design vocabulary and help them create pieces that reflect their inner visions. Finally, The RISD Museum's collection of ceramic art serves as a valuable resource and inspiration for students as they investigate the design and construction possibilities of the many new techniques they learn in class.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Matthew E. Paquin

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 menagerie of animal armies in The Chronicles of Narnia and the NASCAR heroes of Pixar's blockbuster, Cars. 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: CA, YA, YC, YG

Crystal Paolucci

Murals are a wonderful art form that provides artists with a way to express themselves on a large scale. Indeed, murals are often considered one of the oldest art forms, from the cave paintings at Lascaux and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to the revolutionary murals of Diego Rivera. This class highlights the history of mural painting and the ways in which the art form has changed throughout the years. Students in this course learn to tackle current issues in their everyday lives, as well as the challenges of creating a complex piece of art, all while collaborating with their peers. Come join the wonderful world of mural artistry and create a piece of art designed to make a statement on a grand scale!

Jesse Thompson

How do you turn your avatar or your sketchbook superhero into a three-dimensional clay figure? A good question, to be sure, but what if you want even more? Is it unreasonable, for example, to ask "How do I turn my clay action figure into a more durable material like plastic?" The answer is finally at hand, as students discover when they enroll in this sculpture and mold-making workshop. The course starts with lessons in sculptural anatomy and exaggeration, both of which play into how you shape a clay hero. Students then participate in the casting process with a new composite model that can be painted to your specifications. How long can it be, we ask, before Hasbro comes knocking on your door?

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

William McKenna

In this class, students receive a strong, broad-based foundation in the visual arts through instruction in drawing, painting, design, printmaking and sculpture, all in a studio setting. We emphasize concepts and principles of art and design, originality, communication of ideas, and skill development in new and familiar media. Students visit The RISD Museum to connect art history to their work, and they use the natural treasures of the RISD Nature Lab as inspiration for their projects. In a surprisingly short time, students find new confidence in their ability to express themselves through art.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Michael Underhill

The computer is a dynamic tool for art making, but as with any other art material, you must learn how it can best contribute to the artmaking experience. This course explores the artmaking potential of computers as students use the powerful and largely intuitive graphic program Adobe Illustrator to experiment with digital drawing, painting and graphics in order to make original images for screen or print. Additionally, we explore the use of several Illustrator tools and practices to make comics, cartoons, CD covers and posters. But beyond mastery of relevant technical skills, the course focuses on content and the development of universal art foundations, thus giving you great freedom to expand your portfolio.

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

Ben Macomber

"There is nothing that obeys the artist's hand so exquisitely, nothing that records the subtlest pleasures of sight so perfectly." This is how noted writer John Ruskin described watercolor, a medium of exquisite delicacy and unique translucence. Join us for this rare opportunity to explore and develop drawing and painting skills with a professional watercolorist and member of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society. Instruction highlights the proper use of materials, color theory, composition and several other techniques. Moreover, demonstrations, individual instruction and group critiques help each student find his or her unique approach to watercolor. Photographs, still lifes, striking panoramas of Providence, and even a field trip to RISD's Tillinghast Farm campus on Narragansett Bay provide inspiration for this painting adventure.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Alison Blackwell

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 program: CA, YA, YC

Frank Piccirillo

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, CA, YA, YC, YG

Bruce Lenore

Many, if not most, sculptural pieces cast in bronze begin life as clay on an armature. In this class, students explore the basic three-dimensional aspects of clay as a sculptural medium. In a wide variety of projects, students create individual solutions to problems of form, scale and surface, using slab work, coiling, extrusions and press molds. We also review slips and alternative glazing techniques to expand the students' design vocabulary and help them create pieces that reflect their inner visions. Finally, The RISD Museum's collection of ceramic art serves as a valuable resource and inspiration for students as they investigate the design and construction possibilities of the many new techniques they learn in class.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Elana Carello-Rabiner

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

Lauren Conti

From the clothes we wear to the MP3 devices we play our music on, the cars we drive and even the soda we drink, our decision to buy something is often determined by both how cool it looks and its functionality. Students in this course are challenged to create such business prototypes as a skateboard company, a beauty salon, a snack food or a clothing boutique, and then design the components that will sell the product. The course bridges multiple aspects of 2D and 3D design including, but not limited to, graphics, product models, package design and interior architecture. In the process, students gain a solid foundation in applying design principles to real world design challenges as they create a portfolio of the next "must-have" trend!

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Marylena Sevigney

Have an old piece of furniture that needs a facelift? Found a chair with great potential at the Salvation Army? Join us to transform any reasonably sized piece of furniture into your own personalized creation through various subtractive and additive techniques. First select a model you like, then go on to disassemble and rebuild with hand tools such as saws and drills. And don't forget to integrate found objects into your creation, as well as surface treatment with paint, carving, and glued-on embellishments. Basic upholstery techniques are also covered. Just remember, we are going to change an existing design into a new design -- not replace an existing finish. Also, you are responsible for transporting the furniture to and from the class location at the start and end of the course.

