She began her art training under the first art instructor the University of Hawaii, Huc-Mazelet Luquiens (1881–1961). Foley continued her art education at the University of Washington, and spent two years in London at the Slade School of Art as a pupil of Henry Tonks (1862–1937).
Foley began her artistic studies under Huc-Mazelet Luquiens, the first art teacher at the University of Hawaii. She later pursued her education at the University of Washington and then spent two years in London at the Slade School of Art, where she was a student of Henry Tonks.