Pre-College Weekend Classes Print

MIAD offers Precollege courses during the Fall and Spring semesters. Classes on Saturdays are from 9:00am - noon or 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

Spring 2012 High School Classes: February 11-March 24

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 4

Dates and Registration

Spring semester runs from February 11-March 24
Morning sessions (A): 9 a.m.-noon, Afternoon sessions (B): 1-4 p.m.
Portfolio Review and Advising Day is March 24
Cancelled classes due to weather or instructor illness will be rescheduled on March 31.

Spring Classes for High School Students (6 sessions + Advising Day)

Figure Drawing, Grades 10-12
PC101A, 9 a.m.-noon or PC101B, 1-4 p.m.
Saturdays
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $165
Instructors: Steve Horvath (a.m.), Will Swenson (p.m.)
This course offers an introduction to drawing the human form. Students work from unclothed models. Instruction develops drawing skills and provides figurative work for portfolio development. A supply list will be sent to registrants. Prerequisites: Basic high-school art skills. Parental consent required for students under 18 years of age.

Scholarship Portfolio I, Grades 10-12 (New)
Course #PC 100A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $165
Instructor: Mark Fetherston
For most students, the Scholarship-level portfolio begins the junior year of high school. However, relying on technical skill and product output is insufficient to create a portfolio that makes one's work stand out among a pool of applicants.  In this intense studio course geared for junior students, we will explore what a scholarship-level portfolio entails.  The course will consist of in-class and out-of-class assignments, group collaborations, workshops on photo and digital documentation, as well as presentations and weekly discussions to improve critique skills and the ability to communicate ideas. Drawing from the unclothed model is included in the studio work. A supply list will be sent to registrants. Prerequisites: Must have direct observational drawing experience. Parental consent required for students under 18 years of age. Note: Students who took the scholarship portfolio class in Fall 2011 are welcome to attend, and will be challenged in new ways.

Drawing Techniques for the Design Portfolio, Grades 9-12 (New)
PC147A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $165
Instructor: Dennis Gajewski
Whether a student is interested in architecture, product design, interior design, illustration or graphic design, they will require strong drawing skills in order to communicate their design solutions. As students work on a variety of creative assignments, they are introduced to the principles and elements of drawing that include basic mechanical drawing, perspective concepts and methods as well as the fundamentals of gradation and shadow. Students form an essential understanding of how objects and ideas should be represented visually to communicate their creativity, and will leave the class with improved confidence, knowing they can elevate the quality of their design portfolios using techniques they learned.

Drawing for the Portfolio, Grades 9-12
PC102B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $165
Instructor: Joseph Boblick
In this class, instructors guide students in developing observational drawing and sighting techniques, design/composition skills and creative problem solving. Since a portfolio develops over time, students should expect this class to serve as one of the many steps they take in creating a strong portfolio for admission to a school of art or design. A supply list will be sent to registrants.

Photography: "The World is its Own Magic," Grades 9-12
PC117B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Paul Calhoun
In our culture photography is used to document and remember events, as a scientific tool, in advertising, and to communicate facts, among other things. Less often, photography is used as a vehicle to understand, see, discover, and create. The focus of the course is on the latter. Through field trips, group discussions, individual and group assignments and lectures, students explore the possibilities of utilizing photography as a means of seeing and creative expression. The course emphasizes photographic composition, camera handling, Photoshop usage, and print production as well as presentation. Students must bring their own Digital Camera.

Career Exploration Saturday Lecture Series


CREATIVE PROFFESIONALS PRESENT...

Career Exploration: Illustration Forum-January 7
PC140A, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
$10
With a long and successful career as a freelance illustrator, Carol Schwartz has made a living doing what she loves. Through examples from her many published picture book illustrations, Ms. Schwartz discusses technique, attention to detail and the importance of research. Learn about the flexibility in types of illustration, how a professional approaches getting work and how to get published.

