Thanks to the incredible generosity of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品) will award a record $7,150 to an unprecedented 51 seniors in direct support of fabricating their senior exhibition capstone projects. Through the application process, students submit plans, images and sketches of their final projects, as well as detailed budgets for needed materials. Winners were selected by a panel of 56 91精品 alumni with experience in fine art and design career fields.

In 91精品檚 2026 Senior Exhibition running April 17 � May 9, talented seniors boldly challenge societal expectations while finding awe amid our rapidly changing world. The showcase celebrates these workforce-ready creative professionals across all of 91精品檚 Bachelor of Fine Arts majors, programs and minors. Explore our galleries and meet the inspiring Class of 2026. Graduating students will be present on Friday, April 17, 5 � 9 p.m. to discuss their projects in person. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at聽.

The 2026 91精品 Alumni Senior Thesis Award recipients (in alphabetical order) and the working titles of their works are:

Anna Barr (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Domestic Autonomy
Calen Benson (Illustration), Eggistry: The chemical reactions of the egg
Greta Berens (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Large Scale Absurd Self Portrait
Mac Bronnson (Communication Design), MENd: No bro left behind
Ellie Burns (Communication Design), Tether – Making Art. Making Connections.
Makenzie Cincotta (Interior Architecture and Design), Point Park
Kas Cook (Illustration with Animation Track), Mcallaster’s Special
Paige Cosico (Illustration), 2027 Calendar: Inspired by the Philippines
Vee Devendorf (Communication Design), Kovo: Their Little Everyday Toolbox
Katharine Dunn (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Alter to Self as Home
Eeshaan Dutt (Illustration), Indra Supreme
Melody Frias (Communication Design), Paperoo
Liberty Green (Communication Design), Trace The Fabric of Time
Colleen Hackett (Illustration), Bella Becomes a Bug
Elliot Hagen (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), The Armory
Levi Johnson (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Her Arm
Vicky Jordan (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), The Hanging Garden of Ages
Anna Keebler (Product Design), StageBase modular theater stage design system
Kylie Kenny (Illustration), A Family In the Future: 2027 as imagined in 1957
Inkyul Kim (Illustration), A Journey To The West: Illustrated edition
Joe Kline (Fashion and Apparel Design), Garage Sale, five look collection by seacat
Taylor Leinstock (Illustration), The Rainforest That Would Not Talk
Mila Lovecky (Illustration), Binky Makes Pancakes
Mia MacDonald (Communication Design), Rescue Right
Melanie Macias Real (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Las Manos Que Te Alimentan
Abbi Maloney (Illustration with Animation Track), Magical Girl Syndrome
sophia mazzolari (Product Design), minimize
Alexis McConnell (Illustration with Animation Track), Making Friends
Sam Mendez (Illustration), Flora
Alesya Merkepel (Illustration with Animation Track), NORTH04
Frankie Merrill (Illustration), The Radium Girls
Logan Moris (Product Design), Regrowth
Jun Moyer (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Was It Worthwhile?
Audrey Nadrasik (Product Design), Haylo
Ashley Osorio (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), So帽ando Estados Unidos (Dreaming United States)
Zoe Patselas (Communication Design), Everwrap: The Green Way to Gift
Abby Phillips (Illustration), Marine Majesty: An Aquatic Themed Card Deck
Kaitlyn Powers (Illustration), Solenne
Leandra Prieto (Illustration), Little Champs
Cassie Rapp (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Please Lay with Me
Andrea Robleto (Illustration), An Adventure Through Prehistoric Earth
Arden Schroeder (Illustration), Redwoods National & State Park flora and fauna merchandise
Amanda Smithivas (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Hodgepodge
Bailey Staerkel (Fashion and Apparel Design), Stitched Together: The Fashion of Gothic Horror
Jessika Turnbull (Communication Design), Go Solo
Grace Weisner (Illustration), Arctic Advent: A 24-Day Arctic Wildlife Advent Calendar
Samantha Westfall (Illustration), Inked & Aware
Natalie White (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), Suspended in the Clouds
Nolan Wollmer (Illustration with Animation Track), In High Definition
Tatum Woodcock (Communication Design), Hello Operator
Kyle Woodfin (Illustration), A WHITE LAMENT Narrative Promo Package

91精品 TASK Graduate Award
Ashley Osorio (Fine Art + New Studio Practice)

Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.

