Foundations

Foundations Department Mission

Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.

Foundations Program Description

Foundation Studies strives to develop artists and designers with an awareness of their impact on visual culture, community, and environment. The departmental curriculum is designed to be progressive in nature, with ideas developed, integrated, and incorporated from one class to the next. Courses in Foundations are designed to provide a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of art and design through background, theory, and practice.

The faculty support students in the development of technical, conceptual, problem solving, verbal, and intuitive skills necessary for future success in the visual arts. Students develop ideation strategies, principles of visual composition, observational drawing skills, color theory applications, and the creation of time-based media. These skill-based approaches also integrate history, critical thinking, and critique approaches to support students’ understanding of their role as professional artists and designers.

Program Outcomes

Foundations Program Learning Outcomes Rubric

COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly regarding art and design through the use of relevant vocabulary, context, and cultural connections when writing, speaking, or project creation.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Apply tools, materials, techniques, and proper use and care for equipment through appropriate craftpersonship.

VISUAL STRATEGIES: Apply strategies of visual organization within two, three, and four-dimensional works.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: Develop creative problem-solving strategies in the design process.

CRITICAL THINKING: Apply critical thinking skills in the development of art and design through research supported by the development of visual literacy and awareness of culture and historic references.