Rhode Island School of Design is a private, independent institution of higher learning in Providence, Rhode Island. Many artists and educators consider it one of the finest schools of art and design in the United States. The school was founded in 1877. Its faculty first taught college-level courses in 1932.
The school has divisions of Architecture and Design, Fine Arts, Foundation Studies, Graduate Studies, and Liberal Arts. The Division of Foundation Studies is a year-long program that provides intensive courses in drawing and two- and three-dimensional design. It is required for all students. Students must also take courses in art and architectural history, English, history, philosophy, and social sciences. The school grants bachelor’s degrees in such areas as apparel design, architecture, ceramics, graphic design, illustration, furniture, and sculpture. Students may also take part in study abroad programs in such countries as the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The Division of Graduate Studies offers programs leading to master’s degrees in architecture, art education, the fine arts, and teaching.
The school’s art museum has more than 45 galleries. Pendleton House features a collection of American decorative arts, furniture, and silver of the 1700’s. The Egyptian gallery includes a mummy and burial objects. Other galleries house such works of art as Greek vases and coins and Roman frescoes and sculptures. Well-known graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design include children’s authors Chris Van Allsburg and David Macaulay, fashion designer Nicole Miller, and filmmaker Gus Van Sant.
