For more than 20 years, RISD's library and archives have sponsored the recording of oral histories, through video, under the RISD Oral History Project. The project was designed to record, through interviews, the personal stories and reflections of RISD colleagues (faculty, administrators, trustees, and alumni) in order to augment RISD’s historical record.
Past interview subjects include: Yvonne Andersen (FAV), Linda Bowab, (Apparel), Gil Franklin (Sculpture), Tage Frid (Furniture), Malcolm Grear (Graphic Design), Sydney “Bud” Greenwald (Trustee), Robert Hamilton (Painting), Marc Harrison (ID), Baruch Kirschenbaum (THAD), Warren Luther (Architecture), Virginia Lynch (Trustee), Roger Mandle (President), Margaret McGavin (Landscape Architecture), and Jack Prip (Jewelry and Metals). We have also filmed a documentary on the European Honors Program in Rome (2006), featuring students, faculty (Jan Baker, Ezio Genovese).
A first sampling of these interviews can be found here, and we look forward to adding more oral histories soon.
As we continue conducting oral histories, we are interested in extending our documentation to include staff, current students, visiting artists, and more alumni, with the goal of expanding the spectrum of RISD voices and documenting relevant and critical issues of the current moment, including equity and inclusion, health and wellness, sustainability, as well as RISD and the teaching and meaning of art and design. A great example of what we aspire to can be found at the Smithsonian’s Archives American Art Pandemic Oral History Project site. See the May 28, 2020 edition of the Fleet Library See Also Newsletter or visit RISD Archives’ COVID-19 documentation project to learn more.
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Oral History Interview with Dennis Hlynsky, April 3, 2022
Dennis Hlynsky, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Dennis Hlynsky, conducted by Andrew Martinez on Zoom from Hlynsky's home in Providence, RI, on April 14, 2022 for the RISD Oral History Project. Hlynsky speaks about growing up in Painesville, Ohio and his time as a film student at RISD while changes were being made to the emerging Film/Animation/Video department. Hlynsky also recalls being a member of Electron Movers and different projects he worked on, such as recording children who were cancer victims at the Rhode Island Hospital. He speaks about the controversies surrounding Private Parts, the 1978 exhibition of student work from the Photography department featuring nude subjects. Along with this, Hlynsky discusses changes he saw in RISD students during his 37 years teaching and the difficulties he faced while teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Oral History Interview with Preston McClanahan, November 8, 2022
Preston McClanahan, Holly Gaboriault, and RISD Archives
Interview of Preston McClanahan, conducted by Holly Gaboriault for the RISD Oral History Project in the Dale Reading Room for Archives and Special Collections, Fleet Library, Rhode Island School of Design on November 8, 2022. McClanahan speaks of his earlier experiences with design before teaching at RISD, including working on an exhibition at the Museum of Natural History with Dr. Margaret Mead and Alan Lomax. McClanahan also recalls strikes at RISD under Lee Hall and his relationships with Paul Rand, Malcolm Grear, and Noel Martin.
Production and videography by Holly Gaboriault.
Photo credits: RISD Archives, Fleet Library, Rhode Island School of Design; Katherine Small Gallery, Somerville, MA; American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY; Science Photo Library, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
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Oral History Interview with Timothy McFate, February 21, 2021
Timothy McFate, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Timothy Mcfate, Site Manager and Chef for RISD’s Dining and Catering Services, speaks to Archivist Andrew Martinez about his 37 years at RISD upon the occasion of his retirement.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Peter Prip, April 2, 2021
Peter Prip, Ingrid Neuman, and RISD Archives
Interview of Peter Prip, conducted by Ingrid Neuman on Zoom from Prip's studio in Edgewood, RI on April 2, 2021 for the RISD Oral History Project. Prip speaks of his experience growing up in an artistic environment and the influence of his father, John (Jack) Prip, a master metalsmith and professor of Jewelry + Metalsmithing at RISD. Prip also recalls teaching Metals I at RISD and working with Ken Hunnibell. Along with this, Prip discusses changes which have occurred during his time at RISD and his relationship with the RISD Museum through faculty shows and donations.
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Oral History Interview with RISD President Rosanne Somerson, June 10, 2021
Rosanne Somerson, Andrew Martinez, RISD Archives, and Josephine Sittenfeld
RISD President Rosanne Somerson is interviewed in this film for the RISD Oral History Project. Along with John R. Frazier, President emerita Somerson is one of only two RISD alums to ascend from student to faculty to the presidency. Interviewed by RISD Archivist Andrew Martinez. Produced by Josephine Sittenfeld and Andrew Martinez.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Martin Mull, March 5, 2020
Martin Mull, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Martin Mull received his RISD BFA and MFA degrees (1965 and 1967) in Painting. Although he is best known for his decades-long acting career, Mull has continued making and exhibiting paintings since leaving RISD. He visited the school in 2020 on the occasion of an exhibition of his paintings (American Dreams) in the Sol Koffler Gallery and kindly agreed to be interviewed.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Holly Hughes, June 1, 2017
Holly Hughes, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Holly Hughes (1951- ) began teaching Painting at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. She received her BFA from the State University of New York in 1975, having previously studied at Pratt Institute and the Silvermine Guild, School of Arts in New Canaan, Connecticut. In this video Holly shares her thoughts and recollections from her time at RISD on the occasion of her retirement in 2017.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Lorraine de Wet Howes, April 10, 2016
Lorraine Howes, Eliza J. DeCubellis, and RISD Archives
Interview of Lorraine de Wet Howes conducted by Eliza, Kyle, and Meg DeCubellis in Howes' home in Foster, RI on April 10, 2016. Howes, Eliza DeCubellis, and Meg DeCubellis discuss the history of Providence and mayor Buddy Cianci's work to renew the city in the 70s in relation to the Interface Project Howes was a part of. Howes and Meg DeCubellis also recall the importance of industry to the city of Providence and how this relates to the creation of RISD by Helen Metcalf and the focuses of its departments. Along with this, Howes and Meg DeCubellis discuss shifts that happened at RISD, particularly those under Rosanne Somerson.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Alba Corrado, June 25, 2015 & March 11, 2016
Alba Corrado, Andrew Martinez, RISD Archives, and Peter O'Neill
Interview of Alba Corrado, conducted by Andrew Martinez at the Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab at the Rhode Island School of Design on June 25, 2015 for the RISD Oral History Project. Corrado speaks of her experiences teaching in the Drawing department at RISD and the significance of Edna Lawrence and the Nature Lab to her teaching. Corrado also recalls designing the new RISD diploma and its original design by John Howard Benson. Along with this, Corrado discusses others at RISD who have influenced her, such as Merlin Szasz and Marc Harrison.
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Oral History Interview with David Macaulay, October 28, 2013
David Macaulay, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
David Macaulay, an award-winning author and illustrator, received his Bachelor's degree in Architecture from RISD in 1969. He subsequently taught in the School’s Foundation Studies and Illustration Departments at two separate intervals. In this interview, Macaulay shares his recollections of his life-changing, final academic year in Rome (1968-69), as a student in the European Honors Program.
Produced by Andrew Martinez; Videography by Victor Gan (FAV 2016).
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Wilber Yoder, June 13, 2013
Wilbur Yoder, James Barnes, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Wilbur Yoder, Architecture Professor Emeritus, received a B.S. in Architecture from RISD in 1962 and an M.S. from the University of Illinois in 1963. He returned to RISD in 1964 to teach in the Architecture department. In this interview, Wil discusses his career with former Architecture student and colleague Jim Barnes.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Jay Coogan, June 23, 2009
Jay Coogan, Andrew Martinez, RISD Archives, and Peter O'Neill
Interview of Jay Coogan, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Fleet Library at RISD in Providence, RI on June 23, 2009 for the RISD Oral History Project. Coogan speaks of his time teaching in the sculpture department at RISD and being chief critic for the European Honors Program (EHP) in Rome before becoming associate provost and provost. Coogan also recalls the strengths and weaknesses of RISD as a design school, what the school is doing well, and the places in which it could improve. Along with this, Coogan discusses his upcoming position at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and what he can take with him from his experiences at RISD and those who have inspired him.
