Get inspired! Try something new or enhance what's familiar.

Registration is now open for our summer sessions! Session 1 runs from May to June, and Session 2 runs from July to August.

Note: Session 1 courses are not a prerequisite to take Session 2 courses

Registration closes four business days before the start each course. Email extension@cca.edu with questions about late signups.

Sign up for our mailing list for updates.

Session 1 runs May through June.

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• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Yael Levy
• Monday + Thursday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• May 13 - June 13 (8 sessions, no session May 23 or May 27)
• CCA Main Building, Drawing Studio 200, 1111 8th St

This introductory studio course focuses on the fundamentals of drawing while exploring a variety of media, techniques, and subject matter from still life and landscape to portraiture. Using traditional and experimental approaches to drawing, students develop an understanding of proportion, form, line, gesture, and tone. Through demonstrations, practice, and class discussion, participants also hone the verbal and analytical skills necessary to examine their work critically. This course is appropriate for beginners and those wishing to further develop their drawing skills.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: 20” x 26” drawing board with clips, 18"" x 24"" Strathmore drawing pad (other brands are fine, but paper must be drawing quality), a variety of drawing pencils (4H, 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B), soft vine charcoal, compressed charcoal (Char-kole brand), white plastic eraser, kneaded eraser, sketchbook (any unlined notebook), pen/pencil, white chalk, and a portfolio for transporting drawings.

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• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Benjamin Ellis
• Mondays + Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• May 20 - June 26 (10 sessions, no session May 27 or Juneteenth)
• CCA Fashion Studios, Room 140, 80 Carolina Street

This Fashion Studio course introduces students to beginner/light-intermediate sewing techniques, fashion construction and clothing design solutions. Students will become familiar with the studio, industrial machines and pattern making practice. The course includes instructor demonstrations and studio time for student practice. With hands-on experience, students complete three projects: a pillow from scratch, a custom collared shirt, and an upcycled garment. This course is open to all students interested in sewing, garment construction, or improving upon their skillset.

Prerequisite: Some prior experience in making or altering a garment. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: A sketchbook, pencils, pens, muslin, tagboard, paper scissors, fabric scissors, 1/2 yard tagboard, pins, thread (if you want something besides black/white). Additional materials will be discussed in class.

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• $495 (noncredit) + $75 materials fee
• Instructor: Shao-Feng Hsu
• Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• May 28 - June 27 (10 sessions)
• CCA Rayko Building, Darkroom + Lighting Studios, 428 3rd Street

In an age of digital photography with instant images and limitless shooting capabilities, traditional darkroom and film photography provides a hands-on slower approach to image making. This 5-week(10 days) class introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of B&W darkroom photography. Class will begin with an overview of photo history, film cameras, camera operations, metering for proper exposure, and other critical components of darkroom photography. In the following weeks, students will then head into the darkroom to learn film processing, printing and darkroom techniques to produce silver gelatin based prints. Weekly shooting assignments and critique will help students gain the skills in learning this unique process.

Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ years or older and comfortable working with darkroom chemistry.

Bring to first class: Working film camera, extra batteries, and any other camera accessories. An additional materials fee for film and paper is required.

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• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Patrick Dintino
• Tuesday + Thursday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• May 28 - June 27 (5 weeks, 10 sessions)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

Abstract painting has been with us for over a century. Where do we go from here? In this course, you will explore the challenge of creating truly original abstract work as it relates to current times. The development of a unique approach is emphasized while the creation of a consistent process for experimentation is intensified. Both source material and internal inspirations are used. Practical information for presentation is provided as well as strategies about how to navigate the art world. There will be field trips to museums and gallery openings. We learn that confidence building and critical analysis are a crucial part of discovering your voice. There will be a special focus on color theory and application when executing original works. We will learn how to base our color decisions on color schemes and complexities. Art historical discussions and references included.

