Community Education & Professional Education
Convenient learning options for curious creatives, professionals, and degree-seekers.
Expand your career skills and options.
Advance your professional skills, pivot your career, or pursue competitive graduate degrees while building valuable creative connections for future collaborations. Our non-degree Professional Practice offerings are taught by industry experts and structured to make MICA’s rigorous art and design instruction accessible to working adults.
Cultivate your creative interests.
Explore new skills or deepen your practice with access to MICA’s specialized resources and equipment and personalized support from our experienced artist-instructors. You’ll get hands-on experience that results in finished pieces and plenty of interactive critique and feedback along the way.
Community Education
Beginner
Ownership and Intentionality
Wednesdays, Mar. 26 through Apr. 30, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
In this workshop, students will explore how to make intentional drawing choices that result in meaningful artwork. They will create 2D drawings that reimagine traditional approaches and experiment with design principles in new ways. The course will guide students in developing themes within their work, helping them create pieces that resonate with viewers. Through this process, students will consider the role their art plays in the world and learn effective strategies to envision and plan the work they want to create. This workshop is open to all artists, focusing on compositional skills that enhance any medium, ultimately leading to more impactful and purposeful work. This is a workshop for beginners and experienced artists.
Cost: $360
Register TodayDavid Little
Professional Practice
Beginner
Workshop: Photoshop for Creative Professionals
Mondays, Feb 3 - Mar 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
ONLINE: Elevate your Photoshop skills! This workshop is tailored for artists, designers and photographers looking to enhance their digital image editing expertise. Explore topics such as color correction, retouching, image manipulation, and mastering layers & masks. We’ll cover digital file formats and industry best practices. Join us for an interactive learning experience. You’ll have exclusive access to Adobe Creative Suite throughout the workshop, empowering you to create professional-quality work.
Cost: $360
Register TodayRandy Morgan
Community Education
Beginner
Painterly Painting
Thursdays, Feb. 13 - Apr. 24 (No class Mar. 20); 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
ONLINE: This remote course is designed for the inquisitive student who wants to incorporate more spontaneity and freshness in their painting. Painterly painting will explore your personal signature as we investigate the mark-making potential and expressionist range of oil painting. Beginning with a review of basic skills, assignments will focus on representational painting as we study surfaces and layering, grounds and supports, color interaction and mixing, and various materials and methods across the genres of still life, figurative, and landscape painting. Formal demonstrations and slide discussions will be used throughout the class. Through open dialogue and supportive group critiques, students will be encouraged to generate a personal direction for their work. This class provides an opportunity to improve technically while gaining a more fluid, unconstrained skillset as we explore the medium’s many expressive possibilities. Students of all levels and experience are welcome, as are those who prefer to work in acrylics. Students must have access to a broadband internet connection and a device.
Cost: $750
Register TodayDuane Lutsko
Community Education
Beginner
Open Studio Model Sessions
Sundays, Jan. 12. - Mar. 16, 2025; 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; or Mondays, Jan. 27 - Mar. 31, 2025, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.; or Saturdays, Jan. 25 - Mar. 29, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sessions are offered for those who want to draw or paint from the live figure. Each section includes two models—one for quick poses for sketching and one for sustained drawing or painting. A class coordinator will ensure the quality of each session.
Cost: $140
Register TodayMax Cortes
Community Education
Beginner
Large Format Photography
Saturdays, Feb 22 - Apr 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of camera controls, film processing, darkroom techniques, and the creation of final prints. Students will gain a deep appreciation for traditional darkroom photography and developing 4×5″ film using a large format camera. Students will also learn the basics of scanning negatives for digital output. By the end of the course, students will have not only mastered the technical aspects of large format photography but also developed a personal artistic vision, and celebrated with a group show that includes having an opening reception in MICAs Main gallery. A $30 lab fee is required for this course.
Cost: $750 + a $30 lab fee is required for this course.
Register Now
Jefferson Steele
Professional Practice
Beginner
Intro to Typography
Tuesdays, Jan. 14 - Feb. 11, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This workshop will explore how to construct typographic compositions and systems, to create and appreciate typography as an expressive medium that conveys aesthetic and emotional meaning. You will be introduced to information hierarchy, digital typesetting, and page layout software as we explore all that typography has to offer!
