Award-Winning Alumni and Artists-in-Residence

The Distinguished Alumni Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Academy and recognizes graduates who have demonstrated creativity, innovation, leadership, and vision through their contributions to the practices of architecture, art, and design, as well as to Cranbrook Academy of Art.

2019	Gere Kavanaugh	Design ’52
2018	Annabeth Rosen	Ceramics ’81
2017	McArthur Binion	Painting ’73
2015	Ruth Adler Schnee	Design ’46
2014	Ed Fella	Design ’87
2013	Donald Lipski	Ceramics ’73
2012	Anne Wilson	Fiber ’72
2011	Peter Bohlin	Architecture ’61
2006	Niels Diffrient	Design ’54

The U.S. National Medal of the Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. These individuals, through their creativity, inspiration, and hard work, have significantly enriched the cultural life of our nation.

2002

Florence Knoll Bassett

Student, Department of Architecture, 1934–1935, 1936–1937, 1939

AIGA Medalists

The medal of AIGA is awarded to individuals in recognition of their exceptional achievements in the advancement of the field of design as a respected craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. Medals have been awarded to individuals who have set standards of excellence over a lifetime of work or have made individual contributions to innovation within the practice of design.

2022	Andrew Blauvelt	Design ’88
2017	Nancy Skolos and Tom Wedell	Skolos: BFA Design ’77; Wedell: Photography ’77
2016	Gere Kavanaugh	Design ’52
2013	Lucille Tenazas	Design ’81
2010	Steve Frykholm	Design ’69
2007	Edward Fella	Design ’87
2006	Lorraine Wild	Design ’82
2005	Meredith Davis	Design ’75
2000	P. Scott Makela and Laurie Haycock Makela	both Design ’91
1999	Katherine McCoy	Co-chair Design Department ‘71–‘95
1977	Charles and Ray Eames	Charles: Student, Architecture, 1938–1939, CAA Instructor of Design, 1939–1941 Ray: Student, 1940–1941

American Craft Council of Fellows

Since 1970, the American Craft Council has recognized significant contributions to the field of craft. Originally designated the Award of Merit, in 1975 the ACC adopted the distinction of Fellow of the Council, the body of awardees known collectively as the College of Fellows. Election to the College of Fellows continues to this day, the award a commitment “to honor those who have made an outstanding contribution to the crafts in America.”

2016	Nick Cave	Fiber ’89
2016	Myra Mimlitsch-Gray	Metalsmithing ‘86
2014	Jane Lackey	Fiber ’79, Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1997–2007
2008	Adela Akers	Fiber ’62
2008	Tony Hepburn	Ceramics Artist-in-Residence 1992-2008
2007	Arturo Sandoval	Fiber ’71
2005	Gary Griffin	Metalsmithing Artist-in-Residence 1984-2006
2001	Joan Livingstone	Fiber ’74) Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1980-1982
2001	John Glick	Ceramics ’62
2000	Anne Wilson	Fiber ’72
1997	Chunghi Choo	Metalsmithing ’65
1996	Jun Kaneko	Ceramics Artist-In-Residence 1979-86
1995	J. Fred Woell	Sculpture ’69
1995	Fred Fenster	Metalsmithing ’60
1993	Gerhardt Knodel	Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1970-1996, CAA Director 1996-2007
1990	Lillian Elliott	Ceramics ’55
1988	Walter G. Nottingham	Fiber ’68
1987	Richard DeVore	Ceramics ’57
1985	Marianne Strengell	Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1941-1961
1985	Richard Thomas	Metalsmithing Artist-In-Residence 1948-1984
1979	William Brown	Design ’50
1978	Jack Lenor Larsen	Fiber ’51
1975	Ed Rossbach	Ceramics ’47
1975	Toshiko Takaezu	Ceramics ’54
1975	Dorothy Meredith	Painting ’45

American Craft Council Gold Medal for Consummate Craftmanship

Every two years, as few as one College of Fellows member is recognized with the Gold Medal for Consummate Craftsmanship, an award for a lifetime of achievements, the highest award given by the Council and among the most prestigious in the nation. Gold Medal awardees of the College of Fellows represent the extraordinary among a field of elite craftspeople.

