Row 1 from left to right: McArthur Binion, Annabeth Rosen, Peter Bohlin. Row 2 from left to right: Ruth Adler Schnee, Tiff Massey. Row 3 from left to right: Niels Diffrient, Nick Cave, Gere Kavanaugh.

Cranbrook Academy of Art
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Award-Winning Alumni and Artists-in-Residence
Cranbrook Academy of Art alumni are among the most distinguished and innovative artists, designers, and architects around the world.
Academy alumni have received the most prestigious awards, fellowships, and grants in the U.S. and internationally. These include the U.S. National Medal of Arts, AIGA Medal, AIA Gold Medal, AIA 25-year Award, Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award, Guggenheim Fellowship, Kresge Eminent Artis Award, and U.S. Fulbright Grant.
In addition, the Academy recognizes its alumni at any career level with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Honorary MFA degrees are granted in exceptional cases of creatives or supporters who have made an impact on our community or the world.
Cranbrook Academy of Art Distinguished Alumni
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 |