December 2024 Newsletter
Dear Alumni
It's the time of year when the flurry of activities (and flurries of snow) that propel RISD through crits and final projects has quieted down. Throughout the fall semester, students worked to master time-tested methods, explored fresh collaborations and embarked on journeys of multidisciplinary discovery. As we can attest, the upcoming break will be a welcome moment for students to rest and recharge their creativity.
Thinking about today's students reminds me of the many ways art and design transform communities across the globe and the critical role RISD graduates play as champions of creativity and innovation. I am thrilled to congratulate our recent alums, Manini Banerjee 24 ID, Avantika Velho 22 ID, Malvika Agarwal 22 GD, Skylar Perez MArch 23 and Joel Yong 25 ID of BIOPOD and Felicia Neuhof MArch 24, Jason Connell MFA 24 FD and Aleza Epstein MArch 24 of Shellf Life, RISD's winning Terra Carta Design Lab teams. Their achievement highlights some of the many ways our community is passionate about projects that drive change, from exploring the intersection of technology and culture to sharing their creativity and teaching the next generation of artists and designers.
No matter where I am, connecting with our alumni motivates me to think more broadly, creatively and collaboratively. As we look back on this year and celebrate our community, I encourage you to nominate an alum for an Alumni Association Award. These awards highlight art and design's undeniable impact on the world and acknowledge the incredible contributions of our extraordinary alumni.
Warm wishes for 2025,
Rex Wong BArch 03
President
RISD Alumni Association
Save the Date: RISD Reunion 2025
What are we looking forward to in 2025? RISD Reunion Weekend, of course! Happening May 29–June 1, we are welcoming the classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2023 back to campus for an activity-filled celebration of can’t miss events like the Lantern Lighting, Artists Party, Class Dinners, RISD Craft, Waterfire and more.
Terra Carta Design Lab Winners
RISD is excited to announce our two winning Terra Carta Design Lab teams. Each project was moved forward by RISD alums who embody the unique strengths of RISD’s educational principles through cross-disciplinary fluency and meaningful collaborations. They have worked diligently to develop groundbreaking, sustainable solutions that prioritize material innovation, equitable practice and thorough research.
RISD Craft Spring 2025 Applications
Application deadline: January 7, 2025
The RISD Craft spring sale is on May 31, 2025. Attended by thousands of people from across New England, as well as reunion alumni, graduating students and their families and friends, RISD Craft is a highlight of the Commencement + Reunion Weekend. We would love to see your work there!
Regional Club News: RISD Club of Atlanta
The Club of Atlanta welcomes our new chair, Therese Huffman 78 GD! Supporting alumni in the greater Atlanta, GA area, the club organizes events focused on creativity and connection. Invites to exciting events are coming in the new year, including a January meetup at MoDA. Know someone in the area? Please encourage your local network to update their RISD contact information to ensure they receive invites and updates!
RISD at Miami Art Week
We were thrilled to see the incredible number of RISD community members represented during art week in Miami. Over 100 alumni had their work on view at various art fairs and exhibitions, including Art Basel Miami, Design Miami, Alcova, NADA, Untitled and more. In celebration of the extraordinary RISD talent on display throughout the city, RISD welcomed alumni, families and friends for a community brunch at the Matador Room. The event offered a nice opportunity to connect with each other and highlight our local alumni volunteers and leaders.
Alumni Awards Nominations
Nomination deadline: January 10
No one knows our community as well as you. Your perspective is critical to acknowledging the work of our alumni inside and outside the studio. Let us know who inspires you by nominating an alum for a 2025 Alumni Association Award.
Affinity Group Highlight: RISD Women in Business
With a focus on professional development, entrepreneurship and networking opportunities, the RISD Women in Business affinity group supports students and alumni at all career stages. Keep an eye on your inbox for invites to upcoming events in 2025. Be sure to update your contact information and stay connected.
At the Museum: The Art of French Wallpaper
On view through May 11, 2025
Explore the vibrant, surprising designs that adorned walls in the 1700s and 1800s. Featuring more than 100 rare samples, this exhibition reveals the creative process and showcases the extraordinary technical skills involved in producing these works, presenting an invaluable resource for artists and enthusiasts alike.
Boundless Possibilities
When you give an unrestricted gift through the RISD Fund, you empower RISD to allocate funding exactly where it is needed. You invest in building the skills, talents and critical abilities that make our students socially engaged and ethical contributors to culture. Your gift creates a future full of boundless possibilities.
Image credit: Jo SIttenfeld MFA 08 PH