2016	Gerhadt Knodel	Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1970-1996, CAA Director 1996-2007
2005	Fred Fenster	Metalsmithing ’60
1996	Jack Lenor Larsen	Fiber ’51
1994	Toshiko Takaezu	Ceramics ’54
1993	Marianne Strengell	Fiber Artist-in-Residence 1941-1961
1990	Ed Rossbach	Ceramics ’47

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal

The Gold Medal is the AIA’s highest annual honor, recognizing individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Considered one of the most prestigious awards in the architecture world, the Gold Medal has been received by well renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Julia Morgan, and Moshe Safdie.

2011	Fumihiko Maki	Architecture ’53
2010	Peter Q. Bohlin	Architecture ’61
1962	Eero Saarinen	Instructor, 1939-1941
1947	Eliel Saarinen	Cranbrook, Resident Architect, 1925–1950; Cranbrook Academy of Art (CAA), President, 1932–1946; CAA Director of Department of Architecture and Urban Design, 1946–1950;

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Twenty-Five Year Award

The Twenty-five Year Award showcases buildings that set a precedent. Conferred on a building that has stood the test of time for 25-35 years and continues to set standards of excellence for its architectural design and significance.

2014	Harry Weese	Architecture ’39	Washington, D.C., Metro rail transit system design
1993	Eero Saarinen	Instructor 1939-41	Deere Company Administrative Center, Moline, Ill.
1990	Eero Saarinen	Instructor 1939-41	The Gateway Arch, St. Louis
1988	Eero Saarinen	Instructor 1939-41	Dulles International Airport Terminal Building, Chantilly, Va.
1988	Eero Saarinen	Instructor 1939-41	General Motors Technical Center, Warren, Mich.
1978	Charles and Ray Eames	Charles: Student, Architecture, 1938–1939, CAA Instructor of Design, 1939–1941; Ray: Student, 1940–1941	The Eames House, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
1977	Eero Saarinen	Instructor 1939-41	Christ Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn..
Eero and Eliel Saarinen	(Eliel: Cranbrook, Resident Architect, 1925–1950; Cranbrook Academy of Art (CAA), President, 1932–1946; CAA Director of Department of Architecture and Urban Design, 1946–1950; Eero: Instructor, 1939-1941)	The Crow Island School, Winnetka, Ill.

Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s National Design Awards honor innovation and impact and recognize the power of design to change the world.

2015	Jack Lenor Larsen	Fiber ’51
2009	Andrew Blauvelt	Design ‘88
2008	Masamichi Udagawa	Design ‘91
2005	Katherine McCoy and Michael McCoy	Co-Chairs Design Department 1971-1995
2002	Lucille Tenazas	Design ’81
2002	Niels Diffrient	Design ’54

U.S. Fulbright Student Grants

In 2020, the Chronicle of Higher Education once again ranked Cranbrook Academy of Art as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students. With a new grant received this year, Academy students have now received a total 25 grants over the past 11 years.

2022-2023	Madelaine Corbin	Fiber ’20	Greece
2019-2020	Naomi Moser	Photography ’18	Romania
2019-2020	Brian Kavanaugh	Painting ’13	Romania
2017-2018	Elaine Ng	Ceramics ’14	Taiwan
2017-2018	Tanya Long	Ceramics ’17	Hungary
2015-2016	Katie Zazenski	Sculpture ’14	Poland
2014-2015	Juan Torres	Architecture ’11	Denmark
2014-2015	Kelley O’Brien	3D Design ’14	Philippines
2014-2015	Ryan Debolski	Photography ’14	Oman
2013-2014	Robert Wetherington	Ceramics ’09	Slovakia
2012-2013	Quynh Vantu	Architecture ’09	United Kingdom
2012-2013	Anna Adler	Ceramics ’11	Czech Republic
2012-2013	Sonja Dahl	Fiber ’12	Indonesia
2011-2012	Jessica Harvey	Photography ’09	Iceland
2010-2011	Carrie Fonder	Sculpture ’09	India
2010-2011	Jacquelyn Gleisner	Painting ’10	Finland
2010-2011	Jill Rowan	Ceramics ’10	Syria
2009-2010	Andrew Ippoliti	Ceramics ’09	China
2008-2009	Kim Faler	Sculpture ’08	Brazil
2006-2007	Ryan Widger	Photography ’05	Sweden
2006-2007	Tzu-ju Chen	Metalsmithing ’06	China
2006-2007	Addie Langford	Ceramics ’06	Spain
2005-2006	Richard Nelipovich	Metalsmithing	Netherlands
2005-2006	Anne Selden	Fiber ’05	France
2005-2006	Brett Kallusky	Photography ’05	Italy
2004-2005	James Ewing	Photography ’04	Tunisia
2004-2005	Sarah Turner	Metalsmithing ’04	Netherlands
2004-2005	Jeffrey Nebolini	2D Design ’04	Iceland
2004-2005	Heather Erickson	Ceramics ’04	Finland
2003-2004	Jana Stockwell	Sculpture	Argentina
2003-2004	Ryan Hobbs	2D Design	Latvia
2002-2003	Jacque Liu	Ceramics	Germany
2001-2002	Christie Wright	Ceramics	Netherlands
2001-2002	Andrea Rosenberger	Fiber	Korea
1998-99	Evan Larson	Metalsmithing	Korea
1997-98	Gloria Civantos	Architecture	Spain
1996-97	Joan Silver	Fiber	Poland
1995-96	Dawne Fowkes	Ceramics	Finland
1994-95	Rita Grendze	Fiber	Latvia
1994-95	Ronit Eisenbach	Architecture	United Kingdom
1993-94	Harris Wiltsher	Printmaking	South Africa
1992-93	Kristin Tollefson	Metalsmithing	Iceland
1992-93	Gretchen Gasterland	Fiber	Sweden
1990-91	Allen Hori	2D Design	Netherlands

