Category Archives: School of Art and Design

Flight patterns: Deborah Kruger’s feathered work migrates worldwide

by Rachel Ellner Posted on September 9, 2023

There are more dimensions to textiles and to flat, recycled materials than width and length… and more uses beyond clothing than have been imagined by most. Deborah Kruger, Textile/Surface Design, ’76, has helped lead the way. The internationally recognized artist … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Photon Sorcerer Cat Trzaskowski

by Rachel Ellner Posted on July 30, 2023

Cat Trzaskowski’s “photon sorcery” nods to history but generates the excitement of entirely new experiences. His work’s scope is rooted in his own life but spans centuries. It’s evocative without being imitative. Uncovering hidden worlds through art is the bedrock of … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Playground Detroit had its origin in NYC. How Fashion Designer Paulina Petkoski employed her design skills to help make it happen

by Rachel Ellner Posted on July 11, 2023

It can be easier to be a creative in Detroit, the city where she grew up, says Paulina Petkoski (Fashion Design ’10), but it helps to get a jump-start in New York City. After nearly a decade of working and … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Harrison Shaw: Innovation is his brand

by Rachel Ellner Posted on June 19, 2023

FIT’s campus covers little more than a city block, but for their inspiration, students have all of New York City — and sometimes the whole world — to explore. Harrison “Harry” Shaw (Packaging Design ’23), took advantage, starting during the … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A conceptual online museum of appropriated art

by Rachel Ellner Posted on May 24, 2023

When he was a child growing up in Szechuan, China, Harry XiZhuo Lin enjoyed watching television programs on art and culture, such as those on the History Channel. He always noticed where the artwork came from –- places like Egypt, … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A postcard with a stark message about school gun violence

by Rachel Ellner Posted on May 12, 2023

“I started off with the image of the empty classroom, brought in the silhouette of a hand holding a gun, and then, using the pen and star tools in Illustrator, illustrated the American flag behind that in the windows,” says … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Daisy Ruiz’s illustrated South Bronx tale

by Rachel Ellner Posted on May 3, 2023

Daisy Ruiz, Illustration ’16, has released her first book, “Gordita: Built Like This.” In this illustrated long-form comic, a Chicana Bronx teen is bullied for not being curvy, but is helped by friends and mentors. The plot mirrors the author’s … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toy Design’s Susan Adamo Baumbach on Whimsy, Twists and Tech

by Rachel Ellner Posted on March 22, 2023

Professor Susan Adamo Baumbach, longtime faculty member, is now acting chair of FIT’s high-profile Toy Design department. Thriving in the fast-moving world of design, refinement, production and sales of toys and games, is a challenge she meets. While she’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design, Toy Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Radical Act of Repair: Artful, Visible Mending

by Rachel Ellner Posted on March 15, 2023

It may be a radical idea, but you don’t always need to hide your mending. Your stitching can be admired. Students and faculty members recently participated in “Radical Acts of Repair,” a workshop featuring noted textile artist Celia Pym remotely … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From Graffiti to Cornfields, Sarah Merenda Has Customers’ Walls Covered

by Rachel Ellner Posted on February 17, 2023

Sarah Merenda’s Fine Arts teacher, Prof. Marcy Rosenblat, told Merenda that she really needed to “work big.” Prof. Rosenblat was right, but she had no idea how big. Merenda entered FIT as a graffiti artist and skilled wallpaper hanger. Indeed … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Art and Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment