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 Michael Fink | Part 1, April 21, 2024
Michael Fink, Margot McIllwain Nishimura, Peter O'Neill, and RISD Archives
Interview of Michael Fink, Part 1 of 2, conducted by Margot McIlwain Nishimura and filmed by Peter O'Neill in Fleet Library's Dale Reading Room in Providence, RI on April 21, 2024. Fink speaks of his life growing up in Providence and his relatives who also taught at RISD, including his uncle, Herbert Fink, and his brother, Charles (Chick) Fink. Fink also recalls courses he taught in the Literary Arts and Studies department, including Birds in Books and Films, Jewish Narrative, and Hollywood History. Along with this, Fink discusses his friendships with students, travel experiences through his Wintersession courses, and relationships with RISD colleagues and administrators. Read More about Michael Fink.
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Oral History Interview with Michael Fink | Part 2, May 16, 2024
Michael Fink, Margot McIllwain Nishimura, Peter O'Neill, and RISD Archives
Interview of Michael Fink, Part 2 of 2, conducted by Margot McIlwain Nishimura and filmed by Peter O'Neill in The Mike Fink Aerie, a mezzanine reading alcove in College Building within the site of the "Old RISD Library". The library migrated to the present Fleet Library building at 15 Westminister st. in 2006. The Mike Fink Aerie was dedicated in 2012. Listen to student-led podcast rizdeology S3E1: Secrets of the Old Library at 7 min. 43 sec. to learn more about the space.
Transcript forthcoming.
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Oral History Interview with Richard Lebowitz, August 29, 2023
Richard Lebowitz, Ann Fessler, and RISD Archives
Interview of Richard Lebowitz, conducted by Ann Fessler in Providence, RI on August 29, 2023 for the RISD Oral History Project. Lebowitz speaks of his early life in New York City when he first began photographing and how that led to him being approached by Harry Callahan over a teaching job in the Photography department at the Rhode Island School of Design. Lebowitz also recalls participating in the Private Parts exhibition along with other RISD students and faculty. Along with this, Lebowitz and Fessler discuss the different faculty they have worked with during their time teaching at RISD and changes that have occurred at the school, including Lebowitz's friendship with Dieter Roth.
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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
Interview of Timothy McFate conducted by Andrew Martinez on Zoom from McFate's private residence on February 21, 2021. McFate speaks of how he first became a chef for RISD Dining + Catering and how his position changed over the 38 years he worked there. McFate also recalls teaching for the Culinary Arts program at RISD with Al Falk and teaching in Continuing Education. Along with this, McFate discusses his retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic and his interests outside of RISD, including painting and music.
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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 Liisa Silander, February 21, 2021
Liisa Silander, Jennifer Liese, and RISD Archives
Interview of Liisa Silander, conducted by Jennifer Liese on Zoom from Silander's home in Plainfield, CT on February 21, 2021 for the RISD Oral History Project. Silander speaks of her time working for The Providence Eagle before coming to RISD and working in the Public Relations and RISD Media departments. Silander also recalls how these departments changed under different presidents at RISD and the variety of publications she worked on, such as RISD Views and RISD XYZ. Along with this, Silander discusses the difficulties of publishing during the COVID-19 pandemic and after 9/11.
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Oral History Interview with Rosanne Somerson, June 10, 2021
Rosanne Somerson, Andrew Martinez, RISD Archives, and Josephine Sittenfeld
Interview of Rosanne Somerson conducted by Andrew Martinez at the President's House at 132 Bowen Street in Providence, RI on June 10, 2021. Somerson speaks of her time in Denmark and her interest in photography as a high school student, leading to her working with Tage Frid as a student at RISD. Somerson also recalls working as a provost for RISD and establishing the Furniture Design department due to her struggles with the Industrial Design and Sculpture departments as a student. Along with this, Somerson discusses her many successes as president of RISD, including plans such as the Social Equity and Inclusion Plan and her goals in fundraising and sustainability.
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Oral History Interview with Martin Mull, March 5, 2020
Martin Mull, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Martin Mull conducted by Andrew Martinez from the Sol Koffler Gallery in Providence, RI on March 5, 2020. Mull speaks of his time in the Illustration and Painting departments at RISD in the 1960s, the professors he knew well, and what the culture at RISD was like at the time. Mull also recalls how this experience continues to influence his current art and relates to his acting and music careers. Along with this, Mull tells stories about the Vietnam War draft taking place while he was a student at RISD.
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Oral History Interview with Holly Hughes, June 1, 2017
Holly Hughes, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Holly Hughes conducted by Andrew Martinez in Memorial Hall in Providence, RI on June 1, 2017 on the occasion of her retirement from the Rhode Island School of Design. Hughes speaks of her background in painting and her experience in galleries in New York City before she began teaching in the Painting department at RISD. Hughes also recalls a variety of different graduate and undergraduate students she taught in both Painting and Printmaking who have now become successful artists and the faculty members she worked closely with. Along with this, Hughes discusses working with the RISD Museum and the ways in which she believes the school and museum could improve.
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Oral History Interview with Lorraine de Wet Howes, April 10, 2016
Lorraine de Wet 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.
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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
Interview of David Macaulay conducted by Andrew Martinez in Providence, RI on October 28, 2013. Macaulay speaks of his time in Rome through RISD's European Honors Program and how it influenced his work as an architect. Macaulay also recalls EHP's homestay program and his time in Assisi. Along with this, Macaulay discusses his love for Rome and the importance of experiencing the city if a student is selected for the EHP.
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Oral History Interview with Wilber Yoder, June 13, 2013
Wilbur Yoder, James Barnes, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Wilbur E. Yoder conducted by James Barnes in the Bayard Ewing Building in Providence, RI on June 13, 2013. Yoder speaks of teaching in the Architecture department at RISD and his interest in buying the newest Apple technology for the program while working with Warren Luther. Yoder also recalls architectural projects he has worked on with Irving Haynes and Cornelis de Boer such as Bayard Ewing Building and the Arcade. Along with this, Yoder discusses working for the Registration Board and Rotary International.
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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 Roger Mandle, April 1, 2008
Roger Mandle, Ann Hudner, RISD Archives, Josh Backer, and Jack Lenk
Interview of Roger Mandle conducted by Ann Hudner at the President's House at 132 Bowen Street in Providence, RI on April 1, 2008. Mandle speaks of his experiences before becoming the president of the Rhode Island School of Design such as attending New York University and working as deputy director at the National Gallery and director of the Toledo Museum of Art. Mandle also recalls working with the Board of Trustees, department heads, deans, and students at RISD and the connection the school had to the city of Providence. Along with this, Mandle discusses the changes that were made at RISD during his presidency like the capital campaign, the creation of the Chace Center and the Fleet Library, and the formation of the HELP coalition.
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Oral History Interview with Thomas (Tom) Lyon Mills, May 5, 2008
Thomas (Tom) Lyon Mills, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
Interview of Thomas (Tom) Lyon Mills, conducted by Andrew Martinez in Mills' home and studio in Providence, RI on May 5, 2008 for European Honors Program (EHP) documentation. Mills speaks of his time as a chief critic for RISD's European Honors Program in Rome and his relationship with director Ezio Genovesi. Mills also recalls the different locations in Rome he visited with students and tells stories about their experiences. Along with this, Mills shows his paintings and discusses working in isolated spaces like the Catacombs in Rome.
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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.
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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.