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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Oral History Interview with Holly Hughes, June 1, 2017
Holly Hughes, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
This video is unedited raw footage intended for post production processing that did not come to fruition at the time of its creation. Assembled from multiple raw digital files 09.02.2023.
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.
-
Oral History Interview with Lorraine Howes, April 10, 2016
Lorraine Howes, Eliza J. DeCubellis, and RISD Archives
This video is unedited raw footage intended for post production processing that did not come to fruition at the time of its creation. Assembled from multiple raw digital files 09.02.2023.
A South African native, Professor Emerita Lorraine de Wet Howes joined RISD’s Apparel Design department in 1972, becoming its decades-long department head in 1976. Prior to coming to RISD, Lorraine studied at Warner Beach College in Natal, South Africa (1951-1953) and the School of Fashion Design, Boston (1957-1958), and after working in various jobs in the fashion industry, including modeling, ran her own design house, Lorraine de Wet, in Boston (1962-1972).
Produced by Eliza DeCubellis.
-
Oral History Interview with David Macaulay, October 28, 2013
David Macaulay, Andrew Martinez, and RISD Archives
This video is unedited raw footage intended for post production processing that did not come to fruition at the time of its creation. Assembled from multiple raw digital files 09.02.2023.
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; Vidography by Victor Gan (FAV 2016).
-
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.
-
Oral History Interview with RISD President Roger Mandle, April 1, 2008, Part I
Roger Mandle, Ann Hudner, RISD Archives, Josh Backer, and Jack Lenk
Part I of a two part 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.
-
Oral History Interview with RISD President Roger Mandle, April 1, 2008, Part II
Roger Mandle, Ann Hudner, RISD Archives, Josh Backer, and Jack Lenk
Part II of a two part 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.
-
Oral History Interview with Baruch Kirschenbaum, February 2, 2006
Baruch D. Kirschenbaum, Andrew Martinez, Al Chin, and RISD Archives
Barry Kirschenbaum taught art history at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1962-2001, including terms as head of the Art History Dept. and Chair/Dean of the Liberal Arts Division. In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, he is interviewed by Andrew Martinez, Archivist at the Rhode Island School of Design. The interview took place February 2, 2006. Video photography, Al Chin.
-
Oral History Interview with Sidney F. (Bud) Greenwald, April 18, 2000
Sidney F. (Bud) Greenwald, Louis A. Fazzano, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, former Rhode Island School of Design trustee, Sidney F. (Bud) Greenwald (1921-2016) is interviewed by Louis A. Fazzano (1921-2019). The interview took place at 132 Bowen St., April 18, 2000. Mr. Fazzano was a trustee at RISD beginning in 1977, was made an honorary trustee in 1998, and also served as interim President of the school 1992-93. Mr. Greenwald was on the Board of Trustees starting in 1973, serving as Chairman 1985-89 and 1992-95. In 1994 he received the President's Medal for Outstanding Service; in 1995, the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award; and was an Honorary Degree recipient at the 2000 commencement. In this interview, he reminisces about the history of RISD during his tenure. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Virgina 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.
-
Oral History Interview with Malcom Grear, June 30, 1999
Malcom Grear, David Strout, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor Emeritus, Malcolm Grear (1931-2016) is interviewed by David Strout, a 1947 alumnus of the Painting Department, who held positions as Special Assistant to the President, Vice President, and Dean of the College, 1958-1963. Professor Grear, who taught at RISD in the Graphic Design Department 1960-1995, discusses his training and professional career development, including his years at RISD. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Warren Luther, June 30, 1999
Warren Luther, Neil Severance, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor Emeritus, Warren Luther is interviewed by Neil Severance, Vice President of Student Affairs, 1979-2000. Professor Luther, who graduated from RISD in 1948 with degrees in Industrial Arts Education, and Architecture, taught in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies from 1950-1990. RISD Oral History Project, he discusses his training and professional career development, including his years at RISD. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Margaret McAvin, June 30, 1999
Margaret J. McAvin, Michael Veracka, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor Margaret McAvin (1946-1999) is interviewed by Michael Veracka, a 1993 alum of the Landscape Architecture Department. Professor McAvin, who taught at RISD 1981-1999, discusses her training, and professional career development, including her years at RISD. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Linda Bowab, July 11, 1997
Linda Bowab, Lorraine Howes, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
Interview with the late Apparel Design Professor Emerita Linda Bowab (1913-2010), July 11, 1997. Interviewed by Apparel Design Professor Emerita Lorraine Howes. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Tage Frid, January 1997
Tage Frid, Rosanne Somerson, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
Tage Frid (1915-2004) taught at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1962-1985. Frid was educated in Denmark as a journeyman, serving for 5 years as an apprentice to master craftsman Gronlund Jensen. He graduated from the Vedins School in Copenhagen in 1940 and from the Graduate School for Interior Design in Copenhagen in 1944. Prior to coming to RISD, Frid taught at the School for American Craftsmen at Alfred University in New York, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Frid was a Fellow of the American Crafts Council and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from RISD in 1984, the Governor’s Award of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (1992) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Furniture Society (2001). Frid is interviewed by his former student Rosanne Somerson ID 76, RISD President Emerita.
-
Oral History Interview with Marc Harrison, July 11, 1997
Marc Harrison, David Kessler, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor Marc Harrison (1936-1998) is interviewed by alumnus David Kessler, who received his Masters in Industrial Design in 1982. Professor Harrison, who taught in the Industrial Design Department, 1959-1998, discusses his training and professional career development, including his years at RISD. Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Jack Prip, January 3, 1997
Jack Prip, Jonathan Bonner, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
This video is unedited raw footage intended for post production processing that did not come to fruition at the time of its creation. Digitized from original VHS.
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor John (Jack) Axel Prip (1923-2009) is interviewed by alumnus Jonathan Bonner, who studied with Prip and received his RISD Masters of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture in 1973. Professor Prip, who restarted the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department, discusses his teaching and design experience prior to coming to RISD, the development of the Jewelry and Metals program, and various individuals associated with the School during his time at RISD (1960-1980). Directed by Frank Muhly.
-
Oral History Interview with Robert Hamilton, March 18, 1996
Robert Hamilton, Bunny Harvey, RISD Archives, and Frank Muhly
This video is unedited raw footage intended for post production processing that did not come to fruition at the time of its creation. Digitized from original VHS.
In this film for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor Robert Hamilton (1917-2004) is interviewed by alumna Bunny (Barbara) Harvey who studied with Hamilton and received her RISD Bachelor's of Fine Arts and Master's of Fine Arts degrees in Painting in 1967 and 1972. Professor Hamilton studied Painting at RISD, graduating in 1939, and continued his studies at the Art Students League of New York for one year in 1940. Hamilton served in the Air Force from 1943-1945 during World War II, and following the war returned to RISD to receive his Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree (1947) and to teach in the Painting Department from 1948 until he retired in 1981. Hamilton discusses his time as a student, his teaching experience, and his move to Maine where he maintained a studio and gallery after he retired. Directed by Frank Muhly.