High school programs

Push your limits. Stretch. Learn. Discover new talents.

In addition to the special programs listed below, you are eligible to enroll for adult continuing education classes at KCAI if you are 16 or older. Classes for adults (ages 16 and up).

Spring 2010 classes

PCAL-3 2010 - March 13 and 14

Pre-College ArtLab - June 20 - July 9

Summer 2010 Intensives

Wondering what to expect in our classes? See what your peers had to say:

  • “I liked how small and personal the class was."
  • “It was very focused and goal-oriented. Made me get to work!”
  • “I liked expanding my proficiency in the field of digital art.”
  •  “I liked learning a variety of different approaches.”
  • "I’d take this class again in a heartbeat!"
  • “The teacher was awesome.”
  • “[The teacher] spent time talking to each individual person about how to improve their drawing.”
  •  “I learned a ton and I’d really be into coming back to KCAI for more summer classes.”
  • "[The instructor] pushed for the exploration of using new media.” 

Spring 2010 Pre-college classes (15-18 years)

Our Pre-College classes offer exciting studio, technical and conceptual experiences for high school students, providing you with instruction and facilities that may not be available within your high school curriculum.

Observational Drawing in Nature    XYDR 055-40-SP    NEW!
Drawing from observation is an essential skill for any artist. Along with building a visual vocabulary students will explore drawing as a cyclical process that begins with initial concept sketches and compositions. Students are encouraged to incorporate a variety of media (graphite, charcoal, watercolor) to create larger scale finalized works from their sketches. Other skills include learning to work in a given time frame and practicing that “a good artist ‘fixes’ their mistakes." To the first class bring a 23-inch x 26-inch drawing board with clips, other supplies provided.
Instructor: Alex Hamil
Date: 5 sessions, April 3 - May 1
Time: Saturdays, 10 - 1 p.m.
Cost: $129 + $15 materials fee    Enrollment limited to: 10
Location: Dodge Building, rm. D202

PCAL-3 2010

A spring weekend artlab intensive for high school juniors and seniors
Saturday, March 13 through Sunday, March 14

$380 with lodging (all materials provided)
$325 without lodging (all materials provided)

Studio Selections

These are your studio options from which you will choose one. This choice, along with a life drawing class on Saturday evening, will be where you’ll spend your time this weekend. It’s intense, and not for the faint of heart, but, wow, will you be amazed and delighted with your results!

Drawing from Painting
Instructor: Brett Chenoweth
How do you begin?  How do you take an idea or a thought and move through it visually, explore and develop it thoroughly, from seed to maturity?  Working with small (note card size) drawings to flesh out ideas ad source material, we will dive into this process toward the development of a larger mixed media painting.

Fo Reel!?
Instructors: Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell
Fo Reel!?  Is an initiation to the world of motion graphics.  This course will take you, brave student, through the process of creating an entire animated motion graphics piece.  If this were a cake mix, you would stir in your own eggs, oil and water, pop the batter into the oven of After Effects, and pull out a treat that has your own unique flavor. While this workshop will be spent in front of the computer screen, please be prepared for some sketching.  We’ll practice going from paper to Photoshop to After Effects.  Basic to moderate computer knowledge would be extremely helpful.

How to Get From Black and White to Color
Instructor: Ty Wilson
Come join this exciting workshop where you will work from a model and from still life.  Starting with black and white (using colored paper, charcoal, pencil and black markers) we will explore negative space, contours, light and shadow, problem solving our way to using color (pastels, acrylics and/or watercolors) to discover the similarities and differences between the two media.

Instructor bios
Brett Chenoweth
Brett received his B.F.A. in painting from KCAI in 1989 and an interdisciplinary M.A. with an emphasis in creative writing from Goddard College in 1999. He continues to paint and has shown extensively on the east coast, including Boston and New York. Brett is currently represented by the Hallar Gallery here in Kansas City. View his work at http://web.mac.com/goomoontwo/iWeb/Brett%27sworld .

Kevin Howdeshell
Kevin is a founding member of ThreeHouse Media, located in Kansas City.  As a student at KCAI Kevin’s focus was animation while taking illustration classes and drawing constantly.  Kevin has won illustration contests and was a national finalist for the Modern Illustration Coca-Cola campaign while attending KCAI. Kevin continues to push himself in areas of visual communication to market ThreeHouse as a studio with solutions to animation, design and illustration. View his work at www.ThreeHouse.com.

