Anna Gitelson-Kahn

Associate Professor
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Anna Gitelson-Kahn
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

Anna Gitelson-Kahn is a textiles designer, educator and author whose passion is knitting. She received her BS in mathematics and computer science from Ben-Gurion University, Israel and her MFA in textiles from RISD. Before joining the RISD faculty, Anna taught for six years in the department of Textile Design at Shenkar College of Design and Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel and served as knitting program coordinator. Prior to taking on the role of department head in RISD’s Textiles department, she served as graduate program director.

Anna has extensive experience in the field of knitting and has previously designed knits for interiors under her own label. She is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists and designers as well as professionals in the industry. Her recent book COLOR IN KNITTING: by designers, for designers (2023), written in collaboration with Jörg Hartman, head of fashion and technology at KARL MAYER STOLL, BU Stoll, delves into the methods of constructing multicolor knits using knitting structures, techniques and technologies. The book not only showcases the beauty of multicolor knits but also provides a solid foundation for readers to achieve their own goals when combining colors in knitting.

Her other collaborations range from consultancy to product development and include academic institutions, research facilities, textile industry leading manufacturers and consumer goods companies.

Courses

Fall 2024 Courses

TEXT 4842-01 - INDUSTRIAL KNITTING
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4842-01

INDUSTRIAL KNITTING

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Anna Gitelson-Kahn Location(s): College Building, Room 143; College Building, Room 510 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This advanced knitting course investigates the design and creation of knit fabrics using specialized software and a computerized, industrial knitting machine. Students deepen their understanding of a wide range of knit constructions, learn new structures, and experience a different method of creating knit fabric and forms through weekly sampling work and then a final project that is a collection of fabrics for interior or apparel applications, or art pieces. The intended end use will guide students' pattern and material studies. Students are introduced to the knitting industry and exciting examples of contemporary and historical knitting and encouraged to forge new paths in the medium.

Prerequisite: TEXT-4832

Elective

TEXT 484G-01 - TEXTILE SEMINAR I
Level Graduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 6
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 484G-01

TEXTILE SEMINAR I

Level Graduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 6
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: TH | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Instructor(s): Anna Gitelson-Kahn, Mary Anne Friel Location(s): College Building, Room 510 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on issues in the professional textile field, such as the effect of production parameters and end use on design decisions. While helping students become more familiar with the wide ranging market, from the most innovative to the traditional, this course aims at providing an awareness of how one's own work fits into this context. Lecturers include professionals from the field, who advise on the studio work required in this class.

This course is a requirement for second-year Graduate Textiles Students.

Major Requirement | MFA Textiles

Spring 2025 Courses

TEXT 4898-01 - TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4898-01

TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Instructor(s): Amalia Galdona Broche, Anna Gitelson-Kahn, Jaclyn DeLamatre, Joe Segal, Mary Anne Friel Enrolled / Capacity: 30 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The student's project, designed in consultation with the faculty, can be in one of the textile areas or in combination with other disciplines at the school. The project, which will be evaluated by the faculty and visiting critics at the end of the semester, can entail a collection of designs or fine arts work representing the current conclusive state of student's work or an investigation of a new area. The level of concepts, skills, and commitment constitute a major part of the criteria in the evaluation of the work.

Mid-year graduates should seek department permission to fulfill 9 credits in Fall and Wintersession.

Estimated Cost of Materials: Varies based on use of advanced equipment; additional fees may incur.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Senior Textiles Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Textiles

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Anna Gitelson-Kahn
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design