Guggenheim Fellows

Guggenheim Fellowships are intended for individuals who have already demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts.

2010	Blane De St. Croix	Sculpture ’81
2007	Karyn Olivier	Ceramics ’01
2005	Beverly Fishman	Artist-In-Residence, Painting
1988	Donald Lipski	Ceramics ’73
1973	Olga de Amaral	Design student 54-55, Honorary MFA Recipient, 2022
1973	Michael David Hall	Head, Sculpture Department 1970-1990
1938	David Fredenthal	Student, 1935-39
1939	David Fredenthal	Student, 1935-39

The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award in Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Photography, Video, and Craft Media

The Louis Comfort Tiffany Biennial Competition represents the organization’s continued mission to honor its founder Louis Comfort Tiffany by enriching the growth of and experimentation by artists with direct financial support. The Foundation’s goal is to support artists whose work shows promise, but who have not yet received widespread critical acclaim or commercial recognition, enabling them to produce new work and continue their development. Winners are selected for their talent, promise, and individual artistic strength.

2015	Adam Shirley	Metalsmithing ’10
2013	Ariel Brice	Ceramics ‘09
2013	Seth Papac	Metalsmithing ‘09
2013	Mark Newport	Head of Fiber and Artist-in-Residence, Present
2007	Christie Wright	Ceramics ’00
2003	Karen Olivier	Ceramics ‘01
2003	Beverly Fishman	Head of Painting and Artist-in-Residence, 1992-2019
2001	Nick Cave	Fiber ‘89
2001	Diana Guerrero-Maciá	Painting ’92
2001	Margie Hughto	Ceramics ’91
1995	Myra Mimlitsch Gray	Metalsmithing ’86
1989	Joan Livingstone	Fiber ’74
1989	Anne Wilson	Fiber ’72

Knight Foundation Award Recipients

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge funds the best ideas for engaging and enriching Detroit through the arts. Over the years, award winners from Cranbrook have earned more than half a million dollars in funding for projects.

2017	Tiff Massey	Metalsmithing ’11
2015	Cranbrook Art Museum	Truth Booth exhibition
2015	Kate Daughdrill	Print Media ‘11
2014	Anders Ruhwald	Head of Ceramics and Artist-in-Residence, 2008-2017
2014	Cranbrook Art Museum, Nick Cave Fiber ’89	“Hear Hear” Exhibition
2013	Jon Brumit	Painting ‘99
2013	Chris Schneider	Photography ‘03
2013	Jeff Sturges	Architecture ‘05
2013	Wesley Taylor	2D Design ‘11

Kresge Eminent Artist Award

Kresge Eminent Artist Award is an unrestricted $50,000 prize awarded to one artist annually. It recognizes a distinguished record of high-quality work and professional achievement in the arts, and a lifetime of contributions to their art forms and to the cultural community of metro Detroit.

