Photography Grad Students at RISD Learn to Leave Room for the Unexpected A critique-based course encourages students to verbalize their creative goals and approaches to the medium while allowing themselves to play with new ideas.

A critique-based Photography course encourages students to verbalize their creative goals and approaches to the medium while allowing themselves to play with new ideas: www.risd.edu/news/stories...

A Wide Range of Companies Seek Fresh Talent at RISD’s Design Portfolio Review 2026 Many of this year’s reviewers are RISD alums who made their own early professional connections via the annual Career Center event.

At this year’s Design Portfolio Review, 180 design professionals representing more than 80 companies, firms, and design studios participated in online reviews and on-campus visits: www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Life After RISD: Checking in with Alum Wael Morcos The multilingual type and graphic designer probes existential and personal questions about what it means to be an immigrant designer in New York City.

Wael Morcos, 2013 graduate of the MFA program in Graphic Design, heads up Brooklyn-based design studio Morcos Key alongside his partner in business and life, Graphic Design alum Jonathan Key:
www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Blue background with blurred black exclamation points. White RISD seal in bottom right. White text on left reads: "A Conversation with Activist Artists:" Tracie Ching Shepard Fairey Dread Scott Yana Buhrer Tavanier April 27, 2026 7-8:30 pm EDT

Join us for a Zoom panel discussion called "A Conversation with Activist Artists" on Monday, April 27, 7–8:30 pm EDT with Tracie Ching, Shepard Fairey, Dread Scott, and Yana Buhrer Tavanier, moderated by RISD President Crystal Williams. Register for the online discussion: bit.ly/41lYPjD

It Starts with a Question — David Weeks interviewed by Crystal Williams YouTube video by RISD / Rhode Island School of Design

In the latest episode of “It Starts with a Question,” award-winning designer and alum David Weeks and President Crystal Williams sit down to discuss family influences, curiosity, creative outlets, and joy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX6p...

Commencement 2026, Saturday May 30, Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI in white lettering over sunburst design in pinks, yellow and orange

Julie Mehretu MFA 97 PR/PT will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Commencement. Mehretu, along with cartoonist Roz Chast 77 PT, arts advocate Stephen A. Metcalf, and designer David Wiseman 03 FD will receive honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees risd.edu/commencement

RISD campus at Canal Walk looking through garden facing pedestrian bridge with blue RISD flag.

RISD is celebrating a historic $20 million gift—the largest outright gift in RISD’s history—from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation to establish the Maxwell Scholarship Fund and the Maxwell Global Perspectives Faculty Fund: www.risd.edu/news/for-pre...

RISD’s Center for Community Partnerships Introduces Civics Program for K-12 Educators Rhode Island Histories in Action offers a standards-aligned, historically grounded curriculum that promotes civic literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning.

Area teachers are developing creative ways to bring Rhode Island’s diverse civic and cultural heritage into the classroom through "Rhode Island Histories in Action," a new federally funded initiative offered through RISD’s Center for Community Partnerships www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Artist and Phenomenologist Spencer Finch Challenges the Notion of Universal Truth The Brooklyn-based RISD alum returned to campus to discuss new work in progress and lead a Glass department Hot Nights event.

Alum Spencer Finch recently returned to campus as part of the Glass department’s Hot Nights lecture series. Finch discussed the ideas behind some of his recent pieces followed by a night in the hot shop collaborating with students and faculty members www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Students Make Audacious Experimental Shorts in Film/Animation/Video Class at RISD Pushing the boundaries of digital video production, the course was one of two offered through RISD’s Movement Lab this Wintersession.

Students in Film/Animation/Video Wintersession studio “The Transforming Image” pushed boundaries of digital video production and created audacious experimental shorts www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD’s Industrial Design Department Launches First Course in Endowed Analogue Making Series Students in Patternmaking for Cast Iron Production investigate form, draw on age-old industrial practices, and develop tactile material knowledge.

Industrial Design course “Patternmaking for Cast Iron Production” is the first in a series of departmental offerings on analogue, shop-based making made possible through a gift from a generous anonymous donor www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Life After RISD: Checking in with Alum Rachel Cope The painter and entrepreneur, who co-founded Calico Wallpaper with her husband in 2013, discusses the joy of doing what she loves for a living and finding her place in the world as an artist.

Painter and designer Rachel Cope, who co-founded Calico Wallpaper with her husband in 2013, discusses the joy of doing what she loves for a living and finding her place in the world as an artist: www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD Wintersession Course Probes Interwoven Histories of Paper, Textiles, and Architecture Students explored the materials’ shared properties and fast-and-loose production methods, which provided opportunities for collective critical reflection.