Look for an artwork on loan from 91精品 Collections in the upcoming Lynden Sculpture Garden exhibition �.� The exhibition illuminates the lives of Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink, co-founders of 91精品檚 predecessor college the Layton School of Art. 91精品 Collections will lend a watercolor and pencil artwork, 淭he Little Town� by Helen Hoppin, to the Lynden Sculpture Garden for the duration of the exhibition.

Selections from Helen Hoppin collection, 91精品 Collections, 2025.

After graduating in the first class of the Layton School of Art in 1921, Hoppin returned to the college as an instructor. Hoppin died two years later in a train accident. Although her life was tragically cut short, Hoppin produced many artworks still held by 91精品 Collections, many of which are on view in the River Level west hallway.

Faythe Levine, curator of 淭ime is Running Out� at the Lynden Sculpture Garden, will visit 91精品 on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 to present 淨ueer Investigation & Storytelling in the Archive: 91精品 Foremothers Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink.�

Learn more about 91精品 Galleries and plan your visit to Levine檚 lecture!

In the photo area of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, where digital technology and the darkroom intersect, the Perspectives Gallery shines its own light on contemporary image makers.

淭he gallery presents contemporary image makers to the college as a way to complement classroom curriculum and interests,� says Grant Gill �13 (Photography). As photography and digital media lab technician, Gill runs the gallery with Fine Art + New Studio Practice Professor Jon Horvath and student involvement.

91精品 Pre-College students use the lighting and photo studios.

淚n the last 10 years alone, we’ve been able to share with our students the works of so many internationally recognized artists and photographers,� says Horvath, 渋ncluding , , , , , , , � the list goes on and on.�

The current exhibition, 淚n Another Life,� shows works by visual artist through October 24. Escobar檚 website describes him as 渁 queer Latinx image-maker whose photographic practice explores intimacy, desire and the ephemeral nature of queer connection.�

淚’m showing a mixture of new and old work; however, the old work has never been seen before in an exhibition setting,� Escobar says. 淐onceptually I am speaking to the act of reconnecting with an old flame unexpectedly at different points in life. When I think back to my time with him at these two separate points, the richer toned lumen prints are how I choose to remember him.�

Escobar hopes that 渟tudents are able to take away that revisiting old work can inspire a whole new collection or series�. I feel often artists, in particular art students, assume that a certain series or project is complete after a certain point�. My art practice of using lumen prints and focusing on queer romances has evolved continuously throughout the past few years and I don’t see it ending anytime soon.�

淚 also hope,� says Escobar, 渢hat students can look at this exhibition and see that photography can be such a tactile medium, and exploring ways of printing images is essential to further bringing one’s concepts to life.�

Gill adds that in addition to shows during the academic year, 渞ecently, over summers, we have been dedicating the gallery space to one recent graduate who works with photography and imaging. This is to give them an opportunity to show an expanded view of their senior thesis presentation.�

�25 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice; Arts Management) most recently expanded on her senior capstone project, 淏alikbayan,� through the Perspectives exhibition 淏etween Us.� named Samoy a Top 25 Student to Watch in July 2025.

Visit the Perspectives Gallery in Room 299 and follow it on .

The 91精品 Alumni Association Board promotes engagement and connection through activities and events, such as the upcoming 91精品 Alumni Reunion. Hear from incoming president Szymanski and departing president Mulloy on their visions for the 91精品 Alumni Board and their connection to 91精品 and its creative community.

