Congratulations to Judith Schaechter [RISD ‘83, Glass] and Kara Walker [RISD MFA ‘94, Painting/Printmaking], who are among the 50 fellows just awarded unrestricted $50,000 grants by United States Artists (USA). Four RISD alumni (so far!) have been named USA fellows: in its inaugural year (2006) USA recognized Assistant Professor of Textiles Liz Collins [RISD ‘91, Textiles/MFA ‘99, Textiles] and Tanya Aguiñiga [RISD MFA ‘95, Furniture Design].

USA is funded by a coalition of foundations—Ford, Rockefeller, Prudential and Rasmuson—dedicated to the unlimited promise of our finest artists. As part of its mission, USA poses some important questions, among them this one: Will the convergence of science, engineering, and art redefine American innovation and global competitiveness? Just the kind of question we ask—and try to answer—every day here at RISD.