RISD 150

As RISD celebrates 150 years of creativity and innovation, RISD Emerging highlights the artists and designers who will carry that legacy forward. This curated exhibition at Featherstone Center for the Arts features work by recent RISD alumni from the classes of 2023–26. Join us for the opening reception on July 26, 2026, from 4–6 pm. The exhibition will be on view through August 16, 2026.

In celebration of RISD’s 150th anniversary, In the Making explores what makes the RISD Museum distinctive: a collection shaped by teaching, experimentation, and an ever-evolving understanding of art and design. Since its founding, the museum has assembled more than 100,000 works spanning antiquity to today and cultures across the globe.

In the Making examines how and why objects entered the RISD Museum collection, tracing shifts in institutional priorities and cultural contexts over time. More than 75 objects on view reflect one-of-a-kind artistic production to larger-scale manufacturing locally and beyond, global textiles and decorative objects that speak to materials and techniques, photographs and posters that capture important sociopolitical movements, and bold acquisitions that challenged cultural norms. The exhibition reveals collecting as an active, reflective practice—one that continues to shape how these works are studied, taught, and understood today.

Curated by Emily Banas, associate curator of decorative arts and design, In the Making opens on November 21, 2026 and runs through June 6, 2027.

In November 2026, in New York City, RISD will host a landmark auction with Sotheby’s—the official kickoff to RISD’s 150th anniversary in 2027—celebrating the creative impact of our alumni. Featuring works by renowned artists and designers, including Walton Ford 82 FAV, Tavares Strachan 03 GL, and more to be announced, this event will honor 150 years of creative achievement while highlighting the extraordinary impact RISD graduates continue to have on culture, industry, and society.

Bringing together alumni, collectors, supporters, and friends, the auction will celebrate the talent, innovation, and influence that have defined RISD since 1877. At the same time, it will invest in the future: all proceeds will support student scholarships, helping ensure that the next generation of artists and designers can access a RISD education and contribute their own creative vision to the world.

In celebration of RISD’s 150th anniversary, RISD is organizing a special two-day RISD Craft sale on February 13–14, 2027. Held at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, the RISD Craft 150th Celebration will feature 150 alumni, student, faculty and staff participants from across the RISD community. This special commemorative event will also include craft-based demonstrations, music and food. More details about event hours and the vendor schedule will be announced soon!