Session 1 – Urban Canvas: Street Art & Community in Chicago

Turn walls into canvases and streets into galleries in this high-impact studio course. You will explore the powerful world of public art, from graffiti and murals to large-scale visual storytelling and community building. Experiment with techniques like spray paint, stenciling, wheat pasting, and bold graphic drawing, while developing work that reflects your voice and point of view. Students will create individual works through live demonstrations, virtual artist talks, critiques, and portfolio-focused projects, and contribute to collaborative public concepts. This is a drawing and painting course at its core, but students are encouraged to push boundaries and combine media that suit their vision. Whether you're interested in murals, design, comics, or street culture, this course offers a dynamic path to producing bold, portfolio-worthy work that stands out. 

Note: Some basic drawing experience is preferred, but not required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework 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.