2020	Marie Woo	Ceramics ’56
2015	Ruth Adler Schnee	Design ’46

Kresge Artist Fellows

Kresge Artist Fellowships are $25,000 unrestricted awards, plus professional development support and the creation of a short film highlighting the artist’s work. Fellowships recognize creative vision and commitment to excellence in artists of all ages within a wide range of artistic disciplines.

2021	Andrew Thompson	Sculpture ’06
2015	Tiff Massey	Metalsmithing ’11
2015	Chris Schanck	3D Design ’11
2015	Annica Cuppetelli	Fiber ’08
2013	Kate Daughdrill	Print Media ’11
2013	Jason E, Carter	Painting ’11
2013	Jon Brumit	Painting ’99
2013	Charlie O’Geen	Architecture ’10
2011	Gina Reichart	Architecture ’03
2011	Laith Karmo	Ceramics ’06
2011	Corrie Baldauf	Fiber ’09
2011	Liz Cohen	Artist-In-Residence, Photography
2011	Mark Newport	Artist-In-Residence, Fiber
2011	Heather McGill	Artist-In-Residence, Sculpture
2009	Abigail Ann Newbold	Fiber ’05
2009	Corine Vermeulen	Photography ’04
2009	Shiva Ahmadi	Painting ’05
2009	Rod Klingelhofer	Fiber ’08
2009	Russ Orlando	Ceramics ’08
2009	Susan Goethel Campbell	Print Media ’89

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Emerging Artist Award (2005-2019)

Cranbrook was honored to partner with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC, for nearly 20 years, in which the organization supported graduating Cranbrook Academy of Art students with cash awards, and selected one student for a summer residency in Küenstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin, which included introductions to important members of the international art and business communities. The last year of the program was 2020.

2019	Marianna Olague	Painting ‘19
2018	Chen Li	3D Design ’18
2017	Ato Riberio	Print Media ‘17
2016	Benjamin Santiago	2D Design ’16
2015	Kari Cholnoky	Painting ’15
2014	Aaron Decker	Metalsmithing ’14
2013	Francisco Alonzo	Print Media ’13
2012	Jane Ritchie	Metalsmithing ’12
2011	Carson Grubaugh	Painting ’11
2010	Suzanne Beautyman	Metalsmithing ’10
2009	Zachary Ostrowski	2D Design ’09
2008	Annica Cuppetelli	Fiber ’08
2007	Marty McElveen	Architecture ’07
2007	Dharmesh Patel	Architecture ’07
2006	Andrew Simsak	Sculpture ’06
2005	Mark Muskovitz	3D Design ’05

Society of North America Goldsmiths (SNAG) Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is SNAG’s highest honor and is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of metalsmithing.

2015	Fred Fenster	Metalsmithing ’60
2013	Gary Griffin	Head of Metalsmithing Department, 1984-2006
2012	J. Fred Woell	Sculpture ’69
2011	L. Brent Kington	Metalsmithing ’61
2010	Lois Etherington Betteridge	Metalsmithing ’56
2009	Stanley Letchzin	Metalsmithing ’61
2008	Heikki Seppä	Metalsmithing student, 1960-61

United States Artists (USA) Fellows

Representing nine creative disciplines, each USA Fellow receives an unrestricted $50,000 award and recognition as one of America’s most accomplished and innovative artists.

2016	Vivian Beer	Metalsmithing ‘04
2016	Annabeth Rosen	Ceramics ’81
2016	Piper Shepard	Fiber ’88
2015	Anne Wilson	Fiber ‘72
2015	Jonathan Muecke	3D Design‘10
2012	Jesse Reiser	Architecture ‘84
2012	Myra Mimlitsch-Gray	Metalsmithing ‘86
2012	Rowland Ricketts	Fiber ‘05
2011	Sonya Clark	Fiber ’95
2006	Nick Cave	Fiber ’89
2006	Masamichi Udagawa	3D Design ’91

United States Department of State International Medal of Arts

The International Medal of Arts is awarded to artists who demonstrate an enduring commitment to the Art in Embassies mission of cultural diplomacy through the visual arts and international cultural exchange. Recipients have helped define America’s cultural legacy through their artistic excellence and diplomatic contributions. Their artwork serves as a bridge with other nations, encourages discussion and expression and highlights the communal experiences of people from countries, cultures, and backgrounds worldwide.

2002

Nick Cave

Fiber ’89

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Cranbrook Academy of Art