Areas of Study
Foundation
Program Description
Our Foundation program gives first-year students an in-depth experience in composition, technical skills, research, and critical reflection.
Students will develop a rich vocabulary of art and design’s core terms and start to employ them when talking about your own work as well as that of your peers.
During your first year, you have the opportunity to engage with all our majors and competencies available to you at the College through courses such as:
2D Design
Two-Dimensional Design investigates the organization of form and color on a flat surface or a two-dimensional space to produce meaning and expression. This course concentrates on composition and design, equipping students with the ability to create and discuss work with intention and precision.
3D Materiality
In this course, students encounter various material combinations and apply foundation vocabulary through the 3-dimensional form. The course is split into 2 sections, combining diverse disciplines such as: Ceramics & Woodworking; Ceramics & Metals; Sculpture & Metals; Sculpture & Textiles; and Textile & Woodworking.
Digital Imaging
This course explores the image through digital interfaces, and familiarizes students with the Adobe creative suite. Students choose one of three possible sections: Fabrication; Painting & Drawing; or, Digital Photography.
Introduction to Drawing
This course introduces drawing from observation, including techniques for measurement, contour, mass, volume, and value, focusing on composition and figure/ground relationships through various drawing media.
Space + Temporality
This course focuses on process, not product. You will cultivate an understanding of design, composition, and the body within time and space. Projects range from sound collage to video art.
Research & Inquiry (Studio + Academic)
Students are immersed in a self-directed studio/research project that combines Academic Studies and Foundation, supplying them with the research and critical thinking skills needed to develop a rich practice.
Gallery
Program & Outcomes
Faculty
Sample Courses
- DR 110 Honors: Introduction to Drawing
- FN 109 3D: Materiality – Ceramics & Woodworking
- FN/SEM 108 Research & Inquiry: The Boundless Deep: Maritime Inspired Making
- FN 110 4D: Space & Temporality
Workspace & Tools
Foundation classes take place across the MECA&D campus, in both the Porteous and 380 Cumberland buildings. Students work alongside a variety of faculty as they develop their compositional skills, critical thinking and technical prowess in these diverse disciplines.
The foundation year covers a wide range of making, technology and conceptual thinking. During this year, students have the option to experiment with digital programs (Adobe Creative Suite), DSLR cameras, 3d-printing, as well as a variety of tools. Materiality works across disciplines, exposing students to jewelry + metals, sculpture, ceramic, and fashion + textiles and all of their respective tools and best practices. Drawing moves from technical exercises in charcoal through gestural studies with a live model. Space and Temporality encourages students to experiment and apply vocabulary to time-based media (performance art, installation, sound and video).
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Have the ability to employ the vocabulary of composition’s core terms, principles and relationships.
- Employ composition’s core terms, principles and relationships as the basis to create and analyze artwork.
- Understand the various processes of design methodology including research, material exploration, making, editing, remaking and critiquing.
- Demonstrate the ability to compose in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital space.
- Demonstrate proficiency working with a wide range of materials and processes.
- Ability to assess the level and effect of craftsmanship associated with introduced materials and processes.
- Employ best safety practices working in a professional studio.
- Present work in a professional manner.
- Employ appropriate vocabulary to discuss their work with intention and precision.
- Demonstrate strengthened levels of focus, discipline, persistence and patience.
Course of Study
Fall
- FN 101 Digital Imaging
- FN 109 3D: Materiality
- FN 113 Two-Dimensional Design
- Studio Elective
- EN 100 English Composition
- SEM 100 First Year Seminar
Spring
- DR 100 Introduction to Drawing
- FN 110 4D: Space & Temporality
- FN 108 Research & Inquiry – Studio
- SEM 108 Research & Inquiry – Academic
- AH 101 Art History Survey I