• Apply Now
  • More information

Public Programs at Nichols Tower

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) hosts programs for the North Lawndale community in our 12th floor classroom at Nichols Tower in Homan Square. Courses, workshops, and events are offered in a variety of formats and for audiences age nine to adult. Select the links below to learn more about current and future opportunities.


Card image cap

Fall 20 Virtual Open Studios

All Audiences/Youth

Fall 20 Virtual Open Studios

Date(s):
September 15—November 17 
Time:
Tu 3:30 PM-5:30 PM

Audience:
All Audiences/Youth

Do you have an art project that you need help with? Is there something you always wanted to try? Join us for Virtual Open Studios to work on guided or personal art projects. Teaching artists will be available to talk with students about their work and give demonstrations on a wide variety of art making materials.

Questions?
Email: saic@homansquare.edu Call/Text: (872) 216-5016

Sign up now!
Card image cap

Summer Virtual Open Studios

Instructors:
  • Eric Hotchkiss

Summer Virtual Open Studios

Date(s):
May 19—August 4 
Time:
Tu 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Instructors:
  • Eric Hotchkiss

Do you have an art project that you need help with? Is there something you always wanted to try? Join us for Virtual Open Studios to work on guided or personal art projects. Teaching artists will be available to talk with students about their work and give demonstrations on a wide variety of art making materials.

Questions?
Email: saic@homansquare.edu Call/Text: (872) 216-5016

Sign up now!
Card image cap

Storytelling Through Weaving: Light Installation

Learn basic frame weaving construction skills culminating in a collective Weaving installation with found materials and light for display in windows of Nichols Tower.

Storytelling Through Weaving: Light Installation

Date(s):
August 15—August 29 
Time:
Sa 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Mara Baker

Learn basic frame weaving construction skills culminating in a collective weaving installation with found materials and light for display in windows of Nichols Tower. During the workshops participants will be invited to bring their own objects and materials to incorporate in the weavings creating a discussion around the history of objects, community, material and meaning in art. The final installation will allow for the larger community to see their work showcased each night through the windows of Nichols Tower.

Sign up now!
Card image cap

Blogging Bootcamp

This one-day workshop will guide you through the blogging process—how to create and set up a blog, where to start, and much more.

Blogging Bootcamp

Date(s):
February 22—February 22 
Time:
Sa 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Imani Josey

Having an online presence is an essential for writers today. Blogging is one way to share your expertise and build a platform. Don’t know how to start a blog? Not sure what to focus on? Don’t worry! This one-day workshop will guide you through the blogging process—how to create and set up a blog, where to start, and much more. You’ll learn how to attract readers and how to market your writing. Whether you're new to blogging or an experienced writer, this workshop will give you the tools to create a successful blog.

Sign up now!
Card image cap

Design / Build Studio

Students will receive a $300 stipend to participate. Art supplies and transportation (if needed) will be provided.

Design / Build Studio

Date(s):
February 6—April 16 (2462)
Time:
Th 4:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Haman Cross III

In this paid internship, we will explore the principles of design through sketches and constructing objects that respond to public space. Projects are designed to encourage thinking about the designer’s relationship to the community.

Apply Now! *Note this is Step One of your application.
Card image cap

Change Makers

No Cost Program Art Supplies and Meals provided

Change Makers

Date(s):
February 3—April 20 (2461)
Time:
Mo 4:!5 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Teresa Bensel
  • Haman Cross III

This course combines art, design, and
technology to explore the theme of
creative energy – taking inspiration
from how energy moves and trans-
forms in nature. Instructors share
drawing and design projects with the
class and explore two exciting
resources: Laser Cutters & 3D Printers.

Apply Now! *Note this is Step One of your application.
Card image cap

Visiting Photographer: Workshops with Alycia Davis

Participants will have two sessions to experiment using everyday life & portraiture and street photography to help them see their world creatively though the camera lens with professional photographer, Alycia Davis.

Visiting Photographer: Workshops with Alycia Davis

Date(s):
November 12—November 19 
Time:
Tu 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

This course teaches methods on how to use the camera creatively and how to demonstrate different aspects of life and community by taking photographs. Participants will have two sessions to experiment using everyday life & portraiture and street photography to help them see their world creatively though the camera lens. We will go out on walks to photograph and create sets to learn important, beginner photography techniques.

Session one: everyday life and portraiture
Session two: street photography

Participants will get to choose a final picture for discussion and to create a 11"x14" print in black and white, or color.

Reserve your space now
Card image cap

Native American Beadwork: Freeform Applique

Instructors:
  • Noelle Garcia

Native American Beadwork: Freeform Applique

Date(s):
November 9—November 16 
Time:
Sa 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Noelle Garcia

Beaded medallions have been a popular adornment for Native Americans for many generations. In this class you will learn applique beading, a type of embroidery, to create your own medallion. This workshop will help you design and create applique medallions to wear as a necklace, earrings, bolo tie or brooch.

