Young People's Studios and High School Studios
Nurture the creative journey.
Help K-8 graders jumpstart their lifelong connection to creativity. With support from professional instructors, these weekend and summer classes can help young people learn to express themselves, think critically, and build confidence through artistic exploration.
High school students can hone their creative voices and prepare to apply to competitive undergraduate art and design programs with dedicated support from MICA faculty. These programs and courses provide a pathway for young artists to explore their creative interests and grow as artists and designers.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Dramatic Portraiture
Jul. 28 - Aug. 1, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of portraiture, with a focus on analyzing the planes of the face and creating striking compositions through dramatic lighting and deep shadows. They will explore a variety of 2D materials and learn how markmaking can convey a range of emotions in their portraits. Through out the course, students will refine their ability to capture the essence of their subject while mastering drawing techniques that emphasize bold contrasts, dynamic light, and sculptural forms of the human face.
Class meets: Jul. 28 – Aug. 1, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Stop Motion Animation
Jul. 7 - Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Animators have told many stories through paper, clay, and pixelation. In this course, students will explore ways to tell their own stories and make their images come to life one frame at a time. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to participate in this course. A phone or iPad with a working camera is preferred.
Class meets: Jul. 7 – Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
Harvey Bailey
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Portfolio Development for College Entry
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12 This intense studio class begins with a review of students’ current art portfolios, with discussion about what a college ready portfolio might look like. Students keep a reflective journal and sketchbook as they identify areas to strengthen in their artwork. Working independently with the instructor, students then develop a plan for tailored art problems intended to highlight skills and flesh out their portfolios for presentation. This course is especially designed for students who are looking to ease their transition into art school.
Class meets: Jul. 21 – Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Building Your Portfolio
Jun. 23 - Jun. 27, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this all-encompassing course, students will delve into the world of Portfolio Development, Critique Skills, and Photo Documentation. Aspiring artists will learn to compile and critically analyze their work, honing their ability to convey cohesive messages. With a focus on constructive criticism, students will grasp the art of giving and receiving valuable feedback. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience in taking professional photos of their artwork. This course is your key to refining your artistic abilities and showcasing your creations with confidence.
Class meets: Jun. 23 – Jun. 27, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 6-8
Intro to Adobe Creative Suite
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 6-8: This is an introductory level course for artists and designers and getting started with Photoshop, and Illustrator. In this course, students will learn the basics of color correction, retouching, and image manipulation. Young designers will also learn best practices for digital file formats. Using the principles of design, students will design their own logos, magazine layouts and text animations in order to build transferable skills when using Adobe. Access to the Adobe Creative Suite is included for the duration of this course.
Class meets: Jun. 16 – Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No class June 19.
Cost: $396. Before and after care included.
Drop-off between 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., pickup between 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alfie Marsland
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Developing Your Studio
Aug. 4 - Aug. 23, 2025
Grades 9-12: This intense studio class begins with a review of students’ current art portfolios, with discussion about what a college ready portfolio might look like. Students keep a reflective journal and sketchbook as they identify areas to strengthen in their artwork. Working independently with the instructor, students then develop a plan for tailored art problems intended to highlight skills and flesh out their portfolios for presentation. This course is especially designed for students who are looking to ease their transition into art school.
Class meets: Online, Asynchronous, Aug. 4 – Aug. 23, 2025
Credits: 1.0
Cost: $510
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Drawing from Observation: Depth and Form
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: This course is designed to help students refine their skills in observational drawing and painting, while making purposeful choices about lines, form, and color. Students will experiment with materials as they learn to make decisive lines and cohesive color palettes and apply both realistic and expressive colors to their pieces. Art exemplars will be used to emphasize the incredible diversity of styles and expressiveness that can be achieved with color, line, and texture.
Class meets: Jul. 7 – Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
Geraldine Butler
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Drawing from Observation
Jul. 7 - Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: This course is designed to help students refine their skills in observational drawing and painting, making purposeful choices about lines, form, and color. Students will experiment with materials as they learn to make decisive lines and cohesive color palettes and apply both realistic and expressive colors to their pieces. Art exemplars will be used to emphasize the incredible diversity of styles and expressiveness that can be achieved with color, line, and texture.