Students in an Architecture Wintersession course explored the interwoven histories and shared tectonic vocabulary of paper fabrication, textile production, and architectural design www.risd.edu/news/stories...

It Starts with a Question — Grace Lin interviewed by Crystal Williams YouTube video by RISD / Rhode Island School of Design

In the latest episode of “It Starts with a Question,” award-winning author, illustrator, alum, and 2025 honorary degree recipient Grace Lin discusses the importance of representation in children’s literature with RISD President Crystal Williams: youtu.be/HUJZiYyiUWE

RISD Celebrates 12th Annual Baker & Whitehill Student Artists’ Book Contest From cold-pressed watercolor paper to ribbons and film photography, the prize-winning submissions represented original approaches to bookmaking.

From cold-pressed watercolor paper to ribbons and film photography, six students received awards at this year's Artists' Book Contest hosted by the Fleet Library www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Wintersession Course at RISD Examines the Power of Monuments, Memory, and Storytelling Students conducted research and proposed monuments for College Hill that commemorate the past while reinterpreting symbols of collective memory.

Students in a Wintersession course conducted research and proposed monuments for College Hill that commemorate the past while reinterpreting symbols of collective memory www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Students Explore New Cultures via RISD Global Wintersession Travel Courses From the coast of South Africa to the streets of Japan, students investigated local traditions, conducted research, and tapped into interdisciplinary making opportunities.

This Wintersession, students engaged in off-campus learning opportunities investigating local traditions, conducting research, and tapping into interdisciplinary making opportunities. Learn more about what the students experienced

www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Life After RISD: Checking in with Alum Lucas Ansel The recent Film/Animation/Video alum and Student Academy Award-winning animator reflects on his passions for problem solving, the magic of filmmaking, and what RISD taught him about hard work.

Recent Film/Animation/Video alum and Student Academy Award-winning animator Lucas Ansel reflects on his passions for problem solving and the magic of filmmaking. Hear his thoughts about life after college and what RISD taught him about hard work: www.risd.edu/news/stories...

As we continue to deal with the logistics of this record-breaking volume of snowfall, RISD will reopen on a limited basis on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27. See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

Acclaimed Designer David Weeks Returns to RISD to Teach Toy Design Course The alum and designer of the classic Cubebot toy robot worked with first-year students in a Wintersession studio focused on iteration and simplicity.

David Weeks, RISD alum and designer of the classic Cubebot toy robot, worked with first-year students in a Wintersession studio focused on iteration and simplicity www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Day Break sculpture covered in snow on the RISD Beach

To allow for the continued removal of blizzard snowfall, RISD will remain closed on Wednesday, February 25 and re-open on Thursday, February 26, 7:00 am. See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

Due to the volume of blizzard snowfall, RISD will remain closed on Tuesday, February 24 and re-open on Wednesday, February 25, 7:00 am. See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

A view of RISD Beach in snow.

Due to inclement weather, RISD will close on Sunday, February 22, at 11:00 pm and will re-open on Tuesday, February 24, at 7 am. See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

These Colleges Produced the Most Fulbright Scholars and Students Of the 114 institutions that were top producers of Fulbright scholars and students this year, seven were new.

The Fulbright Program just named RISD one of 114 Top Fulbright Producing Institutions across the country and no. 1 in the US Student Program among four-year “special focus/other” institutions.
www.chronicle.com/article/top-...

Wintersession Jewelry + Metalsmithing Course at RISD Explores Ancient Engraving Techniques The class studied inlay, overlay, and engraving processes, reimagining the relationship between the functional and the ornamental.

Students in Jewelry+Metalsmithing Wintersession course 'Silver Meets Steel' explored ancient engraving techniques such as inlay and overlay, reimagining the relationship between the functional and the ornamental www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Grad Students Lead RISD Wintersession Course Exploring Video Games as Artistic Expression From cooking to travel to themes of medicine, students created their own video games in a recent Wintersession studio.

A new Wintersession course offered by the Digital + Media department invited students to step into the world of video games. Taught by grad students Annie Hu and River Wang, the course allowed students to build their own video games from concept to play www.risd.edu/news/stories...

