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Family Workshops | Young Artists: Youth (12 and Under) | Young Artists: Teen (12 - 17) | Young Artists: Vacation Camps |

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.

Amy Leidtke

Important: For all family workshops, children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, and adults and children must register separately.

Amy Leidtke

Important: For all family workshops, children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, and adults and children must register separately.

Alicia Uth

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.

Carlotta Danzante Miller

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.

Christopher McInerney

This course invites young 'toonists to get funny, silly or scary as they get serious about learning to create their own cartoon characters. Using basic pencil and pen-and-ink drawing techniques, students illustrate a sequential or transformational cartoon strip. A review of the history of cartooning and basic animation methods also helps young artists bring even their most whimsical ideas to life. So, when it's time to return to reality, students have increased their confidence and skill levels and had some rollicking good fun in the process.

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.

Matthew E. Paquin

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!

Naomi Messier

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.

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.

Jennifer Ashley Barsamian

"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.

Lauren Minco

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

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

Blue Wade

Think about the imagery of this scene: "Smoke and fire erupt from the tail of the damaged starfighter as it crash-lands in a spray of sparks, flame and debris." Animating such intricate imagery calls for an understanding of Maya particle systems. Atmospheric illusions -- explosions, flames and smoke -- as well as hair and fur, are all "fuzzy objects" rendered as a set of points, or "particles," in 3D space. These particles flow, spark, fizzle and die according to the whims of the animator, who manipulates different tools and processes that determine their behavior. Physical effects -- including gravity, wind and pressure -- can be applied to particle bodies, adding to their apparent reality. Students in this course begin to master the type of particle animation that leads to the creation of believable environments and character features seen in the best console games and feature films.

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

Evan Villari

Villains, gangsters, thugs and creeps all lurk between the sprocket holes of your favorite films with one goal in mind -- to complicate the life of a movie's hero. Without them, there is no conflict, and no opportunity for a hero to be heroic. In this digital video production course, we examine the path that an invented scoundrel takes, from the scriptwriter's imagination to the local multiplex. Along the way, we assume the roles of filmmaking professionals, from actors and cinematographers to costume designers who add layers of menace and guile. Students then experiment with their own interpretations of notorious bad guys as they practice the moviemaking craft at every level. Count on scripting lines; blocking, lighting and shooting scenes; and finally editing a project that will give you new insight into the dark side of movie villainy.

Applies to the following certificate program: YM

Jesse Farrell

Not long ago, when an artist wanted to give his or her comic book the finishing touch, the only things needed were a sharp brush, a sharper eye and a few pots of different colored inks. How times have changed! While you still need a sharp eye, raster graphics have made the other art supplies obsolete. Pigment has been replaced by pixels, and fine sable hair by Photoshop. This course begins with Photoshop fundamentals, and quickly proceeds to structured coloring exercises, which allow your pencil drawn pages to take on 32-bit luminosity. Text options and balloon layout are also discussed, as you follow the same steps taken by the newest generation of comic book pros. In the end, your characters are given new life, as they pop out of a Photoshop-colored panel and are optimized for transfer to the Web or CD.

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

David Planka

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

Blue Wade

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: YA, YG, YM

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

Steven Hayes

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

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

Kristin Street

Because photography is a great deal more complicated than simply snapping a photo, serious photographers work hard to master their craft. This class provides a thorough introduction to black-and-white photography. Students learn how the 35mm camera works and investigate the range of possibilities that black-and-white photography offers. In the darkroom, we explore chemical processing and different techniques used in making prints, while in the classroom, we explore the how-to's of producing a first-rate photograph. Note: Students will need a manual 35mm SLR camera, or one with manual override capabilities (older models are perfect). The lab fee covers all basic darkroom supplies, but please note that there are limitations on paper for printing.

Applies to the following certificate program: PH

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 your digital camera and either a disk of Photoshop images or a photo CD to each class.

