Guests arrived at Loyalist College on the evening of April 14th to support their friends and family members – students in the Art and Design Foundation program. It was opening night for the program’s second annual juried art exhibition. The students submitted pieces from their year’s work and a panel of judges selected those which would be included in the exhibit. More than 15 pieces were sold on opening night totaling over $1,800 in sales. What began as an evening of interest and support, concluded with enthusiastic patrons eager to purchase exceptional pieces created by talented new artists.
Art and Design Foundation is a one-year certificate program that introduces students to a variety of media, enabling them to gain a balance of skills in fine art and design. They focus on both traditional and digital media, which makes it possible for them to develop a broad-based creative portfolio. Some students choose to identify a specific sector within the art and design industry and build their portfolio targeting that area – with the goal of further study and career development.
Three of Kyle Preisinger’s pieces were selected to hang in the show – one of which was awarded first place recognition. “I attended the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD) for two years, then worked in a Toronto restaurant. I decided that I wanted to take a year to focus on art and reconnect with my creativity. I believe that creative people need to be around others who are creative – it’s inspiring. When I enrolled at Loyalist I considered myself a painter and sculptor so the computer design elements that I studied here were new to me. I think the program’s greatest strength is that it enables students to develop a portfolio that has depth and range. I’ve had a very good year at Loyalist. Now I’m ready to return to Toronto with the plan of obtaining a glass blowing apprenticeship.”
“When I graduated from high school in Ottawa I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would enable me to use my artistic strengths but was uncertain of how to do that,” said Elyssa McDiarmid. “I chose this foundation program to help me determine if I would be better suited to study graphics or fine arts. The faculty has been amazing, helping me transition from an eager beginner to an artist focused on fine-tuning my work. My parents could not believe how much my work improved during the past year. My success in the art show has been a positive reinforcement for me and I can’t wait to continue my studies in a fine arts degree program.”
Jake Fobert came to Loyalist from Northbrook. “I wanted to develop a portfolio that would prepare me to apply to OCAD where I hope to study illustration. This has been a very nurturing atmosphere for creative growth. Thanks to the support of my faculty and peers my skills are much stronger and I now feel prepared to continue my studies.”
The Art and Design Foundation program was developed for individuals with a creative flair who are interested in popular culture, art, architecture, design, photography, animation and gaming. Graduates have the opportunity to continue their studies in a wide range of creative and artistic programs at Loyalist or apply their skills and talents to artistic endeavours and career development. To learn about the Art and Design Foundation program click here.