RISD Memories
I started my studies at RISD in 1970 arriving on campus from Hempstead, Long Island, New York. Fresh from a sheltered, middle class black neighborhood, traditional loving family background and after being told by my high school Art teacher and guidance counselor that I couldn't possibly ever get into RISD. They discouraged me from applying. However my dad wouldnt accept this and pushed me to apply.
He drove me to Providence for interviews and the final exam. On the strength of my interviews, final exam and completing an on site illustration at RISD of an old shoe - I was accepted. Upon arriving I was in awe and somewhat quietly intimidated at first. The dorms and various roommates were a first for me. However I quickly adapted, found my comfort zone and made friends. Mainly, but not exclusively, with other black freshmen and students. I tried to fit in with the larger mostly white campus life but gravitated to the people and activities where I felt comfortable and most welcome and accepted. Brown University had a black student union and I also made great friends there.
I'll never forget my first life drawing class with a nude model. I tried not to look embarrassed. However these classes soon became the norm and not unusual at all. I learned about anatomy and how to precisely draw the human face and body from excellent instructors. Going forward my coursework focused on illustration and painting. I found excitement in studying the fine art of fashion illustration and took Mr. Robert Reid's awesome classes each year at RISD. Concerned about secure employment after graduation and possibly a teaching career, I majored in Art Education my senior year. I was also grappling with serious personal marital issues. I completed student teaching back in New York only to be placed in classes of high school students most of whom had no interest in art and who were major discipline problems. I completed the requirements and upon returning to Providence was no longer interested in teaching. I resumed painting and freelance work and maintained a part-time job at the RI Dept. of Attorney General on Benefit Street.
An opportunity presented itself for a fresh start in Maryland with friends and I relocated. This began a pivotal change in my decisions regarding a career that could support me financially and that was personally rewarding. I eventually was trained and choose a career in Civil Rights as a mediator and investigator with the Federal Government where I worked for almost 30 years. I traveled around the country on assignments and even had a detail as Executive Assistant for one year with Civil Rights pioneer Dr. Dorothy Height.
In my personal life I maintained a growing art collection and devoted my time and interest in various gallery, design and art events. During these years I had 2 beautiful sons. I also discovered a love of interior design and decorating. After apprentice /training in this discipline I retired from the federal government and formed my own company titled Artistic Interiors and Beyond, LLC. I successfully ran this small company for 7 years until the passing of both my parents. After a period of deep reflection, I decided to accept a position with the high tech company Local Motors Industries. This company designed the first 3D printed, electric autonomous vehicles. I decided after this position and with the arrival of grandchildren that I wanted to retire. I'm happily retired and with my husband Fred of 30 years. We lead a full and joyful life in National Harbor, Maryland.
As I look back upon my life, I am thankful for the foundation laid by RISD. I came there with a god-given gift. I learned to perfect this gift and gained new skills. But I was also tremendously inspired and the creative spirit stayed with me in all that I chose to do after RISD. Coupled with helping victims of discrimination during my government employment, I acquired a broad range of professional skills, I was exposed to the latest technologies and interacted with so many amazing people. During my lifetime, I was fortunate to run a wonderfully rewarding company and able to educate clients about art for their homes and help them creatively transform their interiors. I also survived the personal challenges and traumas thrown at me along the way during this lifetime. Surrounding myself with various forms of art always provided a certain peace, joy and balance. A creative spirit and ability will always run through my veins. Thankyou RISD ~ a special thankyou and very best wishes to my gifted black alumni friends who were with me at the beginning and have traveled their own interesting, incredible journeys.
❤️ Betty Gillis-Robinson