Kristen Howdeshell
Kristen’s background in illustration has been the main influence in how she looks at motion. While studying animation at KCAI, Kristen continued practicing her design and illustration skills. These interwoven disciplines have formed “animated illustrations,” storytelling images that have had extra life put into them with the magic of motion. Since graduating from KCAI, Kirsten helped found ThreeHouse Media. Kristen also has had the honor of being printed by Threadless Tees and received second runner up for the national “My Wendy My Way” painting competition. View her work at www.ThreeHouse.com.

Ty Wilson
Ty was named one of the "13 people you'd want meet" in an article in KC Magazine. He has more than 20 years of experience working in commercial art and advertising in New York. His work has appeared in galleries worldwide and in many publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar and the New York Times. He taught illustration and figure drawing at The School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Room and Board and Supplies
Lodging will be provided at the Holiday Inn on Main Street, one block off our campus.  There will be two students to every room (two queen beds). If you are coming with a friend and want to room with them you may inform us of your choice. If not, a roommate of the same gender will be chosen for you.

You have the option of not staying with the group for lodging on Saturday night.

Parents, please note:  We will have one female resident assistant and one male resident assistant who will be assigned to a room near the group as well as an administrator of the program staying at the Holiday Inn that evening.

Meals will be served in our campus cafeteria throughout the weekend.

All supplies are provided.

Enrollment and deadlines

Enroll online.
Enrollment and $100 deposit due in our office by Feb. 12
Full balance due in our office by Feb. 26

Last year’s students said…

"I learned so much in two days!"
"This workshop was inspiring and the amount of work we accomplished was astounding."
"Will do it again if I have the chance and will recommend it to friends."
"I thought this program was great because it gave us, as artists, a chance to express art and learn about what it’s like to attend an art college."
"This was truly excellent.  I learned more than I thought I would in two days and am a better artist because of it."
"I struggled with the elective studio (which is a good thing).  The class pushed us and taught us."


Pre-College ArtLab (PCAL)

A three-week residency program for high school students

Sunday, June 20 - Friday, July 9

KCAI's Pre-College ArtLab (PCAL) is a three-week residency program for students who have completed freshman through senior year of high school. If you are accepted as one of our PCAL students, you will choose a studio major and a liberal arts course which, combined with an intensive life drawing course, will help you discover firsthand the daring and commitment it takes to be an artist. For information or to request a brochure, contact Ruth Kartman at 816-802-3505 or rkartman@kcai.edu.  Please scroll down for a list of deadlines and this year's schedule.

Welcome to Kansas City!
 
North, south, east or west - Kansas City offers a wealth of attractions in every direction. The striking local landscape includes wide boulevards, beautiful parks, more than 160 fountains and fantastic architecture. This heartland city's long list of diversions includes world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, superb shopping and great blues and jazz clubs. During PCAL you will discover, explore and experience many of these areas in Kansas City. Excursions are a large part of weekend activities because at KCAI we understand how important it is for creative people to renew their energy, refuel their spirit, while experiencing a multitude of environments.
 
Join us in summer 2010 to:
  • Experience firsthand the commitment and focus it takes to be a full-time art college student
  • Meet PCAL faculty of artists and educators who will inspire, motivate and push you closer to your artistic goals
  • Study within a college-like curriculum that will expose you to numerous new techniques and media
  • Experience the joy of working within well-equipped studios featuring specialized equipment
  • Live, learn, laugh and link up with approximately 65 high school students from across the country who are as serious about art as you are
  • Create your art five days a week, nine hours a day for three weeks of art-making heaven
  • Experiment with what you know about yourself as an artist

PCAL features

Compare our pre-college program with other schools and you'll appreciate the value we offer at KCAI. Our program cost of $2,599 includes:
  • Three college credits
  • Tuition
  • Room and board
  • Supplies
  • Some excursions and weekend activities
  • One semester living center grant worth more than $3,000 if you enroll at KCAI
  • Portfolio review at the conclusion of the program
  • Exhibition of your work in a public show
  • CD of your life drawing and major studio work upon completion
  • Air-conditioned rooms and facilities (exception: sculpture)
  • Extensive professional practice components throughout the program

 Your schedule includes:

  • Six hours of studio major five days a week + two evenings
  • Three hours of life drawing three evenings a week
  • 15 hours of liberal arts
  • Field trips, workshops and other fun planned activities on weekends
  • Free time to use as you wish (in the studio, exploring Kansas City...)

