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Experience a personalized learning journey
Dive into a medium of your choice, no experience required. Everything from ceramics and beginning painting to puppet making and stone carving! Continuing Education classes are available for youth and adults, starting at grade 5.
2025 Young Artist Summer classes run from June 9 – June 20 (no class 6/19)
2025 Adult Summer classes start May 12 and run for 8 weeks.
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Have questions or need help registering? Contact the Continuing Education office at 216.421.7460.
Discounts
CIA is proud to offer discounts to veterans, alumni, seniors 55+, CMSD students, and educators—email ce@cia.edu to learn more!
Interested in more than one class? Use code MULTI0122 when registering for 2 or more classes to receive a 10% discount!
Summer Young Artist Classes
Monday-Friday, 1–4pm | $400
Do you know a kid or teen who loves comics and cartoons? In Advanced Cartooning, we’ll explore the more technical side of this medium, both visually and conceptually. We will examine a variety of concepts, such as narrative visual storytelling, character design, world building, story circles AKA the Hero’s Journey, basic anatomy, layout/composition, script writing techniques, and perspective, as well as the history of cartooning and comics, with emphasis on Cleveland’s important role in the legacy. Following along with demonstrations and discussions, students will learn professional standards and practices. Working independently, students will create their own original comic and receive individual feedback throughout the process. This course is perfect for any kids who take comics and cartoons seriously.
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
Description coming soon!
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
This studio course for young, aspiring cartoonists is designed to introduce and develop a diverse set of skills around this eclectic medium. We will create an original comic book or strip and introduce a variety of concepts, such as narrative visual storytelling, character design, world building, story circles AKA the Hero’s Journey, basic cartoon anatomy, layout/composition, and perspective. While the class is primarily a studio course, lectures will introduce students to the nature and history of cartooning – with a specific focus on Cleveland’s influential cartooning and comics professionals.
Monday-Friday, 1–4pm | $400
The goal of this course is to explore the endless possibilities in working with clay both on and off the pottery wheel. Together we will go over basic to advanced techniques to achieve your artistic goals. By the end of the course students will have a complex understanding of how to manipulate clay on and off the wheel at all different stages of the making process. We will glaze and fire our work using multiple firing methods.
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
This hands on course is designed for high school students to develop their creative voice through photography by exploring light, composition, and storytelling. Using natural light, studio setups, and everyday environments, students will learn to plan, shoot and refine a cohesive editorial-style photo series. Through guided exercises and an in-depth final project, they will experiment with different photography styles, build confidence behind the camera, and create images with meaning and intention. No prior experience is required- just a camera, curiosity, and a passion for visual storytelling.
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
Learn the ins and outs of comic book making and the craft of sequential art. Develop strong sketchbook habits through daily observational drawing exercises, exploring different illustration techniques. Gain a deeper understanding of storytelling, layout, and composition as you turn ideas into complete visual narratives. This class emphasizes practice and process over perfection, encouraging experimentation and creative growth.
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
This is a great class for any student who is interested in delving into the world of painting. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating a painting, including composition, color, and paint application. As a class we will learn how to prep a canvas, sketch ideas, mix colors, and explore multiple painting tools and techniques. Paintings will be representational, so each student will choose their own subject matter — ranging from human and animal portraits, still lives, and landscapes.
Monday-Friday, 1–4pm | $400
This course will invite students to study objects found in nature and illustrate them using traditional techniques such as pen/ink, stipple, pencil drawing, color pencil and carbon dust. Students may also bring their own materials to explore.
Specimens will be provided but students are encouraged to bring in their own objects as well to satisfy their interests.
Monday-Friday, 1–4pm | $400
This course will guide you through the basics of observational drawing to create high quality and finished pieces that you can add to your art portfolio. You’ll utilize different drawing materials and processes, from portraits, to still life, to landscape/nature/botanical drawing. We will also practice critiquing your work in a constructive, fun and informative way. The goal of this course is to help you reach a higher level of skill in the creation of your own artwork. Please note, for one of the sessions students will be working from a live, nude model. Parental permission is required for students to take part in this session. If students do not have permission, they will work on a different assignment in another classroom space.
Monday-Friday, 1–4pm | $400
Description coming soon!
Monday-Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $400
Learn the basics of screen printing, covering all aspects of production from start to finish. Students will master printing with water based inks and learn how to create multi-layer screen prints. Finished projects will include prints on paper as well as fabric printing on materials of the students’ choice – canvas bags, t-shirts, or other found material. Special study and consideration will be given to the rich history of screen printing and exploring key artists and movements. Of all the visual arts, printmaking perhaps has been the most influential in shaping our world due to the medium’s inherent nature of mass production, duplication, and its subsequent affordability. This course will focus on teaching not only technical skills, but exploring real-world printmaking applications and their impact.
Summer Adult Classes
Wednesday, 6–8pm | $350
Get inspired and draw like you’ve always wanted! This class will encourage you to see the world and your work with new eyes. Students will work with a variety of drawing tools such as pencils, conte crayons, markers, felt tip pens, pastels, and willow charcoal to learn key techniques and concepts that will develop your appreciation and skills in non-representational drawing. The course will pull inspiration from an eclectic array of sources, including modern artists (Ernst, Miro,Tanguy, etc ), YouTube videos, and avant garde films. In addition 2 to 3 classes will meet at The Cleveland Museum of Art to discuss artwork and do studies related to artwork in the CMA collection.
