Parsons Summer Academy

Cartooning, Grades 3–5

In this art studio, students learn how to create original cartoons and comics from their imaginations. They develop their ability to draw characters and create narrative sketches to share an interesting or funny thought or tell a short story. Students learn how to change the facial expressions of characters and give motion to their drawings. In creating a written and visual narrative, students learn to create storyboards to map out the sequence of their story. Students also learn about the rich history and evolution of cartoons and comics and their influence.

Foundation Studio, Grades 3–5 

In this class, students are introduced to art studio practice. Students intermix art materials and found objects as they explore the basics of 2D and 3D art and design. Fun and challenging projects cover a spectrum of media that may include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture. This is a course for the creative thinker no matter what skills they have.

Digital Photography, Grades 6–8

This design studio is an introductory exploration of digital photography in which students document the unique spaces, objects, and people that inspire their creativity. Students use still photography to capture aspects of the world around them that inspire themes as they create visual narratives. Digital apps for creating and editing photos, portfolio development, and presentation skills are introduced. Students are introduced to historic and contemporary photography movements and trends, current exhibitions, and industry professionals.

Fashion Design, Grades 6–8

This design studio is an introductory exploration of fashion design and visual communication of original ideas for fashion. An expert in the field of fashion guides you in the process, from developing and interpreting your research and concepts to creating drawings and presentations at an introductory level. You’ll explore a variety of making skills to interpret original ideas for fashion from 2D to 3D using traditional and non-traditional techniques and materials, such as paper draping, material handcraft manipulations, and basic hand- or machine-sewn mockups. A sewing machine is not required. The creative process, trends, and careers are further explored in field trips and visits by industry professionals.

Painting and Drawing, Grades 6–8

Develop your ability to draw and paint from observation, a skill essential to visual expression. Observe the world around you to create portraits, landscapes, and imaginative projects. Investigate line, value, form, color, and composition through structured assignments. Research, field trips, and visits from working artists deepen your understanding of the problem-solving methods used by artists in the past and today.

Digital Photography, Grades 9–12

In this studio, digital photography is explored as a means of documenting the unique spaces, objects, and people that inspire creativity. Students use still photography to capture aspects of the world around them that inspire themes as they create visual narratives. Digital apps for creating and editing, portfolio development, and presentation skills are introduced. Students are also introduced to historic and contemporary photography movements and trends, current exhibitions, and industry professionals.

Fashion Design, Grades 9–12

Design and visually communicate your original ideas for fashion in this design studio. An expert in the field of fashion guides you in the process, from developing and interpreting your research and concepts to creating drawings and presentations at an introductory level. You’ll explore a variety of making skills to interpret original ideas for fashion from 2D to 3D using traditional and non-traditional techniques and materials, such as paper draping, material handcraft manipulations, and basic hand- or machine-sewn mockups. A sewing machine is not required. The creative process, trends, and careers are further explored in field trips and visits by industry professionals.

Fine Arts II: Drawing and Painting, Grades 9–12

Expand your drawing proficiency and learn new painting techniques as you develop a thematic sequence of images in this fine arts studio. Strengthen your technical and visual problem-solving skills through structured projects in which you investigate form, color, and composition. Research, field trips, and visits from working artists deepen your understanding of the ways artists solve problems. Prerequisite: Fine Arts 1 or an equivalent drawing class. 

Illustration, Grades 9–12

Learn the fundamentals of illustration in this design studio. Illustrators are visual thinkers who create comics, computer and film animation, video games, children’s books, graphics for skateboards, images for magazines and newspapers, and many other kinds of visuals. Students are introduced to the types of projects contemporary illustrators work on and develop their skills and style. 

Interior Design, Grades 9–12

Learn the fundamentals of interior design in this design studio. Students work with a professional designer on a complete interior design project, from initial concept to final presentation. They develop skills in freehand sketching, manual drafting, collage, and model building while representing and testing spatial and material ideas. Students consider clients’ needs and aesthetic preferences as they design a functional interior and choose appropriate finishes. Coursework focuses on spatial design applications and concepts rather than interior decorating.

Portfolio Development: Design, Grades 11-12

Build and organize your portfolio for college admission through rigorous assignments and critiques. Learn how to reproduce your work in digital media, an application requirement at many art schools. This section is dedicated to those students who wish to focus on graphic, fashion, product, and other areas of design. Through skill-building exercises, experimentation, and research-based projects, students develop a personal vision and learn what is expected in a portfolio. Digital workshops inform students about best practices for documenting and presenting finished projects. Students gain skills in communicating about their work in group discussions and offering feedback to peers through critique. Prerequisite: art and design experience.

Portfolio Development: Fine Arts, Grades 11-12

This art studio is designed for students interested in enhancing their college admission portfolios. This section is dedicated to those students who wish to focus on drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. Through skill-building exercises, experimentation, and research-based projects, students develop a personal vision and learn what is expected in a portfolio. Digital workshops inform students about best practices for documenting and presenting finished projects. Students gain skills in communicating about their work in group discussions and offering feedback to peers through critique. Prerequisite: art and design experience.

Summer 2021

Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ET, or Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET

2021 PARSONS SUMMER ACADEMY TIME ZONE NOTES

Los Angeles, United States        Monday, August 2, 2021, 7:00-10:00 a.m. PDT (3 hours)     

Houston, United States           Monday, August 2, 2021, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CDT (3 hours)    

New York, United States           Monday, August 2, 2021, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. EDT (3 hours)      

Shanghai, China        Monday, August 2, 2021, 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. CST (3 hours)      

Beijing, China          Monday, August 2, 2021, 10:00 p.m.- 1:00 a.m. CST (3 hours)      

Los Angeles, United States       Monday, August 2, 2021, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. PDT (3 hours)        

Houston, United States            Monday, August 2, 2021, 12:00-3:00 p.m. CDT (3 hours)    

New York, United States           Monday, August 2, 2021, 1:00-4:00 p.m. EDT (3 hours)         

Shanghai, China         Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 1:00-4:00 a.m. CST (3 hours)         

Summer 2021

$550 + fees

Required art supplies vary by course. For the fall and spring Saturday program, supply lists are distributed on the first day of class. For the summer program, students will be emailed a supply list before the course. Below is a list of local art supply stores that carry required materials.

• Blick Art Materials, 21 East 13th Street (between University Place and Fifth Avenue)
• Da Vinci Artist Supply, 132 West 21st Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
• Soho Art Materials, 7 Wooster Street (between Canal and Grand Streets)