Academics
Foundations is where creative exploration begins. Through courses in design, drawing, sculpture, and digital media, students experiment with color, form, space, and technology while learning the language of visual art. From sketching and hands-on making to digital production and critical thinking, the Foundations program builds the strong, confident creative and technical base needed to grow and thrive in advanced studio work.
Our Honors invites students to go beyond the syllabus—taking advanced courses, working one-on-one with faculty, and shaping independent projects that reflect their own passions. It’s a chance to make the experience personal, explore creative or scholarly directions in depth, and develop a thesis project that stands out for graduate study or professional opportunities, all while earning the distinction of Honors in Art.
Idea Lab taught me that it was okay to fail, and that failing is a beautiful thing in its own right. We made quick projects and experimented. That’s what I love when it comes to this major.
Mason McCaffety
Making is at the heart of learning. Our students explore methods ranging from working by hand to using machines and digital tools. Projects emphasize making to learn and learning to make, building our students’ skills and confidence as they move fluidly from sketch to prototype and on to finished work.
Art and design thinking encourages exploration through sketching, prototyping, and hands-on experimentation, while also drawing insight from questioning and critique. This process leads to discoveries that might not emerge through conventional problem-solving, giving students a creative mindset that is as adaptable as it is original.
Our students approach research as both study and discovery. They investigate art history, theory, and contemporary culture, while also testing materials, tools, and techniques in the studio. By combining academic inquiry with hands-on experimentation, students uncover new ideas and create outcomes that range from innovative artworks and exhibitions to scholarly projects that prepare students for advanced study and creative careers.
Art and design students develop a way of seeing that goes beyond the ordinary. They learn to catch the small details—a line, a shadow, a subtle shift in texture—while also imagining the bigger picture and connections that give those details meaning. This ability to see differently opens new perspectives, fueling creativity and setting their work apart.
