Mary Kawenski teaches introductory to advance-level courses in apparel design and development, including senior thesis collection development and design research. Before teaching at RISD, she designed womenswear and junior sportswear for 10 years in Toronto, had her own label, Kreyka, and was adjunct faculty at Ryerson University’s School of Fashion in Toronto, Ontario. Her ongoing academic interests in creative problem-solving and design process began over 25 years ago at the Creative Problem-Solving Institute in Buffalo. She continued her studies with William J. Gordon, founder of Synectics and later a SES Synectics trainer.
In the studio, Kawenski designs apparel and accessories using sustainable materials. As a designer and technical consultant, she works with entrepreneurs on startup programs for apparel and lifestyle products, stressing socially responsible manufacturing. She has lectured and facilitated workshops on creative thinking and design development in the US, Canada, China and Peru.
Courses
Fall 2023 Courses
APPAR 3102-01 - SOPHOMORE INTRO TO APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Fall 2023
Credits 6
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3102-01
SOPHOMORE INTRO TO APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodFall 2023
Credits6
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: TTH | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PMInstructor(s): Mary Kawenski, Meg DeCubellisLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 102Enrolled / Capacity: 14Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This introductory course lays the foundation for the design process through draping, pattern drafting and construction. Students make basic patterns and proceed with variations to develop pattern making skills and design concepts. Weekly textile seminars introduce students to fibers and yarns, fabric types, properties and uses.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Majors are pre-registered by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
APPAR 3102-02 - SOPHOMORE INTRO TO APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Fall 2023
Credits 6
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3102-02
SOPHOMORE INTRO TO APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodFall 2023
Credits6
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: TTH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PMInstructor(s): Mary Kawenski, Meg DeCubellisLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 102Enrolled / Capacity: 14Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This introductory course lays the foundation for the design process through draping, pattern drafting and construction. Students make basic patterns and proceed with variations to develop pattern making skills and design concepts. Weekly textile seminars introduce students to fibers and yarns, fabric types, properties and uses.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Majors are pre-registered by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
APPAR 3132-01 - JUNIOR CUT & SEW STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3132-01
JUNIOR CUT & SEW STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodFall 2023
Credits3
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PMInstructor(s): Mary KawenskiLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 202Enrolled / Capacity: 14Status: Closed
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students concentrate on designing with 'cut and sew' knit fabric. Through draping with knit fabrics on the form, students learn to utilize the inherent properties of knits. Instruction in 'cut and sew' construction is combined with pattern making techniques, enabling students to execute their concepts as finished garments.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Apparel Design Students.
Building on basic techniques taught first semester, students proceed to more complex cuts for bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants through techniques of draping, drafting and construction. One finished garment is required.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Building on basic techniques taught first semester, students proceed to more complex cuts for bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants through techniques of draping, drafting and construction. One finished garment is required.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
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BA, School of Fashion Design
MS, Bank Street College Education Liberty Partnership