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Oral History Interview with Merlin Szasz, June 4, 2009 & August 31, 2011
Merlin Szasz, Andrew Martinez, RISD Archives, and Peter O'Neill
Interview of Merlin Szasz, conducted by Andrew Martinez at the studio of Thomas Sgouros, Thomas Street, Providence, RI, and Szasz’s studio in Central Falls, MA on June 4, 2009 and August 31, 2011 for the RISD Oral History Project. Szasz speaks of his experience as a student at Cranbrook and his experiences teaching at RISD for many years in the Sculpture and Industrial Design departments. Szasz also recalls working under Presidents Lee Hall and Roger Mandle and the different relationships between RISD faculty and administration along with colleagues, such as Tage Frid, Ken Hunnibell, John (Jack) Prip and John Bozarth. Additional questions by Peter O'Neill and Thomas Sgouros.
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Oral History Interview with Barbara (Bunny) Harvey, May 16, 2008
Barbara (Bunny) Harvey, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Barbara (Bunny) Harvey, conducted by Andrew Martinez at Harvey's studio in Providence, RI on May 16, 2008 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Harvey speaks of her time in Rome through the EHP and the Rome Prize at the American Academy at Rome, and how these experiences have influenced her work as a painter. Harvey also recalls how the EHP program and Rome have changed over the years. Along with this, Harvey discusses different people she has met through the EHP and RISD, such as Jack Massey and Harold (Doc) Humes.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with RISD President Roger Mandle, April 1, 2008
Roger Mandle, Ann Hudner, RISD Archives, Josh Backer, and Jack Lenk
Interview with RISD President Roger Mandle (1993-2008) filmed April 1st, 2008 for the RISD Oral History Project. Interviewed by Anne Hudner. Produced by Andrew Martinez. Videography: Josh Backer and Jack Lenk.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Ronald (Ron) Binks, May 3, 2007
Ronald Binks, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Ronald Binks, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Providence, RI on May 3, 2007 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Binks speaks of his time in Rome at the American Academy during the 1950s and 1960s and the beginning of the RISD European Honors Program. Binks also recalls his different experiences being the director of the EHP and their reliance on Signora Charis DeBosis at the Cenci along with other people and students he worked with in Rome. Along with this, Binks discusses the financial situation in Rome during the years he was there and how it has changed.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Mairéad Byrne, June 1, 2007
Mairéad Byrne, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Mairéad Byrne, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Providence, RI on June 1, 2007 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Byrne speaks of the topics her class focused on when she was a short term visiting critic for the RISD European Honors Program (EHP), including Italian Futurism and visual poetry. Byrne also recalls different places she visited in Rome, such as the Non-Catholic cemetery and the Pantheon. Along with this, Byrne discusses how the freedom of the EHP influenced her own teaching style and poetry.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with Nicholas Evans-Cato, April 30, 2007
Nicholas Evans-Cato, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Nicholas Evans-Cato, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Providence, RI on April 30, 2007 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Evans-Cato speaks of his experience as a visiting critic for the European Honors Program (EHP) in Rome and how his teaching style in Rome compares to teaching Foundation Studies at RISD. Evans-Cato also recalls attending the EHP as a Painting student at RISD and tells stories about his time there. Along with this, Evans-Cato discusses how Rome and the EHP program have changed over the years and how he feels about the current direction the program is taking.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with Ezio Genovesi, March 28, 2007
Ezio Genovesi, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Ezio Genovesi, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Rome, Italy on March 28, 2007 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Genovesi speaks of his experience in Rome when his family was a part of the EHP's homestay program, how that program introduced him to RISD, and how it has changed over the years. Genovesi also recalls different universities in Italy, such as the University for Foreigners, Temple University, and the American Academy in Rome, and how they compare to RISD's program. Along with this, Genovesi discusses how the EHP program could be improved and what makes it unique.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with Baruch Kirschenbaum, March 25, 2007
Baruch D. Kirschenbaum, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Baruch Kirschenbaum, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Rome, Italy on March 25, 2007. Kirschenbaum speaks of his time at the Palazzo Cenci in Rome for RISD's European Honors Program, working there with people like Gilbert (Gil) Franklin and David Frazer, and changes made to the program over the years. Kirschenbaum also recalls responses to the Vietnam War in both Providence and Italy by RISD students. Along with this, Kirschenbaum discusses his own experiences living in Rome with his family.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with Stuart Murphy, May 3, 2007
Stuart Murphy, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Stuart Murphy, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Providence, RI on May 3, 2007 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Murphy speaks of his experiences as a RISD Illustration student studying in Rome for a year with the European Honors Program (EHP). Murphy also recalls how this program influenced his life and his career in educational publishing. Along with this, Murphy discusses his establishment of RISD Roma, his time as a trustee, and how the EHP program has changed.