Crystal Paolucci

"The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color." This is how artist Hans Hofmann describes color -- as being everywhere around us. In this class, students explore the dynamic world of color through self-expression and imagination. First, students investigate the wide range of color concepts and theories, as well as the expressive use of color through various materials including oil pastels, watercolor, chalk pastels, colored pencil, and acrylic paints. Visuals from various artists -- Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, and others -- are then discussed in class. Finally, using color concepts and a vast array of materials, students experiment with subject matter such as nature, still life, cityscapes, collage, all in living color.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

William McKenna

In this class, students receive a strong, broad-based foundation in the visual arts through instruction in drawing, painting, design, printmaking and sculpture, all in a studio setting. We emphasize concepts and principles of art and design, originality, communication of ideas, and skill development in new and familiar media. Students visit The RISD Museum to connect art history to their work, and they use the natural treasures of the RISD Nature Lab as inspiration for their projects. In a surprisingly short time, students find new confidence in their ability to express themselves through art.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Matthew E. Paquin

Ever since the first deck of drawings was shuffled to create a "moving picture," animation has thrilled us. But techniques and artistic styles in animation have come a long way since that time. In this exciting course, we open the doors to the vast world of computer animation. Using digital tools found in Flash, Magpie and iMovie, students learn to create an original sound-synch computer animation. From character development and background settings to storyboarding action, the course provides a balance of technique and individual creativity, as well as a foundation of essential design concepts. Ultimately, students copy their final animations to a DVD for use in a portfolio or to entertain friends and family. Note: Previous drawing experience is not required, but some computer experience is helpful.

Applies to the following certificate programs: CA, YG

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

Louis Jannetta

From complex architecture to the simple zipper, design is basic to both visual expression and functional problem solving. This course introduces students to the "grammar" of art: line, shape, color, texture and space. Working on a series of projects to explore each principle, students become fluent in the language of design by using a variety of art media and applying them to the real world of design. The skills developed in class provide a valuable foundation for a career in the arts and are directly applicable to just about any visual arts pursuit.

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

Laura Travis

This workshop in soapstone carving is designed to augment students' sculpting experience and expand their carving technique. Soapstone is the easiest of all stones to carve and offers the satisfying challenge of working in the round on an intimate scale. It is one of the best ways to learn reductive sculpture techniques and is suitable for beginners, yet the beauty of the stone and the finishes that can be achieved make it interesting for the more advanced student as well. Looking at the artwork of Native American carvers and some monumental modernist sculptors provides inspiration and focus for the wonderful, flowing forms students can achieve. Using saws, files, rasps and chisels, participants should be able to complete one small carving in three days. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who have never carved, and even for those who have. Please come with several ideas, sketches, or visual references if possible so that we can begin carving immediately. Note: Students must supply their own sandbag, gloves, goggles and dust mask. For further information or advice, contact the teacher at laura@as220.org.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

TBA TBA

There's a world of games out there. You may even be at your Sony PlayStation or Xbox right now. 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 interactive games with Flash. Draw, animate and craft interactivity by applying basic programming in ActionScript. No experience in Flash is necessary, though students should be computer literate, preferably with some experience in programs such as Illustrator or Photoshop. Although students do not create complex Flash games, they will learn the basics of interactivity for game design, including mouse- and keyboard-controlled animation and boundary events. Let the games begin!
Prerequisite: Digital Drawing Board
Applies to the following certificate programs: CA, YG

Elana Carello-Rabiner

Central to the design of a fashion collection is the investigation of innovative materials and textiles that nowadays define the uniqueness of a style and, more and more often, provide the initial inspiration behind a whole fashion collection. In this course, we explore the world of innovative materials in order to push creativity to its limits. Students create a personal project, beginning with a mood board and fashion sketch and ending with a complete garment made of non-traditional materials, while learning some basic construction techniques. The course culminates with an informal fashion show for parents and friends. Note: Previous sewing or patternmaking experience is not required.

Applies to the following certificate program: YF

Ashley MacLure

Deep in the blackness of the ocean trenches lies a monstrous creature that sailors report can sink a ship with its writhing tentacles. A continent away is another strange beast that native Tibetans claim hunts the snowy crags of the Himalayas. As different as the Giant Squid and the Yeti are, both are united by their reluctance to be seen and examined by human eyes. In this course, students step into the role of cryptozoologist as they unleash their imaginations while learning about animal behavior, size and shape. With the RISD Nature Lab as their drawing studio, students refine their draftsmanship skills in an illustration course that asks them to reconsider the existence of animals that might lurk in hidden lairs.

