The first year of full-time study at Lyme is called "foundational" because it forms the core of students' art techniques, concepts, habits and learning methods. We immerse students in a whole range of studio and liberal arts courses to encourage critical thinking and expand their understanding and awareness of the forces that shape their culture. For this reason, students don't declare a major in the first year. The tasks of the Foundation Department are to help students grasp the methods, work with progressively more complex forms, and understand the relationship between art disciplines.  In facing these challenges, students begin to develop the discipline essential to becoming a practicing artist.      

Students receive a comprehensive portfolio review at the end of the Foundation year to help affirm their grasp of basic skills and to prepare them for advanced study in their chosen major in their sophomore year.

 
Selected works from the freshman review 2008

Painting Major | Sculpture Major | Illustration Major | Semester Calendar