Here at RISD we just wrapped up our wintersession term. Wintersession is a 6 week long period between fall and spring semester where students have the option of taking elective classes on campus, participating in an internship, or taking a travel class. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore new materials and techniques, dip their feet into the professional art and design world or delve into the artistic traditions of another culture.

“Bojagi and Beyond” has always been a popular wintersession choice. A bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth, typically constructed of small pieces of fabric (often silk) patched together. Students in the class learn about the history of bojagis and their role in Korean society, as well as different techniques for construction. Then they put their own modern spin on bojagi making.

There was a show of work from the class a few weeks ago, which my coworker Antonio attended and photographed. He said he was really impressed with the variety of different approaches students took to the concepts and execution of their bojagi inspired pieces – no two were alike.

You can get a good feel for the class by checking out this video, shot a few wintersessions ago:

and here’s some pictures Antonio took of the opening (click to enlarge):

Meryn Hall, Admissions Officer, mhall@risd.edu
Antonio Peters, Admissions Officer, apeters@risd.edu

My senior year at RISD I somehow ended up in a physics course taught by a physicist/hologram artist. To my surprise it ended up being one of my favorite classes, as the professor had the ability convey to concepts in a way that made sense to people who feared physics because they were not natural mathematicians. People like me.

I was excited to see that Lisa Randall would participating in the Shared Voices series at RISD, as she possesses that same amazing ability to make abstract physics concepts comprehensible. Her newest book, which came out this fall, has been getting rave reviews in the media and from scientific heavyweights like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Pinker.

The presentation will be at 7:30pm on 2/2 in the RISD Auditorium. Sadly, tickets have sold out, but you can register for simulcast seating here.

You can find more information about the Shared Voices series here, and in this previous blog post by Leon.

Meryn Hall
Admissions Officer
Contact me at mhall@risd.edu

Stretch Shelves, by Pete Oyler

There’s been a number of RISD alumni mentions in the press in recent weeks. Pete Oyler, Furniture ’09, Lauren Geremia, Painting ’04, Ryan Sullivan, Painting ’05, and the designers behind Rich, Brilliant, Willing (Theo Richardson, Charles Brill and Alex Williams, Furniture ’06) all made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list of young artists and designers who are making a difference.

An Arlene Shechet, Ceramics ’87, sculpture graced the cover of the January issue of Art in America. There’s also an article about Arlene’s work inside.

The 2012 Whitney Biennial opens in March, and will feature work by Nicole Eisenmann, Painting ’87 and Liz Deschenes, Photography ’88. I’m hoping I can make it down to New York City before the end of May to see their contributions to the show!

Meryn Hall
Admissions Officer
contact me at mhall@risd.edu

Artist Ball with DJ 5AM from Mathew McNamara on Vimeo.

Early November in Rhode Island brings cooler temperatures, bright fall colors, and the annual RISD costume ball extravaganza know as Artist Ball.  It’s a great time to take a break from studio, put your designing and constructing skills to good use on an amazing costume and dance around like mad with friends.

You can see some of this year’s costumes contest winners here, and last year’s here.

Meryn Hall, Admissions Officer
Questions? Email me at mhall@risd.edu

Click image to see slideshow.

Summer is a great time of year to explore Rhode Island, and, in my opinion, biking is the absolute best ways to take in Providence and its environs. Last weekend when my parents were in town we hit the East Bay Bike path, a 14.5 mile paved trail that runs from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol. It’s a beautiful ride with tons of ocean scenery, as the path winds right alongside Narraganset Bay. As you head south the path travels through several small towns where you can stop for a meal or some ice cream.

There are a number of bike paths in other parts of the state as well. You can find a list (complete with maps) here.

Many RISD students use bikes to commute around Providence. Anyone who comes to campus without a bike of their own can make use of the convenient (and free!) RISD bike share program. You can sign a bike out with your student ID for up to 8 hours.

For those of you who like to get competitive with your bicycling, there is also a RISD cycling team. You can check out recaps of races and see their stylish pink-sleeved cycling uniforms on their blog.

Meryn Hall, Admissions Officer
Contact me at mhall@risd.edu

click for a slide show

Some images of the Illustration artwork currently up in the Woods-Gerry gallery.  It’s a great show!  Unfortunately it will be coming down tomorrow, but there will be a hopefully fantastic Industrial Design show going up in its place.  You can find more information about the spring gallery schedule and hours here.

Illustration seniors also have smaller group shows throughout the spring in the ISB gallery (55 Canal Walk, Providence, RI)

Meryn Hall, Admissions Officer
mhall@risd.edu

Click for a slide show of images

Us RISD admissions officers are currently in the thick of application reviewing season.  While we all love reviewing and seeing the amazing portfolios and drawings students put together every year it’s alway good to take a break and get out of the office every now and then.  Leon and I were therefore very excited to wander down to the faculty biennial currently on display at the RISD museum.

The biennial (as you might have surmised from its name) is an every other year show and is always a great opportunity to see faculty work from across the different disciplines at RISD.  I’m always amazed at the range of beautiful pieces than span the spectrum of fine art and design.  This year is no exception – it’s a fantastic show, and we whole-heartedly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.The show will be on display until March 20th.  You can find more information here, and a review here. 

Meryn Hall, Admissions Officer
mhall@risd.edu

Leon Hovanesian, Admissions Officer
lhovanes@risd.edu