Anna Gitelson-Kahn

Associate Professor
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Anna Gitelson-Kahn
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

Anna Gitelson-Kahn is a textiles designer, educator and author whose passion is knitting. She received her BS in mathematics and computer science from Ben-Gurion University, Israel and her MFA in textiles from RISD. Before joining the RISD faculty, Anna taught for six years in the department of Textile Design at Shenkar College of Design and Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel and served as knitting program coordinator. Prior to taking on the role of department head in RISD’s Textiles department, she served as graduate program director.

Anna has extensive experience in the field of knitting and has previously designed knits for interiors under her own label. She is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists and designers as well as professionals in the industry. Her recent book COLOR IN KNITTING: by designers, for designers (2023), written in collaboration with Jörg Hartman, head of fashion and technology at KARL MAYER STOLL, BU Stoll, delves into the methods of constructing multicolor knits using knitting structures, techniques and technologies. The book not only showcases the beauty of multicolor knits but also provides a solid foundation for readers to achieve their own goals when combining colors in knitting.

Her other collaborations range from consultancy to product development and include academic institutions, research facilities, textile industry leading manufacturers and consumer goods companies.

Courses

Fall 2023 Courses

TEXT 4842-01 - INDUSTRIAL KNITTING
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4842-01

INDUSTRIAL KNITTING

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: TH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Anna Gitelson-Kahn Location(s): College Building, Room 542 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This advanced knitting course investigates the design and creation of knit fabrics using specialized software and a computerized, industrial knitting machine. Students deepen their understanding of a wide range of knit constructions, learn new structures, and experience a different method of creating knit fabric and forms through weekly sampling work and then a final project that is a collection of fabrics for interior or apparel applications, or art pieces. The intended end use will guide students' pattern and material studies. Students are introduced to the knitting industry and exciting examples of contemporary and historical knitting and encouraged to forge new paths in the medium.

Prerequisite: TEXT 4832 - KNITTED FABRICS

Elective

Spring 2024 Courses

TEXT 483G-01 - THESIS PROJECT
Level Graduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 9
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 483G-01

THESIS PROJECT

Level Graduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 9
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Instructor(s): Anna Gitelson-Kahn, Mary Anne Friel Enrolled / Capacity: 6 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This project represents the culmination of a student's study in the Graduate Program. The design projects can encompass various textile fields in the areas of interior or apparel textiles. A specific architectural context, an area of apparel design, an investigation of a particular technique, or a visual design sensibility and language can provide a framework for the project. The work, executed using any established textile techniques or technique that a student has developed, should manifest advanced original concepts, high quality of execution, and a strong commitment to the field. Written documentation and analysis of the sources of the work, how it relates to the textiles tradition or larger field of art and design, and of the development of the project should accompany the studio work.

Estimated Cost of Materials: varies depending on student projects.

Please contact the department for permission to register. This course is a requirement for Graduate Textiles Students.

Major Requirement | MFA Textiles

TEXT 4842-01 - INDUSTRIAL KNITTING
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4842-01

INDUSTRIAL KNITTING

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: TH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Anna Gitelson-Kahn Location(s): College Building, Room 143; College Building, Room 510 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This advanced knitting course investigates the design and creation of knit fabrics using specialized software and a computerized, industrial knitting machine. Students deepen their understanding of a wide range of knit constructions, learn new structures, and experience a different method of creating knit fabric and forms through weekly sampling work and then a final project that is a collection of fabrics for interior or apparel applications, or art pieces. The intended end use will guide students' pattern and material studies. Students are introduced to the knitting industry and exciting examples of contemporary and historical knitting and encouraged to forge new paths in the medium.

Prerequisite: TEXT-4832

Elective

TEXT 4898-01 - TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4898-01

TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Instructor(s): Amalia Galdona Broche, Anna Gitelson-Kahn, Barbara Weber, Mary Anne Friel Enrolled / Capacity: 30 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The student's project, designed in consultation with the faculty, can be in one of the textile areas or in combination with other disciplines at the school. The project, which will be evaluated by the faculty and visiting critics at the end of the semester, can entail a collection of designs or fine arts work representing the current conclusive state of student's work or an investigation of a new area. The level of concepts, skills, and commitment constitute a major part of the criteria in the evaluation of the work.

Mid-year graduates should seek department permission to fulfill 9 credits in Fall and Wintersession.

Estimated Cost of Materials: Varies based on use of advanced equipment; additional fees may incur.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Senior Textiles Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Textiles

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Anna Gitelson-Kahn
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design