Cost: $300
Register NowAlfie Marsland
Community Education
Beginner
Drawing in Color
Thursdays, Feb. 6 - Apr. 17 (no class Mar. 20); 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Students in this course, which is suitable for all levels, use traditional and contemporary techniques to explore the role of color in drawing. Media covered include pastels, watercolor pencils (used both wet and dry), and conté crayon, along with markers and inks that students may already have on hand. Through demonstration, open-ended experimentation and directed practice, students learn pastel techniques ranging from traditional blended surfaces to impasto and subtractive techniques such as sgraffito. Consideration will be given to properties of wet and dry media, mark-making and composition. Students also create toned customized paper for their drawings. Students learn to apply the fundamental principles of color theory through exercises that investigate color schemes, value range and how to organize a palette. In addition, students learn how to observe the interaction of color in nature and establish successful color relationships in their compositions using layering and blending.
Cost: $750
Register TodayDavid Little
Professional Practice
Beginner
Workshop: Intro to Design Accessibility
Mondays, Feb 3 - Feb 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Design accessibility is an essential aspect of creating digital content that is usable by all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This workshop will give an overview of the fundamentals of web accessibility, including topics such as optimizing for screen readers, creating alternative text for images, and ensuring proper color contrast for readability.
Cost: $160
Register TodayTrish Moore
Professional Practice
Beginner
Storytelling Through Design
Wednesdays, Jan. 29 - Apr. 2; 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The art of storytelling is an essential element in solving design problems. Stories have the power to captivate and resonate with people across various mediums such as products, websites, social media posts, and presentations. In this course, students will utilize the Adobe Creative Suite to craft design solutions that are rooted in compelling narratives. By employing the principles of storytelling, students will learn to create designs that engage and leave a lasting impression on their audience.
Cost: $750
Register TodayTrish Moore
Professional Practice
Beginner
Intro to Photoshop
Wednesdays, Jan. 29 - Aug. 9; 6:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
ONLINE: A course for artists, designers and photographers getting started with Photoshop. The basics of color correction, retouching, image manipulation, layers & masks, Smart Objects & Smart Filters and Generative AI will be covered. Digital file formats and best practices will also be covered. This course will be taught online using Zoom & Canvas and Adobe Creative Suite access is included for the duration of the course.
Cost: $750. Online via Zoom.
Register NowRandy Morgan
Community Education
Beginner
Thrown Pottery for All Levels
Wednesdays, Jan. 27 through Apr. 7 (no class on Mar. 17), 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This class explores using the potter’s wheel to create a variety of ceramic pieces. Students of all levels are welcome. Students will learn new skills and techniques related to throwing and glazing with the opportunity for more advanced students to refine skills and create larger and more complicated forms. As students create functional vessels such as cups, bowls and containers they will learn a variety of techniques for handling attachments, altering surfaces, and combining thrown forms. Students will also explore various glazing and surface decorating techniques to create one of a kind pieces. Beginners as well as more advanced students are welcome and will be supported and challenged in this course. There is a $80 materials fee which covers all clay and glaze usage. Students may wish to additionally purchase individual sets of tools.
Cost: $750
Register Today
Professional Practice
Beginner
Intro to Illustrator
Thursdays, Jan. 30 through Apr. 10 (no class on Mar. 20), 6:30 pm - 9:45 pm
ONLINE: A course for artists and designers getting started with Illustrator. Subjects covered include drawing with bézier curves (vectors), working with fills, strokes, color, gradients, patterns, brushes, typography, effects and more. Students will learn how Illustrator files are exported and used in other Adobe applications such as Photoshop and InDesign. New features and best practices will also be covered. This course will be taught online using Zoom & Canvas and Adobe Creative Suite access is included for the duration of the course.
Cost: $750
Register TodayRandy Morgan
Community Education
Beginner
Drawing Workshop: Tone and Light
Tuesdays, Jan. 28 - Mar. 4, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This workshop is designed to help you refine your skills in observational drawing by focusing on lines and forms. We’ll explore different charcoal techniques, and tools. Students will hone their drawing skills and receive constructive feedback on their work with guidance on how to create a cohesive and impressive collection of drawings. Each session will focus on a different strategy to build a strong foundation for your drawing portfolio and sharpen your ability to perceive the world around you. Whether you aspire to pursue a career in art or simply wish to express your creativity, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to develop your artistic talents.
