Studio Foundation

Exploration, idea generation, critical thinking, craftsmanship-this is where aspiring artists acquire the tool chest that will drive their artistic development. The Studio Foundation Department introduces students to a wide variety of studio techniques and media that cut across traditions and technologies. Its curriculum is required of all first-year students before they choose a major. Coursework helps students gain an understanding of the critique process on which much of the MassArt curriculum is based. They learn to take their projects through all stages of the creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, and revision.

Drawing Courses introduce students to formal principles as well as the breadth of drawing practice.

Visual Language Courses explore two- and four-dimensional principles of visual organization, with a combination of tactile and digital media, photography, and video.

Form Study introduces students to the formal and conceptual foundations of three-dimensional design.

The Studio Foundation Department has an active program of visiting artists and exhibitions that brings students into contact with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the curriculum.

Studio Foundation Faculty

Nancy Aleo, Professor
BFA, Massachusetts College of Art
MFA, Cranbrook Academy of Art

Sarah Bapst, Professor
BA, Indiana University
MFA, Cranbrook Academy of Art

Nancy Cusack, Professor
AB, Boston College
M.Ed, Lesley University

Jarrett Min Davis, Assistant Professor
BFA, University of Dayton
MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art

Sharon Dunn, Professor
BFA, Boston University
MA, MA Visual Studies, MIT

Marc Holland, Assistant Professor
BFA, Massachusetts College of Art
MFA, Rutgers University
MFA, Bard College

Judith Leemann, Assistant Professor
BA, University of Virginia
MFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Jane Marsching, Associate Professor
BA, Hampshire College
MFA, School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Dyan Mcclimon-Miller, Professor
BA, Saint Ambrose College
MA, MFA, University of Iowa

Juan Ormaza, Professor
BFA, National School of Art “La Esheralda” Mexico
MFA, Alfred University

Lyssa Palu-Ay, Associate Professor
BA, Boston College
MFA, Massachusetts College of Art

Evelyn Rydz, Assistant Professor
BFA, Florida State University
MFA, School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Jonathan Santos, Assistant Professor
BFA, Art Institute of Boston
MFA, School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Keith Washington, Assistant Professor
BFA, Massachusetts College of Art
MFA, School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Programs

Studio Foundation