Saturday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $495
Explore the world of fashion and editorial photography in this hands on course focused on studio lighting, creative direction, and professional techniques. Led by photographer Faith Peplowski (BFA, Kent State University), students will learn to pose models, work with light, and craft compelling fashion narratives. Through practical exercises and a final editorial project, participants will develop a refined portfolio of high fashion imagery, gaining skills essential for professional and artistic growth. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is required. No prior studio experience necessary.
Tuesday, 6–9pm | $495
In this introductory painting course, students will learn the fundamental techniques and processes of painting with acrylic paint. Class projects will target basic painting principles and guide students to develop a better understanding of tools and materials, acrylic paint and mediums, basic color theory, and two-dimensional design concepts. Discussions, demonstrations, and handouts will provide students with valuable resources to facilitate good painting practices and artistic growth.
Date and Time TBD | $595
The goal of this course is to explore the endless possibilities in working with clay both on and off the pottery wheel. Together we will go over basic to advanced techniques to achieve your artistic goals. By the end of the course students will have a complex understanding of how to manipulate clay on and off the wheel at all different stages of the making process. We will glaze and fire our work using multiple firing methods.
Tuesday, 6-9pm | $495
In this class focused on glass fusing techniques, students will get a chance to make their own glass artwork. With projects ranging from glass jewelry, bowls and plates, glass drawings, and suncatchers, students will get hands on experience working with a challenging material! The heating cycle of kilns, how a kiln works and how to use it, and production techniques will all be a part of this course. Students will make multiple projects based on their interests.
Wednesday, 6-9pm | $495
Students of all levels, join us in the Glass Studio on Wednesdays! Beginners, starting with the bubble, will learn ways to develop blown forms out of glass, while intermediate/advanced students explore more specific forms and ideas. Each class will add a different type of blown form to try; however, you will be encouraged to bring ideas of shapes and forms that you would like to blow. Natural fiber clothing is mandatory, nothing synthetic may be worn (Jeans and cotton T-shirts are recommended). Protective eyewear (safety glasses) and closed toe shoes are mandatory.
Monday, 6–9pm | $495
Sculptural forms in hot glass will consist of various techniques to make both blown and solid works out of hot glass. Beginners, starting with the bubble or simply a gather of solid glass, will learn ways to develop sculptural forms out of glass, while intermediate/advanced students explore more techniques and more challenging functional forms. Each class will add a different skill to the making process. Students are encouraged to lean into the abstract, and fluid nature of glass. Natural fiber clothing is mandatory, nothing synthetic may be worn (Jeans and cotton T-shirts are recommended). Protective eyewear (safety glasses) and closed toe shoes are mandatory.
Monday, 6–9pm | $495
In this workshop we will go over the basics of casting metal pieces for jewelry or objects. There will be found object casting, wax carving, cuttlefish bone casting, and precious metal casting if requested by a student. The goal will be for each student to leave with at least 3 pieces that they created during their time there. There will also be a brief introduction to soldering, riveting, and finishing cast pieces.
Wednesday, 6–9pm | $495
In this hands-on Jewelry & Metals course, adult learners will explore the fundamentals of metalsmithing, from basic techniques like sawing, soldering, and shaping to creating simple jewelry pieces. Using non-ferrous metals, students will gain an understanding of tools, materials, and design principles while developing their own unique creations. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or begin building a jewelry portfolio, this course offers a supportive environment for creativity and skill-building. All levels welcome.
Saturday, 9:30am–12:30pm | $495
Would you like to refine your portrait painting skills? Have you always wanted to get into portraiture in oil and just don’t know where to start? This portrait painting class will teach the ins and outs of portraiture as well as the basics of using oil paint. Students will spend eight weeks practicing color, form, anatomy, style, and materiality. Dive into learning what it takes to paint a portrait while seeing how portraits have changed throughout history. Beginner and intermediate skill levels welcome!
Tuesday, 6–9pm | $595
This course will explore the use of photography as a multimedia language through fine art printmaking processes. Participants will learn various image transfer methods, Screenprint, Photopolymer Intaglio, and mixed media approaches.
Monday, 6–9pm | $495
Upcycling is a force for good in this age of landfill diversion: Tired of an old jean jacket, footstool, broken toy, or vase? Paint them! You will be guided through proper adhesion and sealant techniques for your works durability. Want to create a wearable jewelry piece that’s uniquely you? Design your own unique personal accessories with found plastics, metals and other objects. Using hand tools such as needle nose pliers, wire cutters and wire, students will learn to create durable pieces that can withstand handling and wear. Bring your objects (chair sized or smaller) and be ready to paint masterpieces! Instructor Linda Zolten Wood has designed floats for Parade the Circle since its inaugural year and has created a thriving business by painting unusual everyday objects including Rain Barrels.
For Educators + Counselors
Teachers can earn CEU credits from any of our Adult Classes. To earn CEU credits follow the instructions on the CEU Attendance Worksheet and send it to ce@cia.edu once the class is completed.
Scholastic Art + Writing Competition Update
CIA to pause participation for the 2025
After a year of challenges for the Alliance for Young Artists + Writers that adversely affected the Scholastic competition for art educators, students and their parents across the country, the College has decided to not participate in the 2025 Scholastic Art + Writing Competition. We plan to use this year to work with art educators to evaluate how we can better serve the needs of educating and supporting the creative efforts of our young artists, designers and writers.
That said, students can submit for the 2025 Competition through the Alliance for Artists + Writers website. To find details on how to submit, enter your school’s zip code here.
We look forward to working with you to explore options for our creative community.
Support for Continuing Education Programming