Art, Design, and Architecture News

RIT’s makerspace capacity has grown exponentially from a crowded room on the fourth floor in an engineering building to three floors in the centrally located SHED. New last fall, the SHED complex showcases different kinds of making and learning under one roof—in workshops, performing arts spaces, and extra-large classrooms designed for active learning.

Each year, RIT welcomes nearly 2,000 students from more than 100 countries to its campus. The draw of a top-notch STEM education, along with a nationally ranked co-op and internship program and an increasing global reach with numerous opportunities for programmatic exchanges, gives students the chance for real-world work experiences and career focus.

A collection of war era ephemera and propaganda art on display now at the University Gallery connects viewers to the experiences and perceptions of the time.  

Essay by James Perkins, director of the graduate medical illustration program, published by The Conversation. This essay was also republished by The Washington Post and CNN.

WHAM-TV features a partnership with School No. 5 and students in the visual arts–all grades (art education) master's degree program.

The Wall Street Journal talks to Andy Buck, professor in the School for American Crafts, about reupholstering old furniture. (This content requires a subscription to view.)

Francesca Delaney ’24 (graphic design) gave the "Black Doll Designers" exhibit its visual identity by applying a vibrant design with striking typefaces that was inspired by African textiles and the doll design process.

Flip Phillips, professor of motion picture science, shared a Milestone Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for his hand in creating RenderMan, Pixar’s revolutionary software still used today to create the iconic animation look of classic films.

Graphic design, industrial design and interior design students collaborated with the Rochester Public Library and City of Rochester to retrofit a van with library resources and equipment the community can engage with in any location. 

RIT’s presence is widespread in the second edition of Mastering Type, hailed as a crucial guide to typography for print and web design. It is due out in 2025.

WXXI’s “Connections” program features Melissa Dawson, associate professor and director of the undergraduate industrial design program.

The New York Times talks to Elizabeth Kronfield, director of the School of Art and the School for American Crafts, about the rising interest in blacksmithing.