The Magazine of Pratt Institute
O
Sincerely,
Prattfolio is published by the Office of Communications in the Division of Institutional Advancement for the alumni and friends of Pratt Institute. ©2012 Pratt Institute Pratt Institute
200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 www.pratt.edu Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Todd Michael Galitz photo: rené perez
n behalf of Pratt Institute and the Board of Trustees, it gives me great pleasure to present this special commemorative issue of Prattfolio, which celebrates the Institute’s extraordinary achievements and impact during its first 125 years. The world has changed a great deal since my great-great-grandfather, Charles Pratt, established the school and the first group of 12 drawing students began classes in October 1887. It is a testament to the founder’s vision that Pratt Institute has remained at the forefront of that change, adapting to the times and, at the same time, helping to shape them. From developing the airplane for Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight to designing medical diagnostic equipment for use in rural Africa, Pratt alumni and faculty members have ushered in many of the pioneering ideas that paved the way to a better life for us all, decade after decade. Having two artists as parents—a photographer and an actor—I have a strong and very personal appreciation for the impact that creativity has on both the individual artist and on society. By capturing or interpreting a specific aspect of the world to which they felt connected, each gave form to those very personal experiences and created something special to give back to the world. At Pratt, a similar process takes place every day. From architects who form the environments in which we live and work, and designers who elevate functional objects to sources of joy, to artists, writers, and information specialists who capture and transmit ideas, Pratt’s students, faculty, and alumni use their talents to transform our world and shape our experiences. Many of their innovations and iconic works are presented in the pages that follow. Together, they form a visual representation of Pratt’s legacy—and its promise. I’m extremely proud of all that we have achieved over the past 125 years and hope that you, as valued members of the Pratt community, share my sentiments as you consider the remarkable impact that the Institute has made on the world. Pratt’s heritage is your heritage, and your achievements are a living contribution to the Institute’s tradition of making history. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together as a Pratt community in the decades to come.
Executive Director of Communications
Mara McGinnis Articles Editor
Alix Finkelstein Editorial Manager
Abigail Beshkin Writer
Adrienne Gyongy Creative Director
Christine Peterson Senior Art Director
Anna Ostrovsky Multimedia Designer
Joshua Graver Senior Production Manager
Jennifer Ashlock Contributors
Jenny-Lind Angel Amy Aronoff Laura Bourgeois Yelena Deyneko Karelisa Falkner Charlotte Savidge KC Trommer Kate Ünver Anna Welch PRINTING
Conceptual Litho Special thanks to Paul E. Schlotthauer, librarian and archivist, Pratt Institute Library, and the staff of the library’s Visual Resources Center. Please submit address changes to alumni@pratt.edu or call 718-399-4447. The editorial staff of Prattfolio would like to hear from you. Please send comments, ideas, and questions to prattfolio125@pratt.edu.
Mike Pratt Chair, Board of Trustees
2
125 anniversary pr attfolio
Unfortunately, we cannot publish all unsolicited submissions, but we consider all ideas and greatly appreciate your feedback. All historical photographs courtesy of the Pratt Institute Archives unless otherwise indicated.