Each year RISD honors achievement in the arts by presenting selected awards to outstanding individuals in the world of art and design, and to corporate leaders who promote design excellence, support the arts and/or exemplify business innovation. The 2008 Athena Awards presentation took place in New York City on April 10. Kurt Andersen, a RISD honorary degree recipient and host of the arts-focused radio program Studio 360 on NPR, hosted the event. The 2008 Athena awards honored the following individuals:
·Roger Mandle + Gayle Mandle [RISD MFA ’97, Painting/Printmaking] Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf Award for Lifetime Achievement
·Ayse Birsel Athena Award for Excellence in Furniture Design
