Painting on the canvas of the global Jewish future

Brown RISD Hillel has developed a new model for campus-based Jewish arts engagement, connecting students with resources and experiences that nurture the next generation of artists, curators, and designers.

Through the BRH Arts Initiative, students find a vibrant, collaborative community where their work is elevated through group and solo exhibitions, immersive travel experiences, access to mentorships, and professional development opportunities.


In addition to supporting Jewish artists and creative practice, BRH serves as a pluralistic cultural center where students build meaningful relationships, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and explore Jewish identity through shared experiences.

Whether gathered around a weekly Shabbat table, participating in a conversation about contemporary issues, attending an artist talk, or collaborating on a creative project, students find a welcoming Jewish community that encourages curiosity, belonging, and intellectual engagement within both the arts and the broader academic landscape.


BRH recognizes that dedicated Hillel support positions RISD and Brown as vibrant centers for Jewish creative voices. We aspire to lead a national conversation on Jewish arts engagement, modeling best practices and helping shape a new vision for arts programming at Hillels across the country.


Unlocking an incredible potential within alumni networks to support and mentor emerging Jewish artists.


Academics, curators, artists, and designers—Jewish alumni of both Brown and RISD—have coalesced to establish BRH as the premier campus center for Jewish arts engagement.

In 2022, Hillary Blumberg, RISD ‘92 (Member of the BRH Board of Trustees) and her husband, Alex Ginsburg, made an endowed gift to BRH in memory of Hillary’s mother, Judith Green Blumberg z”l. The gift was earmarked for the creation of a dedicated Director of the Arts at BRH.

A unique role in the Hillel ecosystem, the Judith Green Blumberg z"l Director of the Arts focuses on developing deep relationships with a broad network of Jewish students at Brown and RISD, providing guidance, while elevating their work through exhibitions, galleries, and performances.

Connect with our Director of the Arts, Deborah Forman, or our Arts Fellow Assistant, Romy Binshtein, to learn more today.

Stories + Images from Student Makers

  • Shiva - Steel Etching

    Ariella Frenkel, RISD Printmaking

  • Nightmare on the F Train - Oil on Canvas

    Ellery Snyderman, RISD Painting

  • Library - Charcoal on Paper

    Joe Katzenellenbogan, Brown Architecture

  • Swimming - Oil on Canvas

    Zachary Hicks, RISD Painting

  • Meteor - Cast Plaster and Turmeric

    Romy Bihnstein, RISD MFA Architecture

  • Driving - Oil on Canvas

    Logan Nunez, RISD Ceramics

  • Untitled - Charcoal on Paper

    Joel Nessim Schloser, RISD Painting

  • It's What Families Do Now Eat Your Salad - Oil and Gouache on Panel

    Noa Ironic, RISD MFA Painting

  • Lake - Copper Plate Etching

    Tamar Chameides, RISD Printmaking