For a New York Times story on the uncertain future of the queer haven at Riis Beach in Queens, Yael Malka, BFA Photography ’12, took photographs and video, and James Hannaham, professor of writing, contributed an introduction: “When you choose the margin, it is a safe harbor. You called it the People’s Beach, and she became the metaphorical mother of your house.”
The Daily Hub
A roundup of ideas and projects from around the Institute
-
-
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Film/Video Maya Edelman received a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators, recognizing her work for Australia’s CSIRO National DNA Library.
-
City Limits profiled a Taconic Fellowship project in which Pratt students collaborated with Mothers On the Move to explore hemp’s potential as a sustainable retrofit material for public housing in the Bronx. “For [Bhavini] Kapur, [MS City and Regional Planning ’24], the Pratt studio is a perfect place for early career architects, like the students, to normalize using these natural materials in their work while staying connected to the local community.”
-
Xenobia Bailey, BFA Industrial Design ’77, and former faculty member Mendi Obadike (with partner Keith), were awarded a grant from the United States Artists (USA), a Chicago-based nonprofit. “The organization considers artists with singular artistic visions who have made an impact in their respective disciplines,” explains Hyperallergic.
-
Fine Arts Civic Engagement Fellow Alex Strada was selected for the 2026 Pioneer Works Residency.
-
Alanna Jaworski, BArch ’08, was named associate principal at Union Studio Architecture & Community Design. “Alanna Jaworski has been at the forefront of some of our most meaningful affordable and supportive housing work, from our first affordable passive house project to the innovative community at Child Farm on Martha’s Vineyard.”
-
Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, associate professor of writing, was appointed as the inaugural Curator-in-Residence of the Weeksville Heritage Center. “As a curator-in-residence, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts’ work is bound to elicit feelings related to the importance of land, place and legacy in our lives,” said Dr. Raymond Codrington, president and chief executive officer of Weeksville Heritage Center.
-
TheyDream by William David Caballero, BFA Digital Arts ’06, was featured in a list of “Latine Films to Look Out for at Sundance 2026” by Remezcla.
-
Jean Shin, adjunct professor – CCE of fine arts, was named a 2026 Creative Capital awardee. The grants will provide $2.9 million to 109 artists in all 50 states.
-
Kristin Mallison, BFA Fashion Design ’16, was featured in Teen Vogue. “I’ve always focused on upcycling and repurposing materials because I went to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and their fashion program really pushed for recycling,” she said.
More Pratt Institute News
Three Outstanding Graduates to be Honored at Pratt’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards
Pratt Institute alumni Nanette Carter, Vann Graves, and Lian Farhi will be honored for their creative and professional accomplishments.
Leading by Example
From Pratt Institute News
Spencer Giuliano, BArch ’26, thrives on the soccer field and in the studio, all while helping fellow student-athletes balance the demands of both worlds.
Designing Her Way to Her Dream Job
From Pratt Institute News
Recent alumna Renata Dominguez always knew she wanted to work in design. Now, just one year post-grad, she’s thriving at one of the biggest international branding agencies.