Pratt reveals Kay WalkingStick, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Edward Mazria as Legends 2023 honorees

Pratt Institute has announced architect Edward Mazria, artist Kay WalkingStick, and industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue as the honorees at this year’s Legends 2023 benefit, which aims to raise money for scholarships that prioritize DEI initiatives and equal access to education.

The trio was announced last week by the school in advance of their November 9th banquet, which takes place at the historic Weylin event space in Brooklyn.

The school shares: “Legends 2023 will celebrate the achievements of these remarkable Pratt alumni and raise vital funds to provide scholarships that foster diversity within the Pratt community. Eighty percent of Pratt students rely on financial aid to pursue their educational aspirations and contributions from events like Legends 2023 play a pivotal role in shaping the future of creative talent. Through the Legends scholarship program, Pratt is able to support and foster the inclusion of diverse artists, designers, architects, and creative thinkers.”

Each honoree is an alum of Pratt and was selected over their “remarkable and responsible contributions to the creative world.”

Mazria, the “visionary” founder of Architecture 2030, has garnered recognition for his work surrounding energy consumption, sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate resiliency. He was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2021 and has also received the  Mumford Award from Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, The Purpose Prize, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council for Science and the Environment, among many others.

WalkingStick, an Indigenous Cherokee/Anglo artist, is known for her metaphor-imbued landscape paintings. Her work is included in public collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and Whitney Museum of American Art. Outside of her art practice, WalkingStick has also taught at Cornell University since 2006.

Cobonpue, who hails from the Philippines, is a noted manufacturer and designer of craft furnishings, with offices and showrooms worldwide. He received the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ highest honor for his contributions to Filipino culture and design in 2020 and was named “rattan’s great virtuoso” by TIME magazine, amongst several other accolades.