News Summary
The 2025 Graduate Thesis Exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Design showcases over 200 graduate students’ works across 43,000 square feet. Open until May 29, this exhibition features diverse talents in sculpture, painting, and more. Notable works include ‘Interlocked’ and ‘Gradiance,’ emphasizing the artists’ creative journeys and engagement with the audience. Attendees can participate in a formal reception and view the exhibition online, highlighting its significance within the local art community.
Providence, Rhode Island – 2025 Graduate Thesis Exhibition Opens at Rhode Island School of Design
The highly anticipated 2025 Graduate Thesis Exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) officially opened on May 21 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. This year, the exhibition features the work of over 200 graduate students and spans an expansive 43,000 square feet, making it a significant event in the local art community.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until May 29, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents across a variety of disciplines, including sculpture, painting, architecture, industrial design, jewelry, ceramics, graphic arts, and furniture design. Each piece reflects the unique creative journeys of the students as they present their final projects before graduation.
Among the notable works on display is “Interlocked,” created by Katharine Frank, a Master of Fine Arts student in Ceramics. This piece incorporates stoneware, porcelain, and glaze, and is described as embodying dynamic, fluid shapes that reference iterative drawings. Frank expressed fulfillment in sharing her creativity with the public, highlighting the connection between her work and the viewers.
Another standout piece is “Gradiance,” presented by Kip Geddes, a Masters in Industrial Design student. This installation functions as an illumination-based mindfulness intervention, crafted from LEDs, plexiglass, and wood. Geddes emphasized the critical role of public feedback in his artistic development, noting how collaborative efforts among peers play a vital role in the exhibition’s success.
The exhibition facilitates engagement between the audience and the artists, offering insight into their creative processes. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a formal reception, enhancing the experience of viewing the thesis work.
Additionally, Will Beattie, a graduate glassmaking student, showcases his innovative work titled “Audio by Light.” This piece is a glass sculpture that transforms light into sound through motorized, multicolored rings of glass. Beattie, who previously worked in scenic design, emphasizes the importance of community and teamwork within the craft of glassmaking, reflecting the collaborative nature prevalent among artists at RISD.
The exhibition will also be accessible online at risdgrad.show, allowing a wider audience to experience the creativity and talent of the RISD graduate students. The importance of this event is underscored by its timing, as RISD graduation day is scheduled for June 1, which coincides with the closing of the exhibition.
In summary, the 2025 Graduate Thesis Exhibition at RISD not only highlights the diverse talents of graduate students across various artistic disciplines but also serves as a crucial moment for engagement, feedback, and celebration within the artistic community. This year’s event, featuring over 200 participants, runs through May 29 and is an essential opportunity for both the artists and their audience to connect and appreciate the wealth of creativity on display.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: 2024 RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island School of Design
- Boston Globe: Hot Shop with RISD Glass Artist Will Beattie
- Google Search: Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Exhibition
- Cool Hunting: RISD Annual Graduate Thesis Exhibit 2014
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Exhibition
- Providence Journal: Assembling the 2024 RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition
- Google News: RISD