2010 Studio Options

Download a description of the summer 2010 studio options and instructor bios.

 
Eligibility

ArtLab is open to graduating 2010 high school seniors and high school students entering their sophomore, junior and senior years. Students must be 15 - 18 years of age.

 
Tuition
Tuition, room and board and supplies are $2,599 plus a refundable damage/key deposit of $125. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is due upon acceptance to secure placement.
 
Scholarships
Competitive scholarships are awarded to select applicants, based on artistic merit, academic achievement and demonstrated financial need. Scholarships apply to tuition, room, board and supplies but are not applied toward the non-refundable deposit. Students who successfully complete the Pre-College ArtLab will be awarded a one semester living center grant worth more than $3,000 upon their enrollment at the Kansas City Art Institute.
 
On-campus housing
Students reside in the Student Living Center, along with resident assistants who are degree-seeking students at the Art Institute. They will assist you with daily living needs, while also helping you find out what it means to be a full-time student at the Kansas City Art Institute. For more information, contact the special programs office at 816-802-3505. 
 
Final exhibition
Your work will culminate in an all-program exhibition in various locations around the campus. All participants will share their work with each other as well as friends, parents, faculty and staff. Work from your life drawing class, your major studio and your liberal arts component will be displayed.
 
Wanted: responsible and alive!
Our expectation of you is that you and all accepted students will demonstrate a high level of initiative and responsibility regarding your work and behavior during this program. Walking and/or public bus transportation is encouraged for individual outings; tour buses are provided for planned PCAL activities. For everyone's protection, no transportation in individual vehicles is permitted. Because our goal is to provide an intensive, in-depth and concentrated art-making experience for you, visitors are restricted to specific times designated in the handbook. Few exceptions will be made to this restriction.
 
Application must include:
  • Completed application.
  • Eight images (on CD) of artwork by applicant. Drawings made from direct observation are encouraged. Also include examples of work demonstrating area(s) of strength. All work must be original and made in the last two years. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART. This portfolio is required for application and admission to ArtLab.*
  • Letter of recommendation from a teacher or qualified instructor familiar with the applicant's artistic abilities.*
  • Letter of intent from the applicant explaining his/her background and artistic objectives.
  • Current high school transcript.
  • Copy of parent's 2009 IRS income tax returns (for scholarship applicants only).
Please mark all materials with your name and "ArtLab 2010." These materials will not be returned.
 
* Returning students need not submit images or letter of recommendation.
Art instructors: please provide us with your candid evaluation of the student applying for the PCAL. You are welcome to include additional information about the student (e.g. newspaper articles, awards, etc.) that you consider relevant. Please note that students have been asked to submit images, letter of intent and a high school transcript.

 

Deadlines and schedule for summer 2010:

April 16 (Friday): Scholarship applications are due in our office.

April 23 (Friday): Non-scholarship applications are due in our office.

April 28 (Wednesday): Scholarship award announcements will be mailed to students.

May 12 (Wednesday): $300 non-refundable deposit is due in our office.

May 26 (Wednesday): Balance and $125 refundable damage/key deposit is due in our office.

June 20 (Sunday): Check-in, orientation and program begins.

July 9 (Friday): Last day of class and evening exhibition.

July 10 (Saturday): Students must check out before noon.

Submit application materials to:
Special Programs Office
Kansas City Art Institute
PCAL 2010
4415 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
 
Example of payment amounts and schedule:
$2,599 cost of program
- $300 non-refundable deposit due in mid-May
$2,299 balance due
+ $125 refundable damage/key deposit

Total of $2,424 due in our office by late May

 
Acceptance Packet Forms
Once you are accepted to PCAL 2010 you will be sent an acceptance packet that will include several forms that need to be filled in and returned to us by the due dates indicated on the forms. Below are those downloadable forms .
 
For more information, please contact the Continuing Education office at 816-802-3505 or e-mail Ruth Kartman at rkartman@kcai.edu.