It Starts with a Question — María Magdalena Campos-Pons interviewed by Crystal Williams Multidisciplinary artist, 2025 Honorary Degree recipient, and MacArthur “genius grant” awardee María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s work is deeply autobiographical. She explores notions of history, memory, gender, and religion and how each informs who we are. In the latest episode of “It Starts with a Question,” she and President Crystal Williams have a wide ranging discussion about the role of art and artists in the world. What is “It Starts with a Question?” This video series features President Williams in conversation with thought leaders, art and design luminaries, alumni, and other friends of RISD discussing what shapes how they live in and experience the world. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 01:50 - Interview begins 03:04 - On this moment in history 07:01 - On finding your center 20:38 - "Somos la mesma cosa" 26:26 - On forgiveness and repair 39:07 - Consideration of the other 43:01 - Interview ends 43:12 - Outro CREDITS Host: President Crystal Williams, RISD Guest: María Magdalena Campos-Pons Project Team: Deborah Bowen, Sofiya Cabalquinto, Iyana Martin Diaz, James Jones, J Kimball, Kaylee Pugliese, Lauren Maas, Danielle Mancuso, Jaime Marland, Lee Ann Norman, Shana Vanderweele Ortman, Alex Pizzuti, Samantha Sartori Photo credits: Freedom Trap (2013). Polaroid Polacolor Pro photograph, 24 x 20 inches (60.96 x 50.8 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. Portrait of María Magdalena Campos-Pons. © John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation–used with permission. Finding Balance (2015). Polaroid Polacolor Pro 96 x 140 inches (243.8 x 355.6 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. The House (2013). Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 photographs, diptych, 24 x 20 inches (60.96 x 50.8 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. The Truth Doesn't Kill You (La Verdad No Mata) (1991). Marble base, wood, nails, hatchet, glass, and wire, 93 x 71 x 4 inches (236.22 x 180.34 x 10.16 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. Constellation (2015). Composition of 16, Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 inches per photograph (60.96 x 50.8 cm per photograph). Image courtesy of the artist. Nesting III (2000). Composition of 4, Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 in photographs, 32 1/4 x 56 inches each (81.92 x 142.24 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. Secrets of the Magnolia Tree. Bernice (2022). Mixed media: archival digital inkjet prints, watercolor, ink, gouache, gum arabic on Rives BFK archive paper, 132 5/16 x 30 inches each (336.07 x 76.2 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. Performance, Cuban Pavilion, Venice Biennale. San Marco, Venice, Italy (2013). Performance. Image courtesy of the artist. Installation view, “Matanzas Sound Map,” Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), Athens, Greece (2017). Sound and sculptural installation, Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), documenta 14, Athens. Photo by Angelos Giotopoulos. Image courtesy of the artist. Installation View, “Alchemy of the Soul: María Magdalena Campos-Pons,” Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, 2016. January 9–April 3, 2016. Image courtesy of the artist. When We Gather (2022). Text on Arches Cover Cream, Epson Premium Luster at 20 x 30 photograph, 21 x 31 inches (53.34 x 78.74 cm). Edition of 10 with 2 APs. Photo by Tommy Oliver. Image courtesy of the artist..

In the latest episode of “It Starts with a Question,” artist, 2025 honorary degree recipient, and MacArthur “genius grant” awardee María Magdalena Campos-Pons discusses the role of art and artists in turbulent times with RISD President Crystal Williams bit.ly/404beb9

Sound Wintersession Course at RISD Explores Acoustics, Architecture, and Auditory Perception Students considered how sound can serve as a spatial and experiential medium, guiding attention, shifting atmosphere, and provoking new forms of encounter.

Students in a Sound Wintersession course explored acoustics, architecture, and auditory perception using a state-of-the-art 20-sided 3D speaker that uses complex algorithms to send focused sound beams in any direction, creating an immersive sonic experience
www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD’s Third Black Biennial Celebrates Cross-Diasporic Community Please Catch Me When I Fall, curated by RISD students Karma Johnson, Khalil McKnight, and King Meulens, highlights joy, vulnerability, and the many stories to be told about the Black experience.

“Please Catch Me When I Fall,” RISD’s third Black Biennial, highlights joy, vulnerability, and the many stories to be told about the Black experience www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Eight RISD Alums Advance Cross-Cultural Dialogue as Fulbright US Student Awardees The largest Fulbright cohort in RISD’s history is currently conducting research in host countries across Europe and Asia.

RISD’s Fulbright Program has consistently produced an impressive number of Fulbrights each year, and this year’s cohort of eight is its largest ever. In fact, the Fulbright Program just named RISD one of 114 Top Fulbright Producing Institutions across the country. www.risd.edu/news/stories...