Prerequisite: This class is open to all skill levels. Experience drawing and painting is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Two pre-primed canvas boards 18" x 24", acrylic or oil paints (black, white, yellow, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, alizarin crimson and cadmium red), palette knife, palette paper, several brush sizes, a few jars, rags; if working in oils, bring linseed oil and odorless mineral spirits, Gamsol preferred. No Turpenoid (or Turpenoid "natural") due to toxicity.

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• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Michael Thompson
• Thursdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• May 30 - June 27 (5 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Room E4, 1111 8th Street

This course is for those who are interested in typography and want to use type more effectively in their personal or professional lives. It offers an introduction to typography and its powerful role in conveying meaning, information, and emotion. Over five sessions of informal critiques, presentations, exercises, and one-on-one coaching, students will develop an understanding of typographical details and overall communication intent, preparing them to make effective and informed typographical choices in their own work. We’ll cover such topics as informative and emotive intent, typographical designers and their work, typefaces, the relationship between language and typography, and how to develop a keen eye for both the big picture and the minute details therein. Further, the course can also accommodate other subject matter that interests students. Students will have the opportunity to complete typographical projects of their own choosing and will be challenged to demonstrate how their typographical choices align with their intentions.

This course will not focus on the mechanics of using software tools. Optional, outside-of-class design work can be done using any tool and in any medium the student chooses.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ at the start of class.

Bring to first class: Students should come to the first class with a sense of curiosity and some general ideas about a small project that they might want to complete during the course.

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• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Max Gavrich
• Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PST
• June 1 - June 29 (5 sessions)
• Online

Adobe describes their Photoshop software program as the ultimate tool for bringing out the best in your digital photographs and showcasing them in extraordinary ways. It has become the standard for image manipulation in many professions including: photography, design, art, and marketing. This online course provides an overview of Photoshop, Bridge, and Camera Raw through which participants will learn to navigate the workspace using different toolsets, palettes and windows such as Layers, Masks, Text, Gradients, Adjustment Layers, Color Space, Resolution, dust removal and blemish correction, the use of specific filters, as well as best practices for organizing adjustments and selections into layers for more control and nondestructive editing. Upon leaving this class, students should be able to process images through Photoshop in a streamlined workflow and properly manipulate, color correct, or touch up existing images, as well as export for print or the web.

Prerequisite: Basic Mac or PC computer skills. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Required materials: Laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC), high-speed internet connection, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Suite

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• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Hifumi Ogawa
• Mondays + Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• June 3 - July 1 (8 sessions, no session Juneteenth)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

This course is designed for beginners and students with minimal experience. The class focuses on the fundamentals of painting, covering basic techniques and skills, using a variety of materials and approaches. Students will learn how to handle paint, mix colors, and develop composition and texture while exploring a wide range of subject matter, including still life, portraiture, and abstraction. Experiments and personal projects are encouraged. Group discussions and slide presentations are interspersed throughout the course, as well as time for instructor one-on-one progress review.

Prerequisite: Open to all levels. Experience with drawing is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: A sketch book (9” x 12” or larger), #2 pencils, a ruler, two pre-primed canvas boards 16" x 20", acrylic paint: titanium white, cadmium yellow light, ultramarine blue (or Cyan), alizarin crimson, (or any yellow, red, and blue if you already have them) burnt umber, burnt sienna, and yellow ochre. A jar of acrylic gel medium (matt, regular). Palette knife (large rounded spatula and/or medium trowel), painting shirt, palette or paper plates, 4-6 brushes (example: size 2 and 10 rounds, size 6 filbert, size 6 and ½” flats or Blick Essentials Craft Value Brush Set), a few jars, rags or paper towels.*

*We use only acrylic paints in the class in order to keep numerous demonstrations done in the class simple and focused.

*If you prefer, you can get a student grade starter paint set instead of individual paints above. Some preferred paint brands include Golden, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, and Utrecht.

