Foundation

All first-year students are required to complete a foundation program introducing them to the fundamental processes and principles of artmaking and design. The objective of the program is to enhance the student’s visual sensitivity through developing his or her perceptual, intellectual, and technical skills. The program consists of four art and two academic courses per semester, with two full semesters each of drawing, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design,
and issues in art making.

Foundation studio classes, which are limited to a maximum of 20 students, meet for two and a half hours, twice a week. Professors, sensitive to the transition between high school and college, direct the content of the projects toward specific skill development. During this time, students learn to analyze their work, while developing sensitivity and perception in their response to other students’ efforts. The mind is developed along with the eye and hand, so that ideas can be better translated into form and material. Students learn the art of classroom critique and discussion. The fall semester culminates with the Foundation Program Exhibition in the art school’s Silpe Gallery.

DRAWING
Foundation Drawing I & II are introductory, required courses for art students, designed to investigate the different modes of drawing, both traditional and non-traditional. The intent of these courses is not only to impart technical skills in drawing, but also to investigate the nature of drawing as a way of seeing and organizing ideas and perceptions.

2D STUDIOS
Foundation 2D Studio I & II are introductory courses required for all art students, with an emphasis on traditional and non-traditional two-dimensional studio techniques, use of materials, tools, and media. Foundation 2D Studio I focuses on black-and-white issues in design, while Foundation 2D Studio II focuses on color and composition. Emphasis is placed on problem solving through studio activity and relating theory and criticism to the artmaking activity.

3D STUDIOS
Foundation 3D Studio I & II are introductory, required courses for all students, with an emphasis on traditional and non-traditional, three-dimensional studio techniques, tools, and media. Emphasis is placed on problem solving through studio activity and relating art theory and criticism to the studio.