David Szymanski

David Szymanski

As the incoming president, what is your vision for the 91精品 alumni board?
First, let me start by saying how impressed I am by the work that Sara and Kyle Hernandez (Director of Alumni and Family Relations) have done in making the 91精品 alumni board what it is today. I hope to continue the momentum that the board has built and work to recruit more members to be active in the alumni community. While we are a small school, we have such an impressive array of wildly talented and world-known artists, designers, creators, and more. This is an incredible resource for current students and such an amazing way for alumni to feel connected and empowered to give back to the next generation. With that idea in mind, I檇 like to start building out more structured programming for current students and alumni with events, networking opportunities, classes, etc.

Why have you remained active in the 91精品 alumni community?
I joined the board in 2022 and, like a lot of the members at large, I wanted to give back to an institution that gave me so much. I didn’t anticipate to get so much from the experience; it filled an empty cup I had to remain active with the younger generation of artists. It’s been so rewarding helping build and create events that ushered in current students and alumni across the board. It檚 been really exciting as well to have a pulse on what’s going on at 91精品 and how they have been able to expand programs and build out new spaces to support the ever-changing impact of technology and art.

What impact do 91精品 alumni have at 91精品 and in the broader creative community?
91精品 alumni have a major impact at 91精品 whether they realize it or not (and that’s the story we are trying to tell). From acting as judges for Senior Thesis projects, helping to distribute thousands of dollars of fundings; to meeting with students over a cup of coffee for impromptu career guidance; to formally discussing their world renowned work in a classroom setting攐ur alumni have a huge impact on our students that truly shapes their time at 91精品. We are an invaluable resource for students who need help in building a portfolio, making introductions to tastemakers/creative directors/artists/etc and in general in the community.

As for the creative community at large, we are an uberly talented group of alumni working in a variety of different fields and spaces from law to music to art攁ll proudly wearing our River Rat badge. In the creative community we have shown that a small arts school can make some major waves in every market, space, and area around the world. 91精品 has 減ushed� out some of the best and brightest and we hope that we can help that energy and nurture the next wave of creative talent.

Anything else you’d like to add about the alumni board or your 91精品 experience?
We are always in need of more creative energy, in whatever capacity you are able to give it. We welcome every alum no matter your role, company, level of experience, etc. We are pretty low commitment and are a great way to stay involved in your building blocks of your career. I檓 very accessible and happy to talk with anyone who has questions or would like to learn more.

Sara Mulloy

Sara Mulloy

What are you proudest of during your tenure as 91精品 alumni board president?
I檓 especially proud of my work with the Alumni Board in developing the Alumni of Influence event. It has grown year after year into a powerful platform where current students and alumni can connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships that offer lasting value to everyone involved.

Why have you remained active in the 91精品 alumni community?
My time at 91精品 was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I檝e been fortunate to find success in the years since. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back and share the insights I檝e gained with those just beginning their journey as part of the 91精品 alumni community.

What impact do 91精品 alumni have at 91精品 and in the broader creative community?
There are 91精品 alumni spread throughout the city, the state, the country, and beyond攕haring our creativity and knowledge within our communities every day. Much of the foundation for our talents and ideas was built during our time at 91精品, where we were challenged, inspired, and supported to grow as artists, designers, and thinkers. That shared experience continues to connect us, and is reflected in our personal and professional lives, no matter where we are.

Anything else you’d like to add about the alumni board or your 91精品 experience?
I am thankful for my time serving as Alumni Board president and look forward to continuing supporting the Board under David’s leadership.

Keep up with and , join the Alumni Board and get involved with 91精品檚 Alumni resources!

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品) is honored to partner with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to showcase the work of the college檚 students and alumni.

MKE Prints

This collection of hand-pulled screen prints was created by Communication Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design.

Each piece offers a unique perspective on Milwaukee攊ts culture, landmarks and spirit攖ransformed through bold design and the tactile process of screen printing. Together, the works celebrate both the city and the power of print to tell visual stories.