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• $295 (noncredit, includes basic materials)
• Instructor: Anthea Black
• Tuesdays, 4:30 PM -7:30 PM
• June 4 - June 25 (4 sessions)
• CCA Rayko Building, Print Studio, 428 3rd St, San Francisco

For queer people, self-publishing is an act of political autonomy, liberation, and personal expression. The Queer Artists Book Intensive is for artists, writers, or photographers who want to draw from their artistic practice to create a self-published artist book. Anthea's expertise will allow participants to learn the technical skills of creating an artist book, including demos in screenprinting, relief, bookbinding, and mentorship to create a visually layered, finished book. Students will be able to access Anthea's collection of artist books for reference, and work in CCA's screenprinting and relief studios to create artwork that will go in your book.

Prerequisite: Must be 18+ at the start of class. Some prior printmaking experience is helpful, but not required.

Bring to first class: 10 images or an element of text that you want to experiment with. Come inspired with your story to tell!

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• $295 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Hifumi Ogawa
• Sundays, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• June 9 - June 23 (3 sessions)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

A variety of themes are explored, including figurative painting, landscape painting, abstract painting, and other projects drawing upon the imagination. Emphasis is given to developing a personal vision. Individual feedback and group critiques assist students to examine the properties of color and its application, along with other compositional and technical concerns. Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course and wish to further develop their body of work.

Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ years or older and have experience painting in oils or acrylics. Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course.

Bring to first class: A sketch book (9” x 12” or larger), #2 pencils, a ruler, at least two pre-primed canvas or canvas boards (16" x 20" or larger), acrylic or oil paint: Titanium white, Cadmium yellow light hue (or Lemon Yellow), Cadmium yellow medium hue (or Hansa Yellow medium), Ultramarine blue, Cyan (or Cerulean blue), Alizarin crimson, (or Quinacridone Red), Cadmium red light (or Pyrrole red), Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and Yellow Ochre (and optional Mars black). Palette knife (large rounded spatula and/or medium trowel), painting shirt, palette or paper plates, 4-6 brushes (example: size 2 and 10 rounds, size 6 filbert, size 6 and ½” flats), a few jars, rags or paper towels.

If working in acrylic paint please bring a jar of acrylic gel medium (matt, regular) and a water spritzer bottle.

If working in oils, bring Gamblin Gamsol (solvent) and Gamblin Linseed Oil, or Walnut Oil (any brand). NO Turpentine or Turpenoid, which is quite toxic, as is Turpenoid "natural". Also, a bottle of Galkid(Gamblin) or Liquin (WinsorNewton).

*Please also bring a still life item (or a reference still life photo) to the first meeting.

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• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Merl Ross
• Saturdays, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• June 22 - July 27 (5 sessions, no session July 6)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

In this course, students will learn the properties of color theory, mixing the 24 step color wheel and color applications to a variety of painting subjects. Emphasis is given to developing a personal vision, through explorations of still life, landscape, and studying the work of master artists. Students will discover color temperature, the tonal palette as well as the psychology of color. Individual feedback and group critiques will be an integral part of this course.

Please bring to class a still life object and pre stretched canvas no smaller than 12” x 16” and all of your painting materials.

Prerequisite: some experience with painting is helpful. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Several brushes (small, medium, and large), a few jars with lids, rags or paper towels, a pre-primed canvas (at least 16" x 20"), palette paper, palette knife, acrylic or oil paints (titanium white, mars black, lemon yellow or cadmium yellow light hue, hansa yellow medium, cadmium naphthol red or cadmium red light hue, quinacridone violet, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue). Please no pure cadmium colors only cadmium HUES. If working in acrylic paint please bring Golden Acrylic Glazing Medium in matte, satin or gloss finish. If working in oils, bring odorless mineral spirits, Gamblin Gamsol (solvent) and Gamblin Linseed Oil, or Walnut Oil (any brand). Gamblin is an art supply brand that focuses on safety. Students must use Gamblin gamsol and linseed oil, no exceptions. NO Turpentine or Turpenoid, which is quite toxic, as is Turpenoid "natural". Please also bring a still life item to the first meeting.

Session 2 runs July through August. Note: Session 1 courses are not a prerequisite to take Session 2 courses.

