Megan Mary Kalmes

Megan Mary Kalmes is a Continuing Studies Instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), specializing in drawing and art education. She teaches courses such as Advanced Drawing Camp for middle school students and Drawing Studio for the Early College Program. Her instruction emphasizes technical skill development, material experimentation (e.g., charcoal, pastels, ink, mixed media), and fostering artistic confidence through observational study and creative exploration.

Her courses integrate visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, museum virtual tours, and collaborations with professional artists to inspire student work. She focuses on cultivating self-directed projects, interdisciplinary approaches, and portfolio-quality outcomes for advanced learners. Courses like the Summer Institute: Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio require prior experience and encourage independent artistic risk-taking.

Megan’s teaching spans foundational to advanced levels, with credits ranging from 1 to 4 units. She incorporates figure drawing with nude models, writing exercises, critiques, and technology tools (e.g., digital cameras, tablets) to enhance student learning.