Rhode Island School of Design

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...

Life After RISD: Checking in with Alum Anina Major The award-winning Bahamian artist and educator discusses the creative breakthroughs that drove her to pursue her calling as a professional artist.

The 2026 USA Fellowship, the The Future Perfect Prize in 2024, a Joan Mitchell Fellowship in 2023… Ceramics MFA graduate Anina Major has received recognition for a studio practice that refracts Bahamian craft and culture through contemporary sculpture and ceramics.
www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD Careers’ “Art of Business” Series Teaches Skills for Creative Career Longevity From taxes and contracts to managing money and staying true to oneself, the webinar series teaches students and alumni how to sustain their creative businesses.

RISD Careers launched this year’s "Art of Business" series to help students and alumni take their business ideas, studio practices, and freelancing to the next level www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Wintersession Exhibition Design Course at RISD Emphasizes Real-World Problem Solving Working collaboratively, students are designing and building exhibits in preparation for an immersive show in the Center for Integrative Technologies.

Interior Design studio "Exhibition Design & Building" focuses on hands-on exhibition design and construction. Working collaboratively, students are designing and building exhibits for an immersive show in the Center for Integrative Technologies www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD’s winter weather closure will be extended through 7:00 am on Tuesday, January 27. This decision is due to additional snowfall predicted this afternoon, and to allow ample time for ongoing snow removal.

See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

Due to inclement weather, RISD will close on Sunday, January 25, at 11:00 am and will re-open on Monday, January 26, at 3:30 pm. See risd.edu/emergency for additional details and updates.

New Cohort of RISD Presidential Fellows Hits the Ground Running Graduate students selected for the Society of Presidential Fellows are pushing creative boundaries as architects, sculptors, industrial designers, painters, textile artists, and global scholars.

Graduate students selected for the Society of Presidential Fellows are pushing creative boundaries as architects, sculptors, industrial designers, painters, textile artists, and global scholars www.risd.edu/news/stories...

It Starts with a Question — Rose B. Simpson interviewed by Crystal Williams YouTube video by RISD / Rhode Island School of Design

Multimedia artist and alum Rose B. Simpson creates work that explores modes of empowerment and resilience. In a recent episode of “It Starts with a Question,” she and President Crystal Williams sit down to discuss identity, imposter syndrome, and growth. www.youtube.com/watch?v=In4S...

Multiyear RISD Project in the Azores Promotes Biodiversity and Sustainable Design Architecture faculty members Jonathan Knowles and Laura Briggs are working with students to design and build a butterfly pavilion on an organic farm in Ponta Delgada.

Architecture faculty members Jonathan Knowles and Laura Briggs are working with students to design and build a butterfly pavilion on an organic farm in Ponta Delgada www.risd.edu/news/stories...

Students Translate Scripts into Visuals in RISD Storyboarding Studio Film/Animation/Video students presented their final projects in December, considering such aspects as camera angle, composition, pacing, and framing.

Students in a Film/Animation/Video fall "Storyboarding" course recently presented their final projects with a focus on how to translate scripts into visual images with clarity and creativity

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.

The largest Fulbright cohort in RISD’s history is currently conducting research in host countries across Europe and Asia www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD Students Envision Water-Generating Skyscrapers in Interdisciplinary Studio Spanning Architecture and Industrial Design, the fall course builds on cutting-edge atmospheric water-generating technology.

An interdisciplinary fall studio spanning Industrial Design and Architecture challenged students to imagine a city where power and water are generated and managed on-site www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD’s First-Ever Tattooing Course a Success Offered through the Illustration department, the fall studio introduced eager students to tattooing as a recognized art form and viable career path.

For the first time, the Illustration department offered the fall studio "Intro to Tattooing" taught by alum and tattoo artist Adam Krueger to introduce eager students to tattooing as a recognized art form and viable career path.
www.risd.edu/news/stories...

RISD Students Share Thought-Provoking Work at Final Fall 2025 Critiques From Apparel Design to Textiles, campus hummed with innovative approaches and generative discussions the week before the winter break.

From Apparel Design to Textiles, campus hummed with innovative approaches and generative discussions the week before the winter break www.risd.edu/news/stories...