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• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Dr. KC Rosenberg
• Monday + Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• July 8 - July 31 (4 weeks, 8 sessions)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

As part of this workshop, participants will build a personal connection with the surfaces they want to construct, enabling them to discover their own techniques. This class explores viscosity: paint thickness, using pigments and acrylics or watercolors as binders. Concepts that participants have developed over time influence their choices. We will focus on applying color from the surface outward using glazing and impasto techniques. Canvas preparation and acrylic painting on various surfaces will be discussed. This course will cover water-based paints and substrates such as paper and multiple fabrics.

Bring to first class: Bring any brushes and water based paint you may already have, and multipurpose paper heavy enough to paint on. Also bring any sketchbook that holds your ideas and practice sketches.

Prerequisite: Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course. Students must be 18+ years or older.

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• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Don Porcella
• Mondays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• July 8 - August 5 (5 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, room E4, 1111 8th Street

This studio class explores a range of strategies, exercises, and principles for a successful career in the arts for both emerging and established artists. Students will focus on building a community around their practice in a supportive and collaborative environment. This course covers best practices for artists to have a fulfilling career in the fine arts and/or utilizing art to enhance their life and career. We will work on the nuts and bolts of your creative practice and discuss the contemporary methods being used by artists today. We will help you craft your biography, artist statement and CV which are important aspects of communicating your art to the world. We will discuss the strategies employed by other artists within and outside the current paradigm. This class will focus on the bay area art scene and will also discuss other markets that can help contribute to a sustainable career for you.

Prerequisite: Interested in a career of making art. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Please bring your phone/laptop/tablet and your art to the first class.

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• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Patrick Dintino
• Tuesday + Thursday, 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
• July 9 - August 8 (5 weeks, 10 sessions)
• CCA Hubbell Street Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

This course is designed to help painters develop their voice through a body of work, focusing on expanding their unique process, while discussing the implications of creating significant artwork in contemporary society. The class emphasizes the use of practical tools for establishing your aesthetic and demystifies the intricacies of operating in the art world. The course includes exercises for continuing a committed painting practice, as well as enhancing your ability to speak eloquently about your art. No prerequisite necessary except a desire to create a body of work.

Prerequisite: Experience with drawing and painting preferred. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: two pre-primed canvas boards 18" x 24", acrylic or oil paints (black, white, yellow, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, alizarin crimson and cadmium red), palette knife, palette paper, several brush sizes, a few jars, rags; if working in oils, bring odorless mineral spirits and linseed oil.

Register now!

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Phoebe Deutsch
• Tuesdays + Thursdays, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
• July 9 - August 8 (10 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Studio 200, 1111 8th Street

This studio-based course explores the history, theory, and strategies of Conceptual Drawing through the experimentation of mark-making processes. In this class, we offer students an opportunity to begin to understand the relationship between form and meaning while relating the drawing process to broader concepts of communication. We will begin class with a talk about conceptual art history and discuss how to navigate our ideas into reality. Learning conceptual drawing is a problem-solving endeavor, and failures and successes are often equally valuable to making and developing your work. In class we will address the basic technical components of making a work of art through drawing, we will examine a variety of drawing media and methods that will transcend this course and assist you with the entire experience of making art.

Prerequisite: Open to all levels. Experience with drawing is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Strathmore drawing pad (other brands are fine, but paper must be drawing quality), pencils, inky pens/ markers, chalk, compressed charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, white plastic eraser, kneaded eraser, sketchbook (any unlined notebook).

Register now!

• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Don Porcella
• Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• July 10 - August 7 (5 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, room E4, 1111 8th Street

This studio class explores a range of techniques, exercises, and core principles for teaching art. Teachers create hands-on with a variety of media that emphasize composition and color theory. The course covers best practices for teaching art in your classroom and preparing your students for both a career in fine arts and/or utilizing art to enhance their life and career. Leaving no student left behind, this class will discuss equitable pedagogy for BIPOC students and different types of learners to reach all of your students including those on the spectrum. Teachers will be introduced to a project based learning environment as a way to encourage layered learning in their classrooms and embrace a portfolio model that helps students apply to art schools or enhance their college applications and pre-college opportunities. Each session will explore strategies and methods for every modality including in person, online and hybrid learning. Teachers are responsible for bringing art materials to class for the projects.

