Cutting edge. Innovative. Wildly imaginative. The world of contemporary art in our time seems to know no limits as it challenges conventional ideas about art. This class investigated themes of empathy, relationships, and community in contemporary art through experimentation with drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and installation art. Students in this class visited Chelsea galleries, met with practicing artists such as Glenn Ligon and Cory Arcangel, experienced site-specific artwork with Ricky Sears, and discussed relevant topics with staff at EyeBeam and Andrea Rosen’s Gallery. These conversations and visits provided students with a window into the world of contemporary art today while informing their own creative work. Drawing inspiration from this glimpse into contemporary art practices, each student developed an idea from a drawing into an interactive final project through a series of collaborative studio activities, including chocolate casting, sound recordings, and graffiti work.