Career Exploration: Photography Forum-January 14
PC139A, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
$10
Paul Calhoun has received numerous grants from public and private foundations to support extended photographic projects here and abroad. Through the example of his own work, Mr. Calhoun shares how a photographer can produce independent work while developing the resources to produce the work in a competitive field and in the marketplace.

Career Exploration: Painting Forum-January 21
PC141A, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
$10
Timothy Haglund creates exquisite large murals for private residences by commission. He discusses the client and artist relationship that spans from the initial ideas and concepts to the research, development and execution of the project. Learn the scope of his work through viewing the preliminary sketches and color studies, as well as the decorative paint finishes, trompe l'oeil effects, gold leafing and more.

Classes for Adult/Teen (16 years and up)

Sketchbooks as a Creative Process
PC120 A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $165
Sketchbooks are a vital tool to enrich students' visual vocabulary, and can be considered a significant piece to submit as part of a finished portfolio. Through assignments with media experimentation and observational and inventive subject matter, students build from the simple to the complex. Unlocking the sketchbook's potential as a tool for artistic development, students become more comfortable filling it from start to finish, and find inspiration from their books for larger pieces.

Mastering the Self-Portrait
PC115A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Rosalie Beck
This intensive drawing class is designed to give students confidence in making self-portraits. Class instruction includes discussion of the basic anatomical structure of the human body along with helpful observational techniques. Students experiment with different mark-making techniques as they produce a series of portraits. Group critiques foster students' analytical thinking, while acquainting them with "the critique" as a respected and fundamental part of the artistic process. A supply list will be sent to registrants.

Dynamic Cartooning (ages 14 +)
PC104B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Mitch Mortimer
Students are introduced to several visual techniques utilized by professional cartoonists, including original character development, caricature techniques, animation elements, mixed media and cartoon layout strategies. Imagination and visual potential are challenged in this unique class.

Picture Book Illustration
PC133B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 31, 7 sessions
No Classes: March 10 and March 17
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Carol Schwartz
This information packed course covers the basic steps involved in creating a picture book, and what qualities make a book successful. Participates produce their own 6 page counting book starting with thumbnails, then sketches, making a book dummy and painting final artwork. Instruction also covers how to get a book published, learning about the publishing industry, self-publishing and e-books. Tuition includes most supplies.

Portraits in Pastel from the Live Model
PC137B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $230
Instructor: Rosalie Beck
This course begins with a discussion of head structure and proportion. Portraits are executed the first week or two in charcoal, then limited color, expanding to full color in dry pastels. Color layering, use of toned color backgrounds, pastel techniques and suggested palette combinations are covered. The emphasis is primarily on creating realistic modeled portraits with attention to personal expression as well. All drawing is from clothed posed figure models.

Acrylic Painting
PC143B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Eriks Johnson
This class provides an introduction to the basic materials, techniques and practices of direct painting with acrylic. Using still life as subject matter, students develop an understanding of color application, paint handling, composition and spatial issues, as well as other technical and conceptual concerns.

Plein Air Painting through the Window
PC144A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Timothy Haglund
Plein air painting, whether it is out-of-doors, or through a window, is the unique artistic experience of visually capturing the essence of a place in time. Students experience the visual freedom of painting outdoor landscapes quickly by training the eyes to simplify the subject and construct the imagery on the picture plane. Instruction includes understanding the temperatures and values of colors to create depth, and developing brush handling that removes constraints. Demonstrations, discussion, individual and group instruction, and informal critiques assist students in developing their skill. Some painting experience recommended.

Trompe l'oeil Painting
PC145B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Timothy Haglund
Trompe l'oeil is a French word meaning "to fool the eye". It is a painting technique used for centuries to embellish the interiors of the world's greatest architecture. This course heightens awareness in recognizing painted trompe l'oeil and trains the eye to understand the proper use and placement of trompe l'oeil images. Instruction includes a step-by-step process in creating the illusion of three dimensional depth on a working surface. Emphasis is on the use of color, values, and transparent painting techniques. There will be demonstrations, discussion, individual and group instruction, and informal critique.

