Youth Art Classes & Workshops
Saturday Art Classes
CCAD's popular Saturday Art Classes run concurrently with the college semester, with one 10-week session each spring and fall. During the session, students will have the chance to dive into their medium of choice, with classes ranging from traditional arts to art & technology. The session will culminate in a student exhibition, where we will showcase artworks from all ages and mediums in one space! We are excited to offer a wider range of classes than ever before this coming winter and spring! With options in the morning and afternoon, as well as classes ranging from three, five, or ten weeks long; there’s sure to be something that fits your unique schedule.
Registration opens Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Registration closes: Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Class dates:
Saturdays, Jan. 25–March 29, 2025
Morning classes & workshops, 10 a.m.–noon
Afternoon classes & workshops, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: $370 per 10-week class
Young Artists Getting Started: Grades 1-2 (Sections A & B)
Bring your creative skills and get ready to discover your inner artistic voice! Young artists are challenged to play with a wide variety of media while learning basic theory on shape, color, pattern, and even design thinking. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.
Young Artists Finding Your Voice: Grades 3-4 (Sections A & B)
Develop your unique artistic voice and hone creative skills! Young artists are challenged to explore different media while focusing on self-expression and personal artistic processes. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.
(Re) Imagination Station: Grades 3-4
This course will challenge students to innovate using common everyday items such as drinking straws, cardboard, and recyclable materials. Students will brainstorm, sketch, prototype, test, and reflect, revise and construct original designs in this innovative workshop. Inventors will study sculpture and product design methods to make their own toys, vehicles, dimensional spaces, and more!
Character Design
Learn the basics of character design in this exciting class! Artists will consider shape, expression, and even species while creating characters inspired by the world around them. Study movies, television, and video games to learn how the professionals create the memorable characters we know and love.
Color Theory
Discover the secret life of color through a variety of mediums. This course allows artists to explore color theory as a narrative practice as well as an expressive choice. Young artists will experiment with papercraft and materials such as pastels and acrylic paint.
Digital Art
Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional arts.
Expressive Drawing
Develop your technique in this expressive art form through still life, contour drawing, perspective drawing, and other illustrative approaches. This course allows artists to explore different media all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.
Illustrated Comics
Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. Students will explore everything from costumed gesture drawing to designing and constructing 3D characters from Sculpey. This workshop will cover the necessary skills to bring doodles of superheroes or characters to life.
Prototype Hype
Designers are always coming up with new ways, or improving old ways, of doing things. Investigate contemporary innovations in design, learn about how interior architecture and product design works, and create your own prototypes to bring your wildest ideas to life! Students will take home research, concept design, and a final design prototype at the end of this course, and learn how to use systems and machines like laser cutters and 3D printers.
2D Animation
Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animating tools. Learn to animate objects and characters using basic walk and morph cycles. Fundamentals of animation including character design, timing, and movement will be introduced along with skill-building exercises for drawing and animating the human body. Mastering 2D animation basics lays a foundation for continued work in creating the illusion of movement.
Experimental Illustration: From 2D to 3D
Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. Students will explore everything from costumed gesture drawing to designing and constructing 3D characters from Sculpey. This workshop will cover the skills to bring doodles of superheroes or fantasy characters to life.
Digital Art
Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional art.
Digital Comics
Computer technology merges traditional comics illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry standard tools and software for a contemporary twist to this popular platform. Storytelling and character design will be emphasized while reviewing the history of digital comics. Utilizing digital tools allows faster changes to panels and a format that makes it easy to share finished work.
Dragons, Dice, and Design
Young artists and designers will learn about character and creature design, world-building, and game strategy. Students will develop design thinking skills and foundational art skills as they learn—and have fun!—through game design. Perfect for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and role playing games!
Expressive Drawing
Take drawing techniques to the next level by creating personal narrative works. Delve into a study of the variety of materials that can be used to express yourself with drawing. You’ll explore charcoal, Conté crayon, ink, and toned papers while practicing silhouette and shapes. Learning when and how to combine drawing techniques and materials for your own desired effect will help reveal your aesthetic voice.
Foundations of Painting
Foundations of Painting expands students’ understanding of color and technique through a variety of paint materials. Traditional painting techniques as well as experimentation are used to guide students toward greater confidence in their medium and in their ability to create unique, expressive works.
Intro to Fashion Design
It’s time to give clothing an upgrade. Learn to design and construct totally new, one-of-a-kind garments and accessories from patterns, scratch, and existing clothing. Using the latest fashion trends as inspiration, skills learned in this workshop will allow you to give your wardrobe a makeover.
