44 Course(s) Found | back to search >>

Apparel + Textile Design | Art and Antiques Appraisal + Connoisseurship | Art History + Appreciation | Business of Art + Design | Ceramics | Culinary Arts + Entertaining | Special Events | Family Workshops | Floral Artistry Institute | Glass | Home + Garden Design | Illustration | Interior Design | Landscape Design | Painting | Photography | Seasonal Celebrations | 3D Computer-Generated Imaging | Design for the Web |

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.

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

Brian Tierney, Alexandra Allardt

Appraisers, collectors and connoisseurs alike should understand how the aesthetic and market value of an object can be impacted by the quantity and quality of the restoration and conservation process. This one-day course defines the differences between conservation and restoration and introduces participants to the methods, techniques and challenges of both. Alexandra Allardt, Principal and Managing Director of Artcare Resources, a firm that offers a broad range of conservation services to both institutions and private clients, gives an overview of conservation methodology, and discuss projects in both the fine and decorative arts. The class visits the conservation studios of The RISD Museum, meeting Head Conservator Ingrid Neuman and Paper Conservator Linda Catano, who speak about conserving the collection and show us works in progress. Note: Limited enrollment.

Applies to the following certificate program (8 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

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

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.

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.

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.

Haruki Kibe

Sushi -- popular because it lends itself to creative, colorful and delicious combinations of fish and vegetables -- is a great hors d'oeuvre for your next party, or can stand alone as the perfect entree for a light meal. This hands-on class held at Haruki's flagship restaurant in Cranston, RI offers the opportunity for you to learn from Chef Haruki himself how to make sushi at home. The class begins with an introduction to basic rice marinating for the sushi roll, and introduces tips and techniques for creating a variety of sushi using ingredients that are widely available to the home cook. The class concludes with a lunch at Haruki Restaurant, or participants may choose to take their sushi creations home with them. Note: Class meets 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.

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.

Amy Leidtke

Dennis DelSignore, John Orton

Dennis DelSignore, John Orton

John Orton

Naomi Garcia

Bill Riker

Nothing quite captures holiday sparkle more than a dazzling, individually crafted glass ornament. Beauty fuses with functionality in this unprecedented all-day workshop, as students learn the intricacies of the glass medium through demonstrations and hands-on experience. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, students master the basics of glass and are quickly able to make many samples and experiment with color, size and pattern, or students may prefer to develop a series of ornaments around a single concept -- for example, all clear, all textured or all red-striped. Either way, the end results make keepsake gifts or sparkly elements in a personal collection. 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

Nothing quite captures holiday sparkle more than a dazzling, individually crafted glass ornament. Beauty fuses with functionality in this unprecedented all-day workshop, as students learn the intricacies of the glass medium through demonstrations and hands-on experience. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, students master the basics of glass and are quickly able to make many samples and experiment with color, size and pattern, or students may prefer to develop a series of ornaments around a single concept -- for example, all clear, all textured or all red-striped. Either way, the end results make keepsake gifts or sparkly elements in a personal collection. 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.

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.

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

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

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.

Elena M. Pascarella

The success of a residential landscape begins with a design plan that organizes the outdoor spaces around the home. This course examines such elements as plant materials, pavement, decks, fences, walls, garden furniture, outdoor lighting and pools. In section 1, The Essentials + Sustainability, we discuss sustainable approaches both in design and plant selection, resulting in a property that is more ecologically sound and adaptable to nature's whims. In section 2, The Plant Palette, we take a more in-depth look at suitable plant materials and review the three basic levels of every planting design: the upper story (trees), the middle story (shrubs) and the lower story (lawns, ground covers, vines, annuals and perennials). In both sections, participants draw upon techniques learned to complete individual design projects for their own residences and develop a working knowledge of landscape styles through the ages.

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

Roland Gutierrez

Jennifer Doumato

Boudoir photography entices both photographers and models alike, as they peek through the keyhole at the career of a working photographer who has embraced this lucrative market. More sensual than the base images that appear in magazines and on the Internet, the boudoir photograph has established itself as an intimate expression between lovers or as a personal exercise for celebrating one's own beauty or identity. Your presenter reveals the secrets of lighting, filter and lens technique, along with the aesthetic choices such as set-dressing, hair and makeup that demonstrate the true complexity of this specialized realm of photography.

Paul Visconti

While each food stylist's tool kit may be different -- from basic cooking equipment to brushes and spray bottles -- the goal is the same: to keep the food as fresh-looking as it did when it was first prepared, and to allow the photographer to shoot it as soon as possible. In this workshop, learn from a professional food stylist the role that styling plays in commercial food photography for advertising campaigns, stock agencies and cookbooks. We start with the visualization process to solve problems of composition, scale and color, and then move on to considerations of preserving, reflectivity and chemistry. The lessons learned -- including secrets such as how to keep ice from melting or the soda fizzy -- should prove valuable for photographers considering a career in food photography.

Dennis DelSignore

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or add some spice with flowers. Stoneblossom's Dennis DelSignore helps you explore new possibilities for your holiday decor, and shows you how to create the most eye-catching wreath on the block, festive garlands to drape on the mantle or banister, a gorgeous tree, and boxes and bows like no other. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to create original, colorful and seasonal arrangements that can transform your home into a winter wonderland. You create your own unique holiday design using fresh evergreens and flowers, ready to take home to welcome in the holiday and guests. Class meets at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

Dennis DelSignore

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or add some spice with flowers. Stoneblossom's Dennis DelSignore helps you explore new possibilities for your holiday decor, and shows you how to create the most eye-catching wreath on the block, festive garlands to drape on the mantle or banister, a gorgeous tree, and boxes and bows like no other. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to create original, colorful and seasonal arrangements that can transform your home into a winter wonderland. You create your own unique holiday design using fresh evergreens and flowers, ready to take home to welcome in the holiday and guests. Class meets at an off-campus location; directions are sent to registered participants.

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

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