Recorded by Peter O'Neill and Andrew Martinez for European Honors Program documentation. Made possible in part through a gift from William Whelan and family in memory of John Whelan, RISD Class of 1937.
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Oral History Interview with Baruch Kirschenbaum, February 2, 2006
Baruch D. Kirschenbaum, Andrew Martinez, Al Chin, and RISD Archives
Interview of Baruch (Barry) Kirschenbaum conducted by Andrew Martinez in [?] on February 2, 2006. Kirschenbaum speaks of his experience within art history before coming to RISD and how these influenced his interest in the function of art and the courses he would teach at RISD. Kirschenbaum also recalls different lectures and events he was involved in while at RISD including team teaching courses during Wintersession with Colgate Searle and Gary Metz, cabarets with Szymon Boiko, The Great Slidebox Swap with Dirk Bach, and the European Honors Program (EHP) in Rome. Along with this, Kirschenbaum discusses his role in the court case after the raiding of the Private Parts exhibition by Providence Police and what it was like working under the administration of RISD President Lee Hall.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Sidney F. (Bud) Greenwald, April 18, 2000
Sidney F. (Bud) Greenwald, Louis A. Fazzano, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
Interview of Sidney (Bud) Greenwald conducted by Louis A. Fazzano from the President's home in Providence, RI on April 18, 2000. Greenwald speaks of how he first became involved with RISD and became a member of the Board of Trustees along with other committees at the institution. Greenwald also recalls how the school changed while under different presidents including Talbot Rantoul, Lee Hall, and Thomas F. Schutte. Along with this, Greenwald discusses his interest in technology and his and Barbara Greenwald's art collection.
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Oral History Interview with Virginia Lynch, April 18, 2000
Virgina Lynch, Ann Hudner, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Virginia Lynch (1915-2007), former owner of Virginia Lynch Gallery in Tiverton, R.I., was interviewed by Ann Hudner, Director of Public Relations at RISD 1994-2007. The interview took place April 18, 2000. Virginia Lynch had a long relationship with RISD, as a trustee from 1978-1987, re-appointed 1988-1998, and she held the position of honorary trustee. Over the years she exhibited the work of numerous Rhode Island artists, including RISD faculty and alumni. Directed by Frank Muhly.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Malcom Grear, June 30, 1999
Malcom Grear, David Strout, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
Interview of Malcolm Grear conducted by David Strout from Grear's home in Rehoboth, MA on June 30, 1999. Grear speaks of his experiences when he first was hired by the Rhode Island School of Design and how the school and the Graphic Design department have changed over the years. Grear also recalls hiring Dieter Roth, working closely with the Photography department, and getting to know Harry Callahan. Along with this, Grear discusses the Raid the Icebox exhibition at the RISD Museum and what it was like working with Andy Warhol.
Transcript forthcoming.