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: CA, YG

Sondra Wiener

Whether you are designing logos for your band, your home page or your self-published comic book, you need to start loving letters -- or at least appreciating them. Letters have the potential to project as much distinctive identity as the groups, products and teams to which they are attached, but this connection does not happen by accident. Students in this type design course are introduced to the basics of letter-form, which is the key element in the process of creating logos and titles that electrify and excite. Learn how to start with a doodle in a sketchbook that is then scanned into Adobe Illustrator and perfected until it is ready for display on a patch, poster or drum head.
Prerequisite: Design Fundamentals from A to Z or Digital Drawing Board
Applies to the following certificate programs: AT, CA, YC, YG

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

Sondra Arnold

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, CA, YA, YC, YG

Frank Piccirillo

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

David Fleurant

How does the professional photographer inspire awe, dread or an air of sophistication with only the human face as subject? How do we alert the viewer to the subject's character? In this intensive digital photography course, students gain hands-on experience with the studio lighting techniques that professional photographers use to capture the portrait image. Along with an introduction to strobe photography, students learn to add special effects with hot lights, light painting and natural light, along with diffusion and a subtle touch of Photoshop. Props and fashion are also considered as students look for ways to capture the viewer's attention. By the end of the course, expect to have an incredible array of images to add to your portfolio.

TBA TBA

Prepare for the jump to hyperspace! The space fantasy genre has origins that date back to the pulp magazines and comic strips featuring Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, but nowadays some of the best examples are found in movies and video games. With lessons in figurative anatomy, proportion and perspective, this course provides the opportunity for students to sharpen their drawing skills while creating characters and settings that are both original and imaginative. Along the way, expect to become familiar with the cyborgs, exotic aliens and earth-shaking weaponry that have become traditional in creations like Star Wars, Halo and Battlestar Galactica.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Drawing or Start Cartooning (formerly Cartooning I: Basic Comic Illustration)
Applies to the following certificate programs: YA, YC

Jane Kernan

Fan of the bat? We sure are. In addition to highlighting the upcoming action-packed Batman movie, The Dark Knight, this new course also examines the origins of the classic DC Comics character and the inspiration that led Bob Kane to create him some seventy years ago. We focus on drawing -- and lots of it -- as you learn about cartoon anatomy, perspective and character design, while reinterpreting the Batman mythology, including costumes, gadgets, vehicles and the Gotham City environment. Of course the villains are featured, as you perfect your drawing skills on the Joker, Two-Face, Catwoman and the rest of the rogue's gallery. In the end, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the groundbreaking cultural icon that is Batman and the comic book illustration techniques that bring him to life. Note: This course is not affiliated with or endorsed by DC Comics or Warner Bros. Pictures.

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

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 both nude and clothed models.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Ruth Shouval

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 both nude and clothed models.

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

Jessica Lee Perry

Visual journaling is a unique way to ignite your creativity. It takes you on a journey through many different media and materials as you document your life experiences therapeutically, metaphorically and artistically. In this course, students experiment with combining drawn imagery, collage, printmaking, montage, the connections between words and images, and altering photos, pages and books. Moreover, students get to explore their inner self while documenting their experiences both visually and poetically. Class time is used to both explore new materials and processes and share discoveries made during the intervening days. As the course progresses, each student's sketchbook becomes an evolving work of art and each student becomes that much more connected to the wellspring of his/her creativity.

Jane Kernan

Although the Academy Award-winning Maya software is the world's most powerful (and popular) software for 3D modeling and animation, it is still only a tool for artistic creation. This course introduces students to the application interface as they learn all about Maya modeling techniques. Together we model a human face, using a polygon construction method that can be pulled, pushed and textured like clay. After this observational exercise we then distort, blend, sharpen and dull the original model until it becomes a unique caricature. The digital Maya mask can then be spun and viewed from any viewpoint to complete the illusion of three-dimensionality. Experiments in lip sync and facial expression are tackled as students breathe virtual life into their construction. The result is Halloween for your hard drive and Mardi Gras for your monitor.

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

Angel Tucker

This vacation program runs during the Rhode Island school vacation week, April 14 - 18.

Kathleen Larkin-Kuhn

This vacation program runs during the Rhode Island school vacation week, April 14 - 18.

Michael DiMucci

This vacation program runs during the Rhode Island school vacation week, April 14 - 18.

Melinda Rainsberger

This vacation program runs during the Massachusetts school vacation week, April 21 - 25.

A.J. Morse

If history repeats itself and so does nature, why can't great art? Join this exploration of repetition and variation throughout the artistic process. These common themes, found in the artwork of such renowned artists as Thibeault, Warhol and Nevelson, present ordinary objects and icons in ways that create uncommonly fabulous and unforgettable images. Paint, print and sculpt, while investigating how theme and variation are at the core of just about all artistic endeavors. Drawing, painting, sculpture and even found object techniques become the stuff of legend as we produce innovative and experimental work in this fun and active session.

Donald Chabot, Patricia Huntington