Davide Prete

Davide Prete serves as an Associate Professor of Art in the Department of Arts and Humanities within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), a position he has held since 2018. He actively participates in university governance as a Faculty Senate Member and serves on the Art Committee, Curriculum Committee, and Accreditation Steering Committee.

His academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture (2011) and Master of Art in Art (2010) from Fontbonne University, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (2004) from University Iuav of Venice, Italy. Additional credentials include a Diploma Fab Academy from MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms (2014) and an MIT xPRO Certificate in Additive Manufacturing (2020).

Prete's research centers on the convergence of art, architecture, and digital innovation, with primary expertise in sculpture, digital fabrication, and public art. His work explores generative design methodologies, lattice structures in artistic applications, and AI-driven 3D modeling techniques. He investigates how computational approaches transform traditional sculptural practices and enable new forms of public engagement through large-scale installations.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward computational artistry, emphasizing AI text-to-3D generation, mathematical pattern systems in digital sculpture, and scaling methodologies for physical realization. These works bridge artistic expression with engineering principles and computer science, establishing interdisciplinary connections across creative and technical domains.

Notable recognitions include:

• MFA Small Wonders Award (2024)
• Conley Award, MFA Winter Member Show (2023)
• Honorable Mentions, MFA Winter Member Show (2023)
• MIT xPRO Certificate in Additive Manufacturing (2020)

Prete has secured substantial public art funding including the 2024 Shelter Bus Sculpture and Endangered Animal Art projects, 2023 Adams Morgan Christmas lights and Covid memorial installations, and the D.C. Commission on Arts and Humanities Art Bank Grant (2023). His grant portfolio reflects a commitment to community-centered artistic interventions addressing contemporary social and environmental themes.

He maintains active collaborations with municipal arts agencies and participates in technical assistance programs for commemorative works, demonstrating leadership in translating digital concepts into physical public spaces through advanced fabrication techniques.