Jody Symula
Program lead
arts.vcu.edu/programs/art-foundation
The Art Foundation Program (AFO) fosters the development of every student by cultivating their curiosity and unique perspectives. This first-year studio experience promotes the discovery of passions and aptitudes within a supportive community of faculty and peers. Students take risks, learn by doing and explore new modes of working and thinking. Faculty develop and model generative and generous methods of feedback to sharpen students’ perception and deepen understanding. The curriculum exists within a larger forum of ideas and creative practices, providing concepts and skills relevant to a wide range of disciplines. AFO provides opportunities that empower students to make informed and inspired decisions about their future path of study. AFO is committed to equity and strives to be an inclusive and accessible learning experience for all students.
Completion of AFO is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft and Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture and Extended Media.
AFO students will declare their major by submitting the major declaration the semester that they are on track to complete their art foundation requirements. Only students who submit the major declaration with all required components by the deadline will be guaranteed their major choice; late applications will not be accepted.
Official up-to-date transcripts submitted by the School of the Arts transfer application deadline determine eligibility for admission into AFO. Upon acceptance into the program, portfolios and transcripts will be evaluated case-by-case to assess AFO course equivalencies. Transfer students accepted into AFO must complete unmet program requirements at VCU.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Students will acquire and apply knowledge of fundamental art and design techniques, concepts and approaches within their studio work.
- Students will be introduced to contemporary art and design concepts and begin to apply them in their studio work.
- Students will develop critique skills by engaging in constructive critical discourse.
- Students will develop an awareness of professional opportunities and resources within the university and the external arts community.
- Students will develop a body of studio course work submitted for assessment.
Requirements for Art Foundation Program
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art Foundation studios | ||
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 138 | Project Seminar | 2 |
| or ARTF 139 | Project Studio | |
| Art history component | ||
| ARTH 103 & ARTH 104 | Survey of Art I and Survey of Art II | 6 |
| Total Hours | 20 | |
The Art Foundation Program requires 20 credits.
The is a sample plan of the Art Foundation Program, please consult with your adviser for details. Please note the Art Foundation studio and research courses are not sequential.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 138 or ARTF 139 | Project Seminar or Project Studio | 1 |
| ARTH 103 | Survey of Art I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 138 or ARTF 139 | Project Seminar or Project Studio | 1 |
| ARTH 104 | Survey of Art II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Total Hours: | 32 | |