Continuing Education

Beginning or Introductory Classes develop basic skill sets in a variety of disciplines that span fine arts, design and related technologies and have no prerequisites. The foundation built through introductory-level instruction:
• Teaches basic competency levels
• Enhances and regenerates creative development
• Establishes a pathway to higher levels of learning
Intermediate and Advanced Classes have the prerequisites listed which are considered the minimum knowledge needed to participate effectively in a class that is designed to:
• Explore subject areas in depth
• Assist participants to develop a body of work
• Promote interdisciplinary practices
• Encourage conceptual development
• Provide art/design historical context
• Conduct regular critique sessions
• Develop portfolio-ready pieces
• Promote professional networking opportunities
Questions about these programs? Contact MIAD Continuing Education: 414‑847‑3330, conted@miad.edu

Registration for Fall 2023 is open! Early-Bird Specials are in effect until September 17.

• Register Online
• Download Registration Form to mail or Fax

Weeknight Opportunities

CE 001: Open Figure Drawing
Open Figure Drawing is an opportunity to draw from a live model without instruction. One model provides a variety of quick and sustained poses. Participants can choose to pre-register: $50 for 10 sessions, or pay $6 per session at the door. Students under the age of 18 must have written parental permission to attend.
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sep. 12 – Nov. 14, 10 sessions

PCCE 3001: Intro to Observational Drawing Techniques
Using a variety of traditional drawing media, participants learn to construct accurate depictions of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. Emphasis is placed on exploring figure-ground relationships and composition, developing light and shadow to represent form, practicing accurate measuring, and working to create coherent spatial depictions. These techniques of representational drawing, along with one-on-one guidance from the instructor, encourage the artist to look closely and find inspiration in the material world around them.
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 (No class Nov. 23), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Ethan Krause

Saturday Morning Classes

PCCE 3501: Korean Ink Brush Painting – This class has filled to capacity. Please contact our office to be added to the waitlist.
Learn basic techniques of Korean ink brush painting from the renowned master painter Mokwon, and gain an understanding and appreciation of East Asian art and its aesthetics. In-class demonstrations include basic brush stroke techniques, composition, and essential skills needed to paint flowers, birds, and iris. These skills are practiced individually and with the master. You may bring your own sumi ink stick, brushes or sumi paper, but supplies, including a brush and paper, are available for purchase during class. All levels of experience are welcome.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $235 ($215 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Mokwon

PCCE 3502: 3D Printing Essentials for Artists and Creatives (NEW)
Working within MIAD’s Emerging Technology Center, students gain a solid foundation in 3D printing basics in a supportive and engaging learning environment.  Utilizing free online 3D modeling software, students explore modeling techniques, experiment with different concepts, and learn to properly prepare models for successful printing.  Toward the end of the course, students may have the opportunity to pursue their own designs and projects.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $235 ($215 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Jamal Currie

PCCE 3503: Lifelike Florals in Pastel
This course covers basic tonal and color mixing in dry pastels with an emphasis on creating vibrant floral motifs from observation. Students work from simple still life (fruit) on the first day and then progress to floral studies from life for the following five sessions. The course emphasizes the use of differing color approaches,  color palettes, and different colored pastel papers.  Short demos and source materials supplement individual instruction and guidance. Some basic drawing background is helpful.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 28 – Dec. 9 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Rosalie Beck

PCCE 3505: Fantasy Art: Themes & Explorations
Through exposure to its history, common themes, and utilization in the present-day marketplace, students explore their own approach to the iconography and themes visited so frequently in the genre. Taking inspiration from masters in the Fantasy Art field, media usage and techniques of all types are encouraged, as is the preferred style of the artist: whimsical, realistic, etc. Focus is placed on taking ideas from the concept stage and refining them into finished pieces of art. Take an opportunity to create art that falls outside of conventional reality!
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: John Matson

PCCE 3506: Etching Open Studio
This course is open to beginning-level, as well as advanced etching students. Students prepare, etch and print their own plates through guided demonstrations and work from their own photographs, drawings or designs. Instruction covers techniques such as stage biting to create different line densities and aquatint to create tonal gradient. Two-plate, color and “a la poupee” methods are demonstrated for more advanced students. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $265
Instructor: Todd Mrozinski

PCCE 3507: Screenprinting Open Studio
This workshop is for those with beginner-level screenprinting experience as well as advanced students. Students will be given a refresher on preparing images, exposing screens, and basic printing techniques. The instructor will give more advanced demos on color separations, ink mixing, registration techniques, and file prep, as requested. Students are expected to have functioning knowledge and are encouraged to work on their own projects. Please note that the shop is not set up for commercial work or printing yardage.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $265
Instructor: Rachel Foster

