Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is a national leader in art and design education. The College mission is to prepare diverse students of art and design to enrich our world through their creativity, skill, and vision.
While the term “Fashion Icon” is relatively modern, fashion has always been defined and redefined by bold visionaries throughout history. Images of today's celebrities and fashion mavens are ever-present, but long before the selfie, sculpture and painting captured individuals and their fashion styling. Designers still look to these powerful sources for fashion elements and inspiration, and this course will trace the history of clothing and the way that themes have been interpreted over the last 500 years.Starting in the 15th century, we will view the fashion biographies of notable individuals and examine garments and ‘looks’ for their trend-setting elements. Fashion is extremely and pointedly cyclical, and garment elements and design ideas that look ‘fresh’ to a certain generation can often be directly or indirectly traced to a prior moment or figure in history. In this course we will look at some of these times and people, and compare and contrast them to fashion that has emerged. Contemporary designs will be reviewed to identify the reuse or redefinition of many of these details. We will progressively develop the eye and skill to sketch and create our own ideas through a creative journaling process, culminating in an original design project based on historical elements.
Art and Design Fundamentals will address basic art and design skills in drawing and composition, as well as principles of two-dimensional and human figure drawing. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice three-dimensional design and develop an art e-portfolio. This course is specifically designed for high school students interested in exploring their creativity and developing foundational skills in art and design with an eye toward possibly applying to college art/design programs.Created by expert and passionate faculty from Otis College of Art and Design, the course will be organized into thematic modules, including perspective and color, light and shadow, materials and tools, line and shape, anatomy and expression, and invention and construction. All skill levels can participate in these sessions and are welcome.Students should be curious, flexible, and willing to experiment. Basic computer skills such as being able to attach documents and navigate a website are helpful. Students should also have access to a camera or scanner to share work.