3D Modeling
Students learn, practice, and utilize 3D modeling software for generation of form, character, and building environments. Includes conceptualization, development, and final delivery of 3D models. Perfect course for those interested in animation, 3D printing, environments design, and game design.
Art & Storytelling
Participants will explore visual storytelling through narrative art, visual poetry, and solo and group story creation. Using drawing, painting, graphic novel design, and basic bookmaking, participants will create both quick and multi-session projects. Artists will experiment with logical and illogical/surreal art and practice skills like asking questions, imagining narratives, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Myths, Monsters, and Mayhem!
In this new course, young artists and designers will combine character design, strategic problem-solving, collaborative storytelling and more as they design original games. Inspired by fantasy, science fiction, and role-playing games, this course allows students to develop foundational art skills and design thinking skills in a playful, collaborative environment!
Ceramics
This course provides a foundational exploration of design and structure, wheel throwing techniques, hand building, and sculpture. Artists will experience exercises designed to encourage creativity and craftsmanship while developing a repertoire of methods for working with clay.
Drawing
Hone your technique in this expressive art form through figure studies, life drawing, illustrative approaches, and other techniques. This course allows artists to explore different media all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.
Figure Drawing
This foundational course offers the opportunity to learn how short-term speed drawings and sustained life drawing studies can develop your skills as an artist. Explore different artistic media and objects while gaining confidence in anatomy, expression, and gesture with life models and challenges that strengthen artists at all levels.
Oil Painting
Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with oils are included.
Watercolor Painting
Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings on location and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with watercolor paints are included.
Enroll Here
*NEW* Printmaking Studio
From woodblock prints to lithography, to intaglio, printmaking is a global discipline of artmaking with centuries of history. Explore linocut, silkscreen, and other methods to design and produce your own one-of-a-kind prints in CCAD’s specialized printmaking lab.
In Digital Photography, students will investigate photographic techniques and aesthetic principles of subject, light, and composition. Students will learn fundamental techniques of photographic artmaking for still photography. They will have a deeper understanding of how to use the settings of their DSLR or smartphone camera to create successful images, be able to composite aesthetically pleasing images and edit images in the student's own artistic style.
Cost: $150*
Class dates: Jan. 25-Feb. 8
*Bundle Deal! Enroll in Digital Photography, Graphic Design and Web Portfolio for $360, lowering the cost to $120 per workshop!
Explore typography, logos, commercial design, and more! Students in this class will have the opportunity to study basic graphic design techniques, software, and applications. This class will focus on graphic design tools within the Adobe Creative Suite.
Cost: $150*
Class dates: Feb. 15-March 1
*Bundle Deal! Enroll in Digital Photography, Graphic Design and Web Portfolio for $360, lowering the cost to $120 per workshop!
Today’s artists use digital portfolios to share their work with the world. Learn to create a professional web presence using industry-standard software. Design skills such as type, graphics and color theory will be explored while editing and preparing images for use online. Creativity and personalization are emphasized to achieve a unique representation of your artistic voice.
Cost: $150*
Class dates: March 8-March 22
*Bundle Deal! Enroll in Digital Photography, Graphic Design and Web Portfolio for $360, lowering the cost to $120 per workshop!
Use professional-grade tools such as saws, drills, torches, and presses to make lasting, one-of-a-kind jewelry in this series of five workshops. This class is designed for beginners through confident jewelry makers who wish to enhance their techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.
Cost: $175
Class dates: Jan. 25-Feb. 22
Learn about visible mending traditions and techniques and hone your skills to transform or extend the life of a garment. This workshop series will cover sewing basics, by hand and sewing machine, to help you understand the construction and care of your favorite fabrics. Students will leave with a foundational understanding of garment construction, care, and mending techniques.
Cost: $175
Class dates: Jan. 25-Feb. 22
Learn fundamental woodworking techniques as you create objects from scratch in this new course! Work with hand tools and learn how to safely operate specialized equipment such as a bandsaw and a drill press in CCAD’s woodshop as you explore this versatile craft.
Cost: $175
Class dates: Jan. 25-Feb.22
Afternoon Art Classes
We've got more art and design opportunities than we can fit into a morning! Check out new art classes and workshops available to you 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Character Design
Learn the basics of character design in this exciting class! Artists will consider shape, expression, and even species while creating characters inspired by the world around them. Study movies, television, and video games to learn how the professionals create the memorable characters we know and love.
