Faculty: Owen Smith with guest faculty Michael Wertz

In Paris: May 27-June 15, 2025

Housing Check-In: May 26

Housing Check-Out: June 16

Program Description

Open to undergraduate and graduate students

Students will travel to the art capital of Paris to explore the influential artists and movements of the 19th and 20th centuries that revolutionized visual perception, and set the stage for modern narrative art. Beginning in the Romantic period artists emphasized the senses and emotions through the use of dynamic figure drawing, composition, and color. We will visit some of the world's most important collections to research the work of the Symbolists, Realists, Impressionists, Expressionists, and Surrealists.

Students will see how decorative movements such as Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco became global sensations that continue to influence contemporary image-making. Assignments will center on visual storytelling projects inspired by the powerful aesthetic and conceptual traditions featured in our travels. Individual and collaborative projects will emphasize interdisciplinary learning. A studio residency at Paris College of Art will allow for an expanded studio practice while abroad. This 3 credit studio is open to graduate and undergraduate students from across the college. This class is perfect for Illustration, Comics, Animation, Drawing & Painting students interested in the historical roots of contemporary narrative art in both digital and analog format.

About the Instructors

Owen Smith

Owen Smith is an award-winning illustrator whose clients include Sports Illustrated, Time, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker, for which he has created 18 cover illustrations. Smith recently completed an illustrated edition of Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath". His cover art and interior booklet illustrations for Aimee Mann’s CD “The Forgotten Arm” helped win a Grammy Award for Best Packaging. Other clients include the San Francisco Opera, BART, and the United Nations.

Learn more about Owen Smith

Guest Faculty Michael Wertz

Michael Wertz is the Chair of the Illustration Program at California College of the Arts. In addition to Illustration, he teaches with Critical Ethnic Studies; Printmaking; and MFA Writing. As an illustrator and author, his client work covers the gamut, including The New Yorker; ESPN; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Storycorps; Google; Bay Area Bookfest; Fillmore Auditorium; Bay Area Rapid Transit; Peaches Christ; Vote Vote Vote; Nike; Camelbak; Converse; Camper Van Beethoven; Pottery Barn; Levi Strauss; and Rickshaw Bagworks.

Learn more about Michael Wertz

Prerequisites

• Illustration Undergraduate Students: completion of at least sophomore level by summer 2025 and instructor approval
• Undergraduate Students from other majors: completion of at least sophomore level by summer 2025 and instructor approval
• Graduate Students: instructor approval

In addition, all students must be in good academic, conduct, and financial standing for the 2024–25 academic year. Students who are on probation in fall 2024 are not eligible to enroll in a 2025 summer study-abroad program.

Course Satisfies

• Illustration Undergraduate Students: this course satisfies an Illustration Tools credit (ILLUS 2000/3000 ) -- ILLUS 3136: Tools: Summer Study Abroad: Paris requires junior standing.
• Undergraduate Students from other majors: this course satisfies an ILLUS 2000 General Studio Elective / ILLUS 3000, and an Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studio UDIST 3000.
• Graduate Students: This course satisfies a Grad-wide Elective in Design (GELCT-6200) and Design (DESGN-6700)

Program Tuition

Tuition pending (~$7,000-$8,000 + $50 summer registration fee)

Included in program tuition:

• 3 credits, housing, some meals, local transportation, guest artists, field trips, entrance fees, workshop materials, and supplemental travel/health insurance

Not included in program tuition:

• Airfare to Paris, France and return airfare from Paris, France; ground transportation to and from airport; most meals; primary health insurance.

Questions

Please read the Summer Study Abroad Registration & Related Information in its entirety.

Email ask@cca.edu with any questions.