Class meets: Jul. 7 – Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Introduction to Architecture
Jul. 7 - Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grade 9-12: This course is designed to introduce students to the ideas, principals and methods used when designing a space. Students in this course will explore architectural concepts of space form and structure and learn the basics of 3D modeling.
Class meets: Jul. 7 – Jul. 11, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Digital Photography
Jul. 28 - Aug. 1, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Beginning with an understanding of compositional principles and the basic camera functions, features, and possibilities, students learn to create digital photographs. From a variety of prompts intended to tap into students’ interpretation and experience of the visual world around them, students collect imagery in their daily lives, at home, and outdoors. As the course progresses, the class explores the Adobe Photoshop program as a tool to refine images and explore options for manipulating imagery for expressive purposes. Note: Students must have their digital camera (phone or tablet camera or DSLR). Access to the Adobe Creative Suite is included for the duration of this course.
Class meets: Jul. 28 – Aug. 1, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
Kris Lee
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Illustration: Intro to Digital Drawing
Aug. 4 - Aug. 8, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this course students will explore essential skills in digital drawing using software like Procreate, and Adobe Fresco. They’ll learn to navigate the interface, use basic brush tools, work with layers, and explore color palettes. Through fun, hands-on projects—like creating layered landscapes, digital self-portraits, and original cartoon characters—students will gain confidence in using digital tools to express their creativity. This foundational course sets up students with the basics they’ll need to advance in digital art.
Class meets: Aug. 4 – Aug. 8, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Game Design
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Unleash your creativity and dive into the exciting world of video game creation! In this course, you’ll learn the essential skills and design processes behind bringing games to life, with a special focus on crafting compelling characters and worlds. Master the Unity game engine, learn basic C# programming, and integrate stunning art assets into your games. From coding to designing heroes, villains, and fantastical environments, this course equips you with the tools to build immersive game design experience.
Class meets: Jun. 16 – Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No class June 19.
Cost: $396.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Graphic Design: Brand Identity
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of branding, including designing logos, color schemes, and brand guidelines. They’ll work on creating a unique brand identity for a business or project, applying design principles to communicate a brand’s message and personality.
Class meets: Jul. 21 – Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
Alfie Marsland
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Exploring Sequential Arts: Crafting Stories and Characters
Jul. 14 - Jul. 18, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this course, students will delve into the fascinating world of character design, exploring not only the physical aspects but also delving into the rich realm of personalities, facial expressions, and living environments. Focused on figure drawing, individuality, and personality traits, students will develop the skills needed to accurately portray their characters’ unique qualities. Students will learn to craft a visual narrative and how to design compelling characters that extend beyond the physical appearance.
Class meets: Jul. 14 – Jul. 18, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $495.
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High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Illustration: Graphic Novels and Comics
Jun. 23 - Jun. 27, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: In this course, students will analyze their favorite comic strips and graphic novels, drawing inspiration from a variety of sequential artists who work with different materials. Starting with the development of compelling storylines, students will then create unique characters and hone their skills in engaging readers through sequential illustrations, storytelling, and imagery. Throughout the course, they will enhance their abilities in both observational drawing and imaginative character and story creation, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Class meets: Jun. 23 – Jun. 27, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Developing Your Studio
Jul. 14 - Jul. 18, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Artists and Designers have designated spaces to create and maintain an effective workplace. This course will cover everything from quality materials to good lighting, sketchbooks, work surfaces for 2D work and ways to stay organized. Students will not only learn how to start their studio but also dig into how to find inspiration to create, explore themes in their artwork and work on pieces that grow their portfolio and efficient ways to use technology in the studio.
Class meets: Jul. 14 – Jul. 18, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Graphic Design
Aug. 4 - Aug. 8, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Using a variety of created and found images, students in this course will learn how to make complex compositional and design decisions digitally through the use of filters, color effects, and artful use of text. Students will experiment with typography, logo design, branding, and other elements of designing for print and publication. The class will work with the Adobe Creative Suite and develop design strategies to communicate clearly through design and digital imagery. Access to the Adobe Creative Suite is included for the duration of this course.
