Session 1 – Material Manipulation: Introduction to Fibers

In this fiber-focused course, students will turn secondhand materials into bold, original artworks. Beginning with a trip to a local thrift store, students will collect discarded materials and deconstruct them using scissors, seam rippers, rotary cutters, and their hands, creating a personal palette of raw materials. These elements become the foundation for creative projects using techniques such as soft sculpture, hand and machine stitching, dyeing, wrapping, appliqué, tapestry weaving, and collage. Photography and video will be used to document any wearable, performative, or temporary work. Inspired by artists like Nick Cave, Tara Donovan, Isa Genzken, and Samantha Bittman, students will explore reuse, transformation, and storytelling through materials. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, local galleries, artist studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience. 

Note: Students do not need prior experience for this course, but basic hand sewing skills are helpful. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects.

No class June 18th.

2.0 College Credits
Full Tuition Cost: $3,964
This cost does not reflect any potential Merit Scholarship or need-based financial aid the student may be awarded. The housing and meal plan is required for all students living on campus. Housing and meal plan rates are still being finalized for 2027 and are estimated to be $675 a week.

Registration Deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 7th.

There are two registration options for this course. Call us at 312.629.6170 or email cs@saic.edu if you have any questions! We're happy to help.

Option 1: Pay in full now.
Select this option if you do not wish to apply for aid or scholarships and are ready to pay in full now for tuition, and housing fees (if requested). You will be prompted to answer follow-up questions on the next few screens and pay the full cost of tuition, and housing (if requested), at checkout. The full cost of the program tuition includes a $100 non-refundable tuition deposit.

Option 2: Apply for aid/scholarships and pay a $100 non-refundable tuition deposit.
Select this option if you would like to apply for a merit scholarship and/or need-based financial aid. You will be prompted to answer follow-up questions on the next few screens and pay the $100 non-refundable tuition deposit at checkout. Once you have been notified of your potential award amounts, you will be required to pay your remaining balance online by our payment deadline.