Beadwork is a practice that helps refine sewing skills, practice patience, overcome obstacles, and create custom patterns.

No experience necessary - this is a small project that is great for beginners.

Sign up now!
COURSE FULL Card image cap

Studio Apprentice Program

In this paid opportunity, the Studio Apprentice can further build on their art practice and gain leadership skills as a teaching artist.

Studio Apprentice Program

Date(s):
September 17—December 17 
Time:
Tu 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Instructors:

Studio Apprentices complete an independent art project or series and act as peer leaders during Open Studios in the fall, in preparation for a final exhibition or showcase. In this paid opportunity, the Apprentice can further build on their art practice and gain leadership skills as a teaching artist.

Responsibilities include: assisting with setting up and cleaning studio spaces and with in-class demonstration of artist techniques; being an artist mentor and role model for other Open Studio participants; being present for each Open Studio session. Studio Apprentices have an art background or previous art classroom experience.

About Open Studio: Weekly projects in drawing and painting are offered to all ages and supported by a teaching artist. Independent projects are welcome and supported by Studio Apprentices.

Paid opportunity.
Application and interview.
Begin your application today!

This course has been filled
Card image cap

Open Studio

Join us at Open Studio on Tuesday afternoons. Weekly projects in drawing and painting will be offered, independent projects are welcome!

Open Studio

Date(s):
September 17—December 17 
Time:
Tu 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Audience:
All ages 14+

Join us at Open Studio on Tuesday afternoons. Weekly projects in drawing and painting will be offered, independent projects are welcome!

DRW Students can earn Enrichment credit through regular attendance.

Students under the age of 13 may attend with an adult.

Get More Information
COURSE FULL Card image cap

Change Makers + Plant Grow Lab

This course combines art, design, and technology to explore the theme of creative energy – taking inspiration from how energy moves and transforms in nature.

Change Makers + Plant Grow Lab

Date(s):
September 30—December 16 (2523)
Time:
Mo 4:15 PM - 7:15PM

Instructors:
  • Teresa Bensel

This course combines art, design, and technology to explore the theme of creative energy – taking inspiration from how energy moves and transforms in nature. Instructors share drawing and design projects with the class and explore two exciting resources: Laser Cutters & 3D Printers.

This course has been filled
COURSE FULL Card image cap

Design / Build Studio

Through this paid opportunity, we will use the principles of design through sketches and constructing objects that respond to public space.

Design / Build Studio

Date(s):
September 26—December 19 (2522)
Time:
Th 4:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Instructors:
  • Haman Cross III

This program employs local young people to create nature-based art installations that will enhance public space. Through this paid opportunity, we will use the principles of design through sketches and constructing objects that respond to public space. We will examine our urban environment as an inspiration to think about the transformative power of design and the designer’s relationship to the community.

Paid opportunity.
Application and interview.
Begin your application today!

This course has been filled
COURSE FULL Card image cap

North Lawndale Teen Art Council

In this paid internship North Lawndale Teen Art Council members discuss and implement ways to activate public space in North Lawndale by planning arts and cultural events.

North Lawndale Teen Art Council

Date(s):
October 9—December 18 (2521)
Time:
We 4:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Instructors:
  • Jory Drew

The North Lawndale Teen Art Council is a small, select group of highly motivated, driven young people. In this paid internship teen council members discuss and implement ways to activate public space in North Lawndale by planning arts and cultural events. Members of the Teen Art Council will be asked to think critically about what a youth-driven impact on their community can look like. Members of the council will learn how to build supportive creative partnerships through field trips, community walks, cultural events, and by connecting with artists of the West Side art and cultural scene and across Chicago. Teen council members will host and facilitate peace circles and community conversations to develop local arts events based on local community voice.

Paid opportunity.
Application and interview.
Begin your application today!

This course has been filled
Card image cap

Frame Loom Weaving

Instructors:
  • Abbey Muza

Frame Loom Weaving

Date(s):
October 12—October 12 
Time:
Sa 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Instructors:
  • Abbey Muza

In this workshop, you will learn to weave on a frame loom. Weaving on a frame loom is an easy and portable way to create handmade textiles, and using the loom you will make your own woven artwork from start to finish. In this workshop, you will learn how to prepare your loom to weave and practice different weaving techniques including plain weave, tapestry, and knotting. No weaving experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome!

Interested? Let us know!
School of the Art Institute
of Chicago
SAIC @ Homan Square
906 S. Homan Ave., 10th floor
773-638-2712
homansquare@saic.edu
saic.edu/cs
© 2017 School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Apply Now
  • More information

Public Programs at Nichols Tower

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) hosts programs for the North Lawndale community in our 12th floor classroom at Nichols Tower in Homan Square. Courses, workshops, and events are offered in a variety of formats and for audiences age nine to adult. Select the links below to learn more about current and future opportunities.

Featured Faculty


  • Apply Now
  • More information