Prerequisite: Interest in teaching art to others. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Please bring 20 sheets of 11x17 inch white copy paper, graphite pencils (no. 2, 4, 6), color pencils and/or color pens and an eraser to our first class. Also please bring 1 sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch card stock paper.

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• $295 (noncredit) + required $70 materials fee
• Instructor: Olivia Shih
• Sundays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
• July 14 - July 28 (3 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Jewelry & Metal Arts Studio A2, 1111 8th Street

This course explores basic metalsmithing and jewelry making processes. Participants are introduced to various techniques for cutting metal, soldering, forming, fabrication, and various means of surface treatment. Students might work with copper, brass, or sterling silver as they create jewelry or other small forms. A materials list will be sent to registrants. More information provided upon registration.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Safety glasses (a must!), sketch book (can be just a notebook or papers in a folder), pen and/or pencil, ultra fine point black Sharpie or permanent marker, 1 inch painter’s tape, 0.5 to 0.75 inch double sided tape, 2 sheets each of wet/dry sandpaper in 220, 320, 400, 600 grits, four paint stir sticks (hardware stores or Home Depot), N95 dust mask, cotton rag or dish towel (to be used instead of paper towels), apron for metal dust/stains, closed toe shoes, clothes with close fitting sleeves (loose fitting clothing is dangerous when working with machines and torches). There is a required materials fee for metal and all tools are provided.

Recommended Jewelry Supply Vendors: Rio Grande and Otto Frei

Pay Required Materials Fee: $70

Register now!

• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: G.B. Tran
• Monday (optional work sessions) + Thursday (lectures), 7:00 PM-8:30 PM PST
• July 18 - August 19 (5 sessions)
• Online

Comics can capture the smallest moments to the grandest epics through unique interconnectivity of words and images. This 5-week online class teaches the foundations of comic’s visual storytelling language and caters to all skill levels. We’ll explore and experiment with the building blocks of comics: story structure, character expression, panel composition, page flow, and more. Students will bring their own stories to life in weekly assignments, from 3-panel strips to multi-page comics. By the end of class, students will have produced an eclectic collection of work of varying themes and lengths and gained a greater understanding of comics and its limitless potential.

This class meets twice weekly: Thursdays 7-8:30p PST will be dedicated to lectures, discussions and in-class creative exercises. Mondays 7-8:30p PST will be a collaborative “studio” work session when students have individual meetings with the instructor and share their inprogress work with the cohort on that week’s class comic project. Mondays are optional for students so "studio" attendance is not required to take the course.

The class instructor is GB Tran, a cartoonist and senior adjunct professor in CCA's MFA Comics program: www.gbtran.com.

Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to the first class: your preferred method for note-taking. Laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC), high-speed internet connection, Zoom.

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• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Alicia Moreira
• Saturday + Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• August 17 - August 25 (4 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Computer Lab B, 1111 8th Street

3D to 2D Boot Camp is a series of workshops designed for students entering the design disciplines. This four-day intensive introduces students to three essential and versatile softwares used by architects to model and draw their designs: Rhino, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The first two sessions will cover 3D modeling in Rhino, a software favored by architects and designers worldwide for its versatility in the exploration of complex geometries. Session 3 introduces students to the process of translating from 3D digital objects to 2D drawings using Adobe Illustrator. The final session will cover the basics of Adobe Photoshop, enabling participants to create captivating images using this powerful image-editing software. This intensive boot camp will give students venturing into the design disciplines a head start in learning some of the fundamental tools of architecture and interior design and building a portfolio. It is also open to professionals looking to refresh or acquire new skills.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Sketchbook or note-taking materials. Students should have an Adobe account but will not need a paid subscription. Lab computers will give students free access to all software.

Registration closes four business days before the start of each class, but we can make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Reach out to extension@cca.edu with any questions.