RI Convention Center
Exhibition Hall A
1 Sabin St
Providence, RI
http://www.risd.edu/gradshow
Rhode Island School of Design’s Annual Graduate Thesis Exhibition to Open at the Rhode Island Convention Center on May 14
Graduate student work across 14 disciplines to be featured in showcase of more than 120 RISD artists and designers
Rhode Island School of Design [RISD] will once again showcase the extraordinary work of more than 130 students receiving master’s degrees in RISD’s Annual Graduate Thesis Exhibition at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The work of graduate students in Ceramics, Digital + Media, Furniture Design, Glass, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry + Metalsmithing, Landscape Architecture, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Textiles will be on exhibit from May 14 – May 30, 2009.
The exhibition, located in Hall A of the Convention Center in downcity Providence for the third consecutive year, is free and open to the public daily from 12-5 pm (12-8 pm on May 30, the day of RISD’s Commencement), with an opening reception – also public – on May 14 from 6-8 pm.
The work selected represents the culmination of each student’s unique experience in RISD’s diverse, dynamic and demanding graduate programs. As in previous years, the 28,000-square-foot space will be custom-constructed, with more than 1,500 linear feet of walls forming a network of smaller galleries. This arrangement provides students ample space, allowing each the opportunity to showcase multiple pieces from their individual thesis work – the manifestation of several years of research, experimentation, critical thinking and finely honed skills.
To extend the viewing opportunities of the exhibition, RISD offers a web-based gallery of audio, moving and still imagery of students’ work. The images and supporting artists’ statements enable viewers to gain insight into the thought process behind each student’s thesis work. The gallery will go live on May 11 at http://www.risd.edu/gradshow
A selection of work by second-year graduate students will also be showing at Sol Koffler Graduate Student Gallery at 169 Weybosset Street. The installation will open on May 28 at 7 pm and will remain on view through May 31 from 12-8 pm.
About RISD’s Graduate Programs
RISD’s 16 discipline-specific graduate programs in the fine arts, architecture, design and art education expose students to a wide range of activities, faculty, resources and facilities. Approximately 400 master’s degree candidates are enrolled in individual programs varying in size from seven to 98 students. Students work closely with faculty and visiting critics throughout the development of their thesis work. The expertise of RISD’s world-renowned faculty — all practicing professionals in their respective fields — guides the experience of graduate students, who are accepted to RISD through a highly selective admissions process.
The diverse graduate programs are further enriched through frequent visits by many distinguished visiting artists, scholars and guest critics. Most RISD graduate students complete their degrees with an exhibition and written thesis or degree project. Most are also provided with private or semi-private studio facilities and all graduate programs require a minimum two-year residency, except for the MA and MAT programs in Art + Design Education.
Disciplines represented in the RISD Annual Graduate Thesis Exhibition include: Ceramics, Digital + Media, Furniture Design, Glass, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry + Metalsmithing, Landscape Architecture, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Textiles. To learn more about the program, visit the new RISD Online Graduate Viewbook at http://www.risd.edu/graduate
RISD’s graduate programs were ranked #1 in the nation in the recent U.S. News and World Report‘s 2008 rankings of the best graduate schools for fine arts and design. The magazine collected data from more than 220 graduate programs to compile its findings.
About Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has earned a worldwide reputation as the preeminent art and design college in the country. Today, with more than 26,000 alumni, the college enrolls 1,926 undergraduates and 426 graduate students from the United States and almost 50 countries, offering degree programs in the fine arts, architecture, and design disciplines, and art education. Academic programs include research and design initiatives, the exploration of art criticism and contemporary cultural concerns, as well as international exchange programs. Each year, RISD hosts prominent and accomplished artists, critics, and authors to its campus. Included within the college is The RISD Museum of Art, which houses a world-class collection of art objects from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and art of all periods from Asia, Europe and the Americas, as well as the latest in contemporary art. For more information, visit http://www.risd.edu or http://www.our.risd.edu
RISD’s Annual Graduate Thesis Exhibition is generously supported by The Phoenix Media Group.
Contact:
Jaime Marland
401.427.6954
[email protected]
For more information go to: http://www.risd.edu/gradshow