Cost: $300
Register TodayDavid Little
Professional Practice
Beginner
Designing for Everyone!
Sunday, Feb. 9 - Apr. 13; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ADA compliance is a necessary design tool. Design accessibility is an essential aspect of creating digital content for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This comprehensive workshop will delve into the fundamentals of web accessibility, including topics such as optimizing for screen readers, creating alternative text for images, and ensuring proper color contrast for readability. You will also engage in practical exercises that demonstrate how to craft documents and web pages that are accessible to everyone. Additionally, the workshop will explore the nuances of delivering presentations that cater to diverse audiences and cover inclusive video creation techniques to ensure that your content reaches and resonates with all viewers.
Cost: $750
Register TodayTrish Moore
Community Education
Beginner
Open Studio Printmaking: Relief, Intaglio, Monotype
Wednesdays, Feb 5 - Apr 16, 2025 (no class Mar. 19), 6:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Discover the freedom of artistic expression in our self-guided printmaking studio. Dive into relief, intaglio, or monotype printmaking projects at your own pace, receiving expert guidance and thematic suggestions or demonstrations when needed. Embrace material exploration, engage in critique sessions, and refine your work in a flexible and supportive environment. Join us to unleash your creativity with the perfect blend of independence, community, and instructor support. Participants should have experience with relief, intaglio, or monotype printmaking, but all levels from beginner to advanced are welcome.
Cost: $750
Register TodayUrsula Minervini
Community Education
Beginner
Drawing Workshop: Drawing the Figure
Wednesdays, Jan. 29 through Mar. 26 (no class on Mar. 19), 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
In this workshop students will work through a progression of drawings that explore how different approaches to the figure can address mood, spirit, intensity, viewpoints, and emotion. Students will learn how to successfully portray the human body with dramatic form, mass, volume and tonality. While investigating the human form, students will use charcoal, conte crayon graphite and ink to produce a portfolio of figure drawings that range in style from traditional to more contemporary and conceptual approaches.
Cost: $400
Register TodayTeresa Nicolella
What our students
are saying
“I actually love the remote delivery. I still have access to the instructor and peers, but I don’t have to cart all my painting supplies (and wet canvases) back and forth every week!”
“Superb balance of information, demonstration, peer sharing, and hands-on application.”
“I most liked the lectures and class critiques. The teacher is a master at eliciting class participation and gleaning the important points of the lessons through the works.”
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FAQs
Are payment plans available?
Open Studies offers payment plans for all offerings! Enroll now and pay later with equal payment installments. For more details and to begin the process, please contact Open Studies Registration Staff at openstudies@mica.edu.
How will I access the software needed for the class?
Once enrolled, you will receive a MICA email with a link to your Student Getting Started Guide. Please check the email that you used to register for the course or workshop.
To note: The email you receive once you are enrolled will also include login instructions to access tools and software necessary for your class such as Canvas, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and Google Drive.
I'm interested in taking a class in person. What are the COVID-19 related guidelines?
We are in Operational Mode 5 to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable educational experience with MICA. See Operational Mode 5 webpage for more information; this info will also be included in the Getting Started Guide with your registration confirmation email. Masks are encouraged, but not required.
I’m not sure if this class is for me. How can I talk to someone?
Contact the Office of Open Studies at (410) 225-2219 or openstudies@mica.edu
How will I interact with classmates if I choose an online course?
Classes will be held synchronously via Zoom, where peer and instructor discussions and critiques will be conducted.
How will I get my materials?
A materials list is included in the Student Getting Started Guide (PDF) once a student is registered and enrolled in the course. Materials will also be available to purchase through the MICA Art Store at https://shop.mica.edu/art-supplies/.
I see this course is for credit. What’s this for?
Students enrolled in this course also receive non-degree credits. Some teachers may be able to apply these credits towards renewals of teaching certifications.
Will I be on zoom the entire time?
Class format and “zoom time” will be structured to accommodate the needs of each class. Most classes incorporate a mix of instructor-led discussion, critique and independent work time.
What time zone are the courses held?
All courses and workshops are scheduled for an EST time zone.
What if I need to drop the class, how can I get a refund?
Please fill out this form to drop the course you are enrolled in and then submit a written request for a refund to openstudies@mica.edu including your full name and course information before the start of the second class.
Questions?
Contact Us
Office of Open Studies
Baltimore, MD 21217
openstudies@mica.edu