PCCE 3508: Jump Start to Adobe After Effects (NEW)
Adobe After Effects is a powerful, industry-leading software used to create digital motion graphics for a variety of platforms such as videos, presentations and apps.  In this class, students gain a foundation for the range of its possibilities and learn how to concept and create dynamic, visually stunning graphics through various projects,  including kinetic typography, logo animation, titles and lower thirds and video/graphic composites.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 28 – Dec. 9 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $235 ($215 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Tim Chiappetta

PCCE 3509 Milwaukee: Portrait of a City (Intermediate) (NEW)
This course focuses on photographing the iconic architecture, cityscapes, delicious food, and people of several Milwaukee neighborhoods to create a “Portrait of the City.”  Through walking tours, emphasis is placed on creating a photo series of the things that not only comprise a place, but also do a great deal to define it on an intimate level. Once students have built a small library of images, the class transitions to image selection and the editing phase in the digital darkroom. Students should have a basic understanding of manual camera operations/exposure and bring their own DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual shooting capabilities.  Meeting at various sites each week, students need to provide their own transportation as necessary. Possible locations include the Historic 3rd Ward/Downtown, Historic Mitchell Street, Bronzeville, East Side, Bay View, Walker’s Point or Riverwest.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Kat Schleicher

PCCE 3511: Zines, Graphic Novels, and Abstract Narratives (NEW)
Explore new approaches to world building through various forms of linear media!  While learning the radical history of literature in art making, students explore ideas and develop concepts that transform into physical objects such as zines, graphic novels, comics and more. Ideal for all skill levels, this class broadly addresses aspects of storytelling, abstraction and media exploration with no limitations to subject or individual approach.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Zachary Ochoa

PCCE 3514: Shapes Within Shapes: Intro to 3D Pattern Making and Sewing (NEW)
In this course, students gain an understanding of the pattern-making process to design and create a soft object, such as a stuffed animal or plush.  Demonstrations include both hand and machine sewing techniques, enabling students to continue designing and making soft objects on their own regardless of approach or access to equipment.  A supply list will be provided to include fabric recommendations, and students may consider repurposing items for stuffing, such as old pillows.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Benji Hoffman

PCCE 3515: Figure Painting Progressions (NEW)
See how different approaches can be utilized as standalone techniques, or build upon one another, when painting the unclothed human form. Taught in oils, students use methods such as wipeout, open and closed grisaille, and limited and full palette. Course designed for first-time figure painters, individuals progressing from figure drawing to painting, those wishing to learn both historical and contemporary observational painting methods, and advanced painters aiming to deepen and vary their practice. Acrylic and other media are welcome.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Beth Stoddard

Saturday Afternoon Classes

PCCE 3504: Painting Landscape Components
Focus on individual components to gain skill in painting naturalistic landscapes. With a split primary (warm/cool) palette, learn to use color temperature, simplification, and various forms of mark-making to create a naturalistic quality of light, illusion of depth, and sense of place. Each week focuses on a different element such as sky, water, land, trees, architecture, and placing figures in the landscape. Students receive individual feedback as they create sketch copies of master paintings from color prints provided by the instructor, and later work from personal photo reference if desired. Skills learned in this class provide students with a richer knowledge base for plein air painting.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $215 ($195 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Beth Stoddard

PCCE 3512: Intro to Airbrushing and Mixed Media Painting (NEW)
Are you looking to experiment with new processes in your practice? This course addresses the ever changing trends in the art world by exploring new approaches to painting and mixed-media art.  Working with a variety of applications, masking techniques and painting methods, students experiment with airbrushing and mixed media tools and learn how professional painters incorporate new methods of painting that separate their work from traditional approaches to making.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $235 ($215 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Zachary Ochoa

PCCE 3513: Fundamentals of Figure Drawing (NEW)
Using primarily black-and-white drawing media, and with an emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of anatomy and proportion, students draw from nude models through a variety of timed poses.  Once a foundational understanding to depict the human form is established, longer, sustained poses introduce a stepped approach to build form through value by exploring the planar structures of the body.  Tuition includes model fees.  All skill levels are welcome.  Students under the age of 18 must submit a Figure Drawing Consent Form to take this course.
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Dec. 2 (No class Nov. 25), 6 sessions
Tuition: $235 ($215 before Sept. 17)
Instructor: Mary Beth Drabiszczak

Please note: If you do not see your course supply list below, it will be posted by Oct. 1.

Etching Open Studio Supply List 2023

Korean Brush Painting Supply List 2023

Painting Landscape Components Supply List 2023

Screenprinting Open Studio Supply List 2023

Drawing from Life Supply List 2023

The health and safety of the MIAD community, including all guests on campus, will continue to drive our decisions as we navigate and remain flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read MIAD’s current policies here.