Pre-College Courses

Students will explore the magic of the darkroom.  This course is designed to introduce or expand students’ skillsets in traditional Black and White photography.  We will discuss a variety of techniques in creating both negatives and prints, while also familiarizing ourselves with the creative and technical aspects of these processes.  We will develop 35mm film and learn to make traditional B&W darkroom prints.  Different format cameras, lighting scenarios and genres will be explored.  By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of B&W photography, both technically and conceptually. Students will leave with a small portfolio of B&W photographic prints. 

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.  
 

Are you interested in getting ready for the art school admission process?  And do you want to learn how to explore your personal interests and push your skills?  This course is designed for students who want to apply to art college in fine arts or another undeclared major.  You will engage in a range of exercises, from observational drawing to mixed media and content-driven work.  Along the way, you’ll gain exposure to contemporary fine artists to help inspire new ideas and your art-making process!  Through individual and group feedback, you’ll learn how to edit and organize your work to compile your strongest portfolio possible.  Finally, you’ll develop the ability to talk about your own work and be ready for the college interview process.

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.

Drawing facial features and composing portraits can be challenging.  This course provides you with an intimate understanding of how to conceptualize and construct a portrait, overcoming some of the hurdles in the process.  You’ll have a chance to use a variety of source material and media, gaining the ability to utilize techniques such as proportion, structure, features, likeness, and perspective from different angles.  Towards the end of the week, studio assignments will allow you to explore more personal and expressive approaches while developing successful portraits.  

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.  

This course explores the history and craft of visual narratives including comics, graphic novels, and storyboards. You’ll examine historic and contemporary examples of sequential narratives and visual storytelling. You’ll work on developing a story concept, creating dynamic characters and environments, and formatting your work. Through in-class demonstrations and hands-on studio time, you’ll explore a rich variety of techniques that will help you bring your story to life.  

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.  
 

This course is an introduction to 3D vector-drawn modeling. Basic techniques of modeling, lighting, texture-mapping, and animation are covered. This powerful application allows the student to create hyper-realistic virtual worlds, which can be navigated with ease.

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.  
 

Students will make handmade photographs using Alternative Process techniques. Images can be sourced from digital files or film. The focus of the class will be on how the process changes the meaning of the photograph through its alteration. Possible processes utilized include Cyanotype, Salt, Van Dyke, Ziatype, emulsion lifts, and Purell transfers. Experience in photography is not necessary, although enthusiasm is. Students must have their own photographic digital files or negatives. Students will leave with a grasp of multiple photographic processes and a small portfolio of unique prints.  

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.

Eager to learn the basics of game design through hands on experience? Join this week-long course where you'll collaborate on teams to create a playable mini-game demo. Along with short talks and Q&A sessions offering guidance throughout the process, teams will explore key aspects of game development via paper planning and "modding" digital templates. From mapping out a plan with an appropriate scope, to creating dynamic media assets, to iterating on ideas, we'll test the limits of our creativity within the agile structure of a “Game Jam.”

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course.

This course explores the history and craft of visual narratives including comics, graphic novels, and storyboards. You’ll examine historic and contemporary examples of sequential narratives and visual storytelling. You’ll work on developing a story concept, creating dynamic characters and environments, and formatting your work. Through in-class demonstrations and hands-on studio time, you’ll explore a rich variety of techniques that will help you bring your story to life.  

One transferrable college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of this one-week course. 

Bring your vision to life with a modern approach to independent filmmaking and evolving individual aesthetics. This hands-on, intensive course offers you the opportunity to create individual video projects utilizing classic filmmaking techniques and emerging smart phone technologies. With a combination of viewings and exercises, you'll gain an understanding of experimental video forms as well as traditional, narrative work. You’ll also learn the workflows of independent filmmaking and gain insight on film festival overviews. Guided by faculty, you'll be immersed in the process of producing video shorts, from pre-production to post-production to final export.

Two transferrable college credits will be awarded upon successful completion of this two-week course. 

Graphic Design is about making things happen whether it’s in the street or on the digital page. Designers use a visual and strategic creative process, to design solutions for real world, practical applications. This course introduces the designer's process from concept, to application, and how designed solutions in Boston’s sneaker industry affect the world.  Topics covered will include visual brainstorming, concept sketching, connections, typography, form and layout, and more. By the end of this course, students will have a broadened view of the graphic design field, and the impact it can have on society.  

Two transferrable college credits will be awarded upon successful completion of this two-week course.  

Challenge yourself to explore a wide range of animation concepts, professional techniques, and principles to create movement and action. Apply professional animation techniques such as stop-motion animation, frame-by-frame animation, paper puppetry, and/or digital drawings. Develop projects, participate in screenings, and engage in class discussions.

To enroll in this online course, students should have regular access to a smart phone and computer equipped with Adobe Animate software and Zoom.  Students will also need a low-cost universal phone stand mount with flexible, long arm bracket that clamps to edge of their desk or worktable.

Two transferrable college credits will be awarded upon successful completion of this two-week course.

*Animation Essentials is a VIRTUAL course.