Introduction to Painting with Gouache
PC146A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 31, 7 sessions
No Classes: March 10 and March 17
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Carol Schwartz
Gouache, also know as opaque watercolor, is a centuries old medium, used originally to illuminate manuscripts. Today it enjoys a rising popularity with artists as they rediscover its many unique properties. Through a series of assignments, students learn the basic techniques of working with gouache that include mixing colors, blending, developing various textures, working wet on wet and wet on dry and creating highlights and shadows. Appropriate types of paper and brushes will also be discussed.

Monoprint Workshop
PC130A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
March 3-March 24, 4 sessions
Tuition: $168
Instructor: Tim Abel
Monoprint might be thought of as a "printed painting." Spontaneous in nature, it results in one-of-a-kind images. This workshop introduces students, with little or no prior printmaking experience, to the infinitely flexible medium of monoprints. The workshop includes several hands-on demonstrations as well as individual work time.

Film Making: The Art of Telling in Story, Image and Sound
PC136B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Ross Bigley
Students examine each component of film—"The Story", "The Images", and "The Sound" as they work in small groups to create a short film. "The Story" includes the basics of story structure through a series of writing exercises, and understanding of character development. "The Image" addresses telling the story with the camera through camera placement and exploring how the composition of subjects within the frame can add subtext to a story. Editing techniques and use of sound round out the important components to film making. Students apply this knowledge as they work in small teams to create a 2-minute film from a randomly assigned subject. Screening and critique of each film reinforces the students' understanding of film language.

Animation: Expressions in Storytelling
PC126B
Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Anne Morningstar
In this class, students experiment with a variety of storytelling techniques which expand their understanding of how to convey a compelling story. Emphasis is placed on character and plot design, as well as animation styles and techniques. At the conclusion of this course, students demonstrate a working knowledge of the animation process, and create a strong portfolio illustrating the expressions of storytelling.

Animation: Motion Studies
PC129A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio Reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Anne Morningstar
Animation: Motion Studies will open students' minds to the "how" of animation. Each class period will consist of a training session encouraging students to see movement in every-day life. These training sessions will carry over into practical application, exhibited through various forms of animation: found object, hand-drawn, pixilation, and stop-motion. An emphasis will be placed on exploring a select grouping of motions, acting the movement out in person, and ending with a study. At the conclusion of this course, students will embody a working knowledge of kinesthetics, and walk away with a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to animate.

Design Like the Pros: Photoshop Basics Applied
PC142A
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 10, 5 sessions
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Tim Bigonia
This class provides a fast-track focus on Photoshop tips and tricks with design must-knows to help create more appealing print materials, websites as well as image manipulation with little previous background. Fully understand the possibilities of Photoshop with step-by-step examples that relate to real-world applications. Bolster your current knowledge of Photoshop with a solid foundation of basic design do's-and-dont's to create clean, dynamic solutions that look good and communicate successfully. Class will be taught within the Mac OS, however personal laptops are welcome. Prerequisites: Minimal knowledge of Photoshop required.

Photographic Portraiture as Fine Art
PC148 A, 9 a.m.-noon
February 11-March 24, 7 sessions
March 24 is scheduled for Portfolio reviews and Advising Day
Tuition: $205
Instructor: Francis Ford
This class explores the aesthetic and technical aspects of portraiture, reinforcing strong design and composition in photography. Discussion ranges from the use of lighting with strobes, ambient lights and hot lights, to issues of spatial relationships within the composition. Critiques of student work and portfolios are included. Participants are also introduced to slides of historic and modern portraiture. This is not a darkroom course. Prerequisite:  Knowledge of basic photography.

Scholarships

MILWAUKEE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE ARTS (MPA) SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2012.
Students must be residents of the City of Milwaukee. To apply, please download the following form and submit it to the Pre-College Office.

Downloadable MPA/DPI Scholarship Application

    Questions?  Contact the Pre-College office at 414.847.3330.

Forms