Summer 2010 Intensives

NEW! Graphic Design    HIGD 130-01-SU
Are you obsessed with type, logos, and images that make up our visual culture? In this workshop, you will learn how to create visual communication that is both expressive and meaningful. Incorporating both handmade and digital processes (utilizing Adobe Creative Suite), you will create a brand concept that is then applied to a range of printed and digital materials. A presentation and exhibition will conclude the course. Supplies are provided; bring a sketchbook and pens/pencils. Limited to high school juniors and seniors.
Instructors: Jamie Gray and Tyler Galloway
Date: Monday - Friday, July 5 - 9, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: $599
Credit: 1 semester credit hour awarded
Location: Design Building
Enrollment deadline: Monday, June 28

Computer Animation Intensive    HIAN 118-01-SU
Love to draw and design and want to see your imagery MOVE? Learn the core ingredients of Adobe Creative Suite to create dynamic animation in a variety of styles. Bring your passion to learn to make technologically savvy art. By the end of class, you’ll have your own animation short. An exhibition will conclude the course. Supplies are provided; bring a sketchbook and pens/pencils.
Instructor:  Scott McCarthy
Date: Monday - Friday, July 12 - 16, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.    
Cost: $349 + $25 materials fee
Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 5
Location: Irving Building, room 111

Digital Art Intensive    HIPA 120-01-SU    
Here is the way of the future for illustration and design. Draw and design with color, pattern and strong composition - all on your computer! You will create with the aid of a drawing tablet, adjust your digital photos, collage your imagery, compose text, understand how to prep your digital art for Web or print.  You will upload your art to the Internet as well as create your own files (saved to your flash drive) ready to print at home or a printing service. An exhibition will conclude the course. Supplies are provided; bring a sketchbook and pens/pencils.
Instructor: Scott Mc Carthy
Date: Monday - Friday, July 19 - 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.    
Cost: $349 + $25 materials fee
Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 12
Location: Jannes Library computer lab

Drawing Intensive for Your Portfolio     XYPH 035-41-SU        
Build the basics required for a strong college portfolio. We will focus on observational drawing- with three days spent on the important self-portrait and still life in color that every college wants to see in a portfolio.  We will finish the week with two intensive days of drawing from a model. These drawings will strengthen the portfolio of work that you produce at your home high school.  Get ready to impress the college review panels!
Instructor: Pat Nemchock
Date:  Monday - Friday, July 26 -July 30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $299 + $20 materials fee               
Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 19
Location: Dodge Building, room K101

Painting Intensive    HIPA 110-01-SU
For ambitious high school juniors and seniors with prior visual art experience, spend an intensive week immersed in pursuit of painting and realize your personal, contemporary vision as you build your portfolio. Full days of painting will be divided between color mixing and theory with perceptual projects. Previous beginning art courses and experience with painting is recommended. Examples from your new body of paintings will be exhibited at the conclusion. Supplies included.
Instructor: Clayton Skidmore
Date: Monday - Friday, July 19 - July 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.    
Cost: $499
Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 12
Location:  Dodge Painting Building, room K101

Portfolio Preparation    XYPH 032-41-SU
This is the course for you if you are interested in building your portfolio for the college level. In this course, we will work on composition and observational drawing, building to larger scale drawings. We will also discuss the college admission and application process as well as the techniques for capturing and sharing portfolio images.
Instructor: Alex Hamil
Date:  Monday - Friday, July 12 - July 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Cost: $299 + $20 materials fee
Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 5
Location: Dodge Building, room K101

Lunch

Each class will take a break for lunch as the class schedule permits. Students can bring their lunch, eat in the Café Nerman on campus or if they have their own transportation, they may go to one of the restaurants nearby.

Housing

There is no on-campus housing available for the summer high school intensives. Accommodations may be secured at two nearby hotels: 

Holiday Inn at the Plaza, One East 45th St. Kansas City, MO 64111, 816-753-7400
Marriott, 4445 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, 816-531-3000

 

Enroll now

Sign up online for one of our many art classes for children, youth and adults. Or you can download this form, print it out and mail it in to Continuing Education,

Main Campus:

Kansas City Art Institute
4415 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City MO 64111

or

 Northland  Campus:

KCAI Northland Campus for Special Programs
1801 N.W. Platte Rd., Suite 275
Riverside, MO 64150