“Anne Emlein MFA 06 TX, my Knitting II teacher, taught me so much about how to make work that is critical, kind and rich. Her daughter Rosie is the knitting technician and she always inspires me with her genius and work ethic. Polly Spenner 96 TX, the other Textiles tech, is also an absolute powerhouse.” Kathryn LaMontagne 18 TX
WI S E, FU N NY + B U R STI NG WITH PROM I S E
Like their peers in the Class of 2018, these 21 students have worked hard—both in the studio and in paying jobs. And through their experiences, they’ve learned what they don’t want to do as much as what they do want to do. Getting to know the students from Section 16 as well as I have, I’m most impressed by their strength, curiosity, boldness, work ethic, sense of self and kindness toward one another. They’re shockingly wise and funny. I’m thankful for their willingness to trust me with their stories and allow me into their studios and dorm rooms. I believe that RISD students have a special way of thinking, mostly because it’s not one way of thinking. Yes, they pick up on buzzwords like “agency,” “inter50
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sectionality,” “liminal space,” etc. But they also defy expectations and push boundaries in hard-fought ways. They’re definitely not complacent. This year as I’ve roamed around campus taking photos, my spirits have always been brightened when I run into Section 16ers. Now that they’re graduating— as cheesy at it sounds—these students will take a special piece of my heart with them. I will sorely miss this crew and their talent and energy. Like the rest of the Class of 2018, they’ll all scatter and—I totally believe— do amazing things. Look out world, because a beautiful, strong and talented group of young adults is about to spring from this place. And I, for one, cannot wait to see where they’re headed.
Did you make lifelong connections during Foundation year? Let us know at: risdxyz@risd.edu.