Digital Art
Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional arts.
2D Animation
Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animating tools. Learn to animate objects and characters using basic walk and morph cycles. Fundamentals of animation including character design, timing, and movement will be introduced along with skill-building exercises for drawing and animating the human body. Mastering 2D animation basics lays a foundation for continued work in creating the illusion of movement.
Enroll Here
Illustrated Comics
Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. Students could explore everything from costumed gesture drawing to designing and constructing 3D characters from Sculpey as well as creating their own comics panels. This workshop will cover the necessary skills to bring doodles of superheroes or characters to life.
Enroll HereDragons, Dice, and Design
Young artists and designers will learn about character and creature design, world-building, and game strategy. Students will develop design thinking skills and foundational art skills as they learn—and have fun!—through game design. Perfect for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and role playing games!
Advanced Techniques in Ceramics
Building off of the techniques explored in our introductory ceramics class, continuing artists will be challenged to explore new methods of building and glazing custom designs and more advanced forms of ceramics. Perfect for those who have some experience in the studio and wish to grow their skills.
Advanced Techniques in Oil Painting
Ready to move beyond the fundamentals and take your oil painting to the next level? In this course, artists will expand into a broader palette of color to develop unique finished still life, portrait, and landscape paintings in the studio. Designed for those who have prior experience working with oil or acrylic paint.
Enroll HereAdvanced Techniques in Watercolor Painting
Expanding from the limited palette and subject matter taught in our introductory watercolor course, artists will now experiment with more advanced color, value, and wash techniques. Exercises and finished projects will have artists embracing mixed mediums like resists, gouache, and ink as they are challenged to render a broad range of subjects.
Drawing
Hone your technique in this expressive art form through still life drawing, illustrative approaches, perspective drawing, and other techniques. This course allows artists to explore different media all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.
Figure Drawing
This foundational course offers the opportunity to learn how short-term speed drawings and sustained life drawing studies can develop your skills as an artist. Explore different artistic media while gaining confidence in rendering anatomy, expression, and drape of fabric on the human form.
Use professional-grade tools such as saws, drills, torches, and presses to make lasting, one-of-a-kind jewelry in this series of five workshops. This class is designed for beginners through confident jewelry makers who wish to enhance their techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.
Cost: $175
Class dates: Jan.25-Feb. 22
In Sewing 102, you'll expand on the sewing skills taught in our Sewing & Mending 101 workshop to master garment-making techniques, including pattern reading, size charts, elastic sewing, and pocket construction. By the end of the class, you'll have a finished garment and the confidence to tackle more sewing projects on your own!
Cost: $175
Class dates: Jan. 25-Feb. 22
Refund Policy
Refunds are granted according to the following policy:
- I understand that I may request to withdraw my student(s) from a course up to two weeks prior to the start of a class by emailing [email protected] for a refund of 100% minus a $25 administrative fee per course. There are no refunds thereafter. Nonattendance does not constitute a withdrawal.
- Please note that classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Registrants with cancelled sections will be offered an alternative class section for their young artist, or a full refund for their class registration. Our staff will contact registrants no later than five days before the start of the scheduled session.
Scholarship opportunities
The deadline to apply for Spring Saturday Art Class scholarships has passed.
Need-based scholarships
Youth & Community Learning is proud to offer over 30 unique classes for artists and designers at all levels in our studios, taught by professional artists and educators.
Many families have financial barriers to the valuable enrichment that programs such as Saturday Art Classes and Creative Summer Workshops offer. We are pleased to offer a limited amount of need-based scholarships for emerging artists and designers.
Merit-based scholarships: Rebecca & Sheldon Taft Saturday Art Class Scholarship
This scholarship, generously endowed by Rebecca and Sheldon Taft, seeks to support young artists and designers who would benefit from foundational art skills such as drawing and painting.
Other Programs
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Saturday Art Class for Adults
CCAD's popular Saturday Art Classes run concurrently with the college semester. Offerings include one 10-week session each spring and fall, as well as shorter three- and five-week sessions in specific program areas. In these class sessions, students will have the chance to dive into their medium of choice, with classes ranging from traditional arts to design and technology.
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CCAD College Preview
High school students grades 10 through 12 considering a future in art and design can get a taste of what college is like while also earning three college credits. During this three-week residential program, students will experience college-level instruction in their desired major in the morning, alongside closely mentored professional development, collaborative workshops, and electives taught by Columbus artists and CCAD faculty and staff in the afternoon.