Applies to the following certificate program: PH

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. 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 digital video formats. After putting together all the pieces -- hands-on video production, open discussions, and short screenings -- students showcase their works for family and friends during the last class. 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 programs: YG, YM

Ellen Blomgren

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 armored heroes in the Iron Man sequel or the bioluminescent creatures and terrain of Pandora from Avatar. 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

Kim Markarian

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

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

Walter Zesk

Whether a school, home, fortress, teepee or tree house, someone must first consider the site and materials at hand and match both to a specific purpose. That is the job of the architect. To be successful, an architect requires the special awareness of a sculptor, the precision of an engineer and the sensitivity of a psychologist. In this course, students get an introductory look into the architect's world, and become familiar with the tools of the trade that help architects visualize structures, including traditional model building and digital tools like AutoCAD. Ultimately, students come away with a deeper understanding of the architect at work.

Jesse Farrell

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: YA, YG

Alyssa Short

Where the Wild Things Are, Eloise, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Jumanji: What brings these books to life? Their wonderful whimsical illustrations! In this course, students bring their favorite stories to life with original illustrations. We explore the art and business of children's book illustration -- including character development, establishing a setting and atmosphere, narrative illustration and text and image relationship. Students also have a unique opportunity to see the portfolios of professional illustrators. Young artists are encouraged to experiment with a variety of different drawing and painting media, before eventually selecting a medium of their choice for their final project. At the end of the course, students will have completed one cover illustration and two illustrated spreads -- mounted and portfolio-ready.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

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

Matthew E. Paquin

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. 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: PH, 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 nude models. Students must be 13-17 ONLY.

Applies to the following certificate program: AT

Kristin Street

Fashion trends come and go, but it is invariably the photography that helps make a given design "hot." This course explores fashion photography from a fine arts perspective. Using color slides and color print film, students shoot both candid work and more controlled studio shots, as well as review the ways in which photographers have historically defined and shaped the public view of fashion. The three basic areas of investigation include movement (interaction of fabric and environment with the human form), attitude (the emotional connection between model and viewer), and atmosphere (how location and lighting affect style and perception). In the process, students are guided to self-edit their work as they develop a personal voice and vision and, of course, build a portfolio. Note: A digital camera is required. Digital printing paper for each assignment is covered by the lab fee.

Applies to the following certificate programs: PH, YF

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

Phil Oliveira

The web is quickly becoming the medium of choice for comic artists worldwide as the audience for online content expands and digital tools grow more versatile. Web comics are already reshaping sequential art in the present, and likely will play a major part in its future. This course combines lectures, artist visits and creative projects as we explore various approaches to web cartooning and digital storytelling, from simple page-by-page comics to hyper-comics and the infinite canvas. Indeed, as a thorough understanding of the electronic publishing landscape is the objective of the course, we examine the traditional storytelling skills of drawing, coloring, lettering, and page design as they are being redefined for interactive presentation.
Prerequisite: Start Cartooning or Digital Drawing Board
Applies to the following certificate programs: YC, YG

Nicholas Holcomb

Proud of the artwork on your skateboard deck? Like many skaters, you probably are -- choosing your board as a salute to a graphic style or specific brand. In this DIY skateboard workshop, you can take your artwork skills even further, and learn how to build a board from the plywood up. Bend it, glue it, sand it and paint it until you have a one-of-a-kind deck design that's ready for grip tape, trucks and wheels. It may be your first DIY board, but we bet it won't be your last!

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

TBA TBA

Grab the brass ring! With the carousel as subject, this new technology-rich and artistically invigorating animation vacation camp exposes kids to all phases of movie production. By combining traditional hand-drawing techniques with the digital image processing options found in Adobe Flash, students collaborate on an original, short form animated film. Students work together, as they cut their sequences to create a single expressive project, while considering timing and rendition of picture elements and their synchronization to music and sound effects. This is sure to be a sensory thrill ride, culminating in a presentation to the eager eyes of friends and family.

Steven Hayes

This vacation camp draws its inspiration from the greatest draftsmen throughout history to answer not only the mysteries of how to draw, but why we draw. For thousands of years, humans have recorded their world through drawings. We take a look at some important times in human history, and how drawing played a crucial part. We start in the caves, where humans left records of the animals they hunted and the lives they lead. Next, we look at illustrations from Medieval animal bestiaries and travel logs, for which artists and adventurers created imaginative and outrageous depictions of wild beasts -- some real, some fantastic. We then explore the system of perspective drawing established by the great masters of the Renaissance, and also how map-makers and historians helped us get a better view of our world. Finally, we create our own new stories through modern cartooning and anime. Drawn from Time will help you understand why drawing is a vital part of creating and making art.