Class meets: Aug. 4 – Aug. 8, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Painting Techniques and Processes
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: Using a variety of paint media such as inks, watercolor, tempera paint, and acrylic paint, students in this course explore a variety of paint materials, brushes, and techniques, both traditional and non-traditional, to create a body of work that spans realism to expressive abstraction. Emphasis is on breaking “out of the box” in expressive use of color media, with a variety of prompts guiding students to make meaning and incorporate narratives into their work. This is a fast-paced class, with students generating a large body of studies and exercises as they build a strong foundation and comfort with each color medium. The confident painter will then be asked to synthesize this knowledge to create larger, cohesive paintings based on a selected theme.
Class meets: Jun. 16 – Jun. 20, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No class June 19.
Cost: $396.
Geraldine Butler
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Portfolio Development for College Entry
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12: This intense studio class begins with a review of students’ current art portfolios, with discussion about what a college ready portfolio might look like. Students keep a reflective journal and sketchbook as they identify areas to strengthen in their artwork. Working independently with the instructor, students then develop a plan for tailored art problems intended to highlight skills and flesh out their portfolios for presentation. This course is especially designed for students who are looking to ease their transition into art school.
Class meets: Jul. 21 – Jul. 25, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $495.
Geraldine Butler
High School Studios
Grades 9-12
Film and Video
Jun. 30 - Jul. 3, 2025; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Grade 9-12: This course is designed for super-motivated students who want to learn creative video making. Students are idea-generators, scriptwriters, prop creators and actors in this exciting production. Fundamentals of video making are learned through exercises in writing, shooting, and editing. In addition, students learn how to plan a complex project, research a subject, create a storyboard and work as a member of a production team. Reviewing and discussing the work is an ongoing part of the program. Students work in small groups to produce their final projects.
Class meets: Jun. 30 – Jul. 3, 2025; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No class July 4.
Cost: $396.
What our families
are saying
“The program is great because it nurtures hidden talent as well as providing a space for them to explore new ideas and techniques!” – YPS Parent, Summer 2023
“I feel this is the greatest opportunity for any student thinking about art seriously.” – HSS Parent, Fall 2022
“The YPS program was excellent for my child and they had lot’s of fun being included and create new artwork.” – YPS Parent, Fall 2022
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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.
Where will the classes be held?
In-person classes will be held on campus in MICAs Fox Building at 1305 W. Mt. Royal Ave.
I’m interested in taking a class in person. What are the COVID-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 optional.
How will I access the software needed for the class?
Once enrolled, you will receive a MICA email with a link to your Getting Started Guide. Please check the email that you used to register for the class.
To note: The email you receive once you are enrolled will also include instructions to create your MICA credentials as well as login instructions to access tools and software necessary for tech classes such as: Canvas, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and Google Drive.
I’m enrolled in an in-person class. What should I bring? Are materials included?
We recommend that students wear a smock or clothes that can get messy! Art materials will be provided for in person learning. Students should also bring a personal water bottle, and packed lunch.
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
Are there scholarships available for youth and teens?
The scholarship deadline for Young People’s Studios and High School Studios are:
- January 1 for Spring classes
- April 1 for Summer Art Camp
- September 1 for Fall classes
Please visit mica.edu/ypsscholarship for more information and to submit your application.
When will registration open?
Summer Art Camp registrations will open in early February. Visit openstudies.mica.edu/youth-classes to learn more and register. You can also check out mica.edu/artcamp for a high-level overview of session dates, costs, and times.
What is a session?
MICA Summer Art Camp has 8 sessions. A session consists of one-week (5 days) of all-day classes, held Monday – Friday 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Are care options available?
Before and after care is included in the weekly tuition cost.
Students can be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and must be picked up between 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Will financial assistance or payment plans be available for courses?
Payment plans are available for all courses. If you are interested in setting up a payment plan, contact the Office of Open Studies for more information: openstudies@mica.edu or 410-225-2219.
If you are interested in being considered for a financial need scholarship to attend, visit https://www.mica.edu/ypsscholarship. The deadline to apply for Summer 2025 scholarships is April 1.
What is your refund policy?
You may request a full refund before the start of the second class, if you are not satisfied with the course offering. Submit a written request to openstudies@mica.edu including your full name and course information.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event that the MICA campus is closed due to inclement weather, please note refunds will not be issued for any weather related closures, including but not limited to snow, storms, and power outages. Classes closed to due inclement weather will not be rescheduled.
Questions?
Contact Us.
Office of Open Studies
Baltimore, MD 21217
openstudies@mica.edu
