Foundations
The foundations program is a rigorous, studio based examination of the issues fundamental to art and design. This series of three courses combines critical thinking skills with an exploration of contemporary art practices, while simultaneously addressing techniques relevant to studio practice. The courses are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, visual thinking, and the ability to create while thinking critically and analytically. ART 1001 Foundations I emphasizes two-dimensional art, ART 1002 Foundations II emphasizes three-dimensional art, and ART 1003 Foundations Drawing emphasizes observational drawing.
The foundations program is designed to support each of the following degree paths:
- BA Art & Visual Culture
- BFA Art Education
- BFA Graphic Design
- BFA Studio Art
Faculty
Many full and part-time faculty teach regularly in this program, which is coordinated by a Foundations Steering Committee.
Foundations Area Coordinator
Erin Ethridge
Foundations Steering Committee members
- Anna Buckner
- Travis Donovan
- Erin Ethridge
- Frankie Flood
- Jeana Klein
- Josh White

“The Master Remix: Tactics in Appropriation” from Foundations Drawing

Foundations II—Wood Design Project
Raphael Wenger

Foundations I—Collage Project
Faisuly Scheurer

Foundations II—Media Project
Amelia Kowaleski
With my first wood shop project, in Foundations II, I loved the mental challenge of figuring out how to realize my design; what shapes to cut, and how they would fit together without the use of glue. I made a larger-than-life potted cactus!
Sophomore BFA Studio Art major

Foundations II and “Larger than Life”
The “Larger Than Life” project takes common found objects from around the department, and scales them up to extraordinary sizes. The project focuses on proportionally increasing the size of a form, and reconstructing it out of cardboard to create visually accurate yet surreal experiences in relationship to the original object. It’s an exciting time when the objects are installed throughout the building, because who doesn’t love a 5 ft. viewfinder?