Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street
The Rhode Island School of Design is among the country’s oldest and one of the most prestigious colleges specializing in fine arts and design located in Providence, RI. It was founded in 1877 when the 34 members of the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission voted to invest their group’s surplus funding of $1,675 in founding The Rhode Island School of Design. The school was then lead by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf and has consistently remained at the forefront of art and design education.
– written by Keila Davis
Mary Howard Jennings graduates from Rhode Island School of Design
Before teaching in various public elementary schools in Providence, Mary Jennings earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at RISD.
1918
Nancy Elizabeth Prophet becomes the first person of color to graduate from RISD
In 1918, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet graduates from RISD, her training as a sculptor would take her to Harlem, Atlanta, and Paris. The RISD museum holds pieces of her work.
1933
Wilmer Jennings attends RISD
After graduating from Morehouse, Wilmer Jennings attended RISD in 1933 to study jewelry design, painting, and printmaking.
1930s
E. Vernon Scott Attends RISD
E. Vernon Scott studied violin at the Rhode Island School of Design during the early 1930s and was an active member of this institution's orchestra.
-written by Felicia Bevel
1969
Artists Mahler Ryder begins teaching at the Rhode Island School of Design
Mahler Ryder was a teacher of illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Prior to coming to RISD, Ryder founded the Studio Museum in Harlem, NYC. He traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Europe exhibiting his art, and some of his visual work was inspired by jazz music.
1966
Edward Bannister’s Work is Displayed at RISD
On March 24, 1966 The Rhode Island School of Design had an exhibit for the art of Edward Mitchell Bannister. His work seemed to have a renaissance of sorts during this period of time.
1933
Wilmer Jennings studied at RISD
Jennings came to Rhode Island School of Design in 1933 for additional training as a jewelry designer, painter, and printmaker.
