More than 450 pieces of artwork filled the grand foyer of the Waterloo Region Museum on April 12 for Skillz Manifesto - the annual year-end design show featuring work from students in Conestoga’s Design Foundations program.
Design Foundations students displayed more than 450 pieces of artwork at their year-end gallery show at the Waterloo Region Museum on April 12.
The one-year certificate program is intended for students who want to explore careers in applied design and communications. The program provides an opportunity to build a portfolio that demonstrates skills in 2D and 3D design, drawing, life drawing, colour theory, idea development, presentation skills, digital production and design history.
Guests at Skillz Manifesto browsed the student gallery which included life drawings, sculptures, illustrations, prints and abstracts featuring different materials, mediums and themes. The show also offered a canvas raffle and print sale and guests were invited to sit for caricature sketches. New this year was a digital display designed by student Daniel Coca, and a partnership with the Framing & Art Centre of Waterloo to provide guests with on-site framing for artwork they purchased.
The majority of Design Foundations graduates continue their studies at Conestoga. Student Joanna Jusse - who served as master of ceremonies at the show - will start the Graphic Design advanced diploma program in September.
“I chose Design Foundations because I wanted to bridge the gap between graphic design, which is what I want to pursue, and the high school art classes I took,” said Jusse. “I really enjoyed the year. I’ve learned to organize my time and keep up with the work load; it definitely prepares you for other programs.”
Design Foundations students have also pursued diplomas or degrees in the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Interior Design, Advertising and Marketing Communications, Interior Decorating, and Visual Merchandising Arts programs.
During the show, student skills and achievement were honoured with the presentation of the following awards:
- DF Student Representative Award: Jesse Vanderwal
- Clicking Along Award: Autumn Stadtlander
- McGyver Award: Alexandria Ditner
- Creative Genius Award: Paulina Dorozynska
- Personal Achievement Award: Islam Ahmed
- Above and Beyond Award: Taylor Jackson, Becca Quinton
- DF Spirit & Leadership Award: Renate Polle, Joss Rauchfleisz
- Conceptual Combo Project Award: Holly Phipps
For more information about Design Foundations, visit the program page