The exhibition is curated by Brian Bowles �01, Associate Professor of Communication Design at 91精品.

Meet the Artists

Johanna Yim �24, “Bars Per Capita,” MKE Prints.

Megan Huss �24, “City of Milwaukee Sewer,” MKE Prints.

Rhiannon Lammert �25, “Set Sail for the Good Land,” MKE Prints.

Tatum Woodcock �26, “The Milwaukee Roller Coaster,” MKE Prints.

Michael Salgado �25, “Fuel the Fire,” MKE Prints.

Community advocate, business owner, writer and editor Lexi S. Brunson �14, an alum and assistant professor of Writing and Humanities at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品), recently accepted two awards: Best Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiative (Business) at the 34th annual and Historic King Drive Business of the Year.

Brunson accepted The Main Street Award this spring for on Milwaukee檚 Historic King Drive, a joint initiative with Jazale檚 Art Studio and Vedale檚 Art Studio, whose art director is Vedale Hill �11. Hill is also facilities/gallery manager for /CW Creative Studios + Shop, which Brunson and Hill founded in 2023 and renovated through 2024 in the city檚 Bronzeville neighborhood.

Brunson describes /CW Creative Studios + Shop as blending 渁 retail shop, event space, co-working lounge and specialized studios into a hub for creatives, business owners and organizations � all to foster collaboration, entrepreneurship and community engagement among black and brown creatives and entrepreneurs.�

淚t檚 more than a creative space,� says Brunson. 淚t檚 a movement.�

Brunson and Hill檚 latest initiative is , described in a release as 渁 mentoring-focused Artist-in-Residency program that connects youth with a professional creative.�

Open to youth ages 13 � 25, the program will provide mentors and mentees stipends to emphasize the value of creative practice while navigating the economic necessities of a quality and sustainable practice. 91精品 students Ari Petrie �27 and Kennedi Adams �28 are participating in the 2025 spring/summer cohort, which Hill leads.

Brunson is also founder and editor in chief of , which received the BID Historic King Drive award. Brunson says, 淭he BID selects a business that 榰plifts and preserves the authentic essence of Milwaukee檚 King Drive as we progress towards an inclusive, prosperous future.櫇

淚 was actually invited by the BID to moderate a panel at the Bronzeville Business Breakfast, and before I could walk off the stage, they stopped me and presented me with the award,� she says. 淚 was totally in shock � but it was a true validation that using creativity to guide entrepreneurship and #supportthelocal is something my community values.�

Brunson graduated from 91精品 with a major in Interior Architecture and Design and holds an M.A. in Media Studies. Hill majored in Integrated Studio Arts (now Fine Art + New Studio Practice).

Cultivata, the 2025 Senior Exhibition project by �25 (Communication Design) at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品), was named a Gold Foil winner in 檚 2025 Digital Design Awards. Only 10 percent of the more than 3,000 entries earn this national distinction.

淐ultivata is a community gardening app and brand rooted in a simple question: Why does gardening feel so inaccessible, especially to people who want to try it out?� says Mallerdino.

淭his project dives into that gap � connecting local knowledge, simplifying the process and building tools that make growing food feel more approachable and communal. It was shaped by interviews with local gardeners, conversations with nurseries, survey data, competitor research, personal experience, plus more � all grounded in a desire to bring people closer to each other and to the food they grow.�

淭he Communication Design (CD) Department is incredibly proud of Frankie,� says Adam Setala, department chair and associate professor. 淭his recognition not only reflects the exceptional quality of Frankie檚 work but also highlights the strength and mentorship within [the] department and the impact of our students and program on the future of design.�

The hardest part about Cultivata was 渒nowing when to stop building,� explains Mallerdino. 淏ecause the topic was so layered, it was easy to keep adding features and content, but I had to learn how to narrow the focus without losing the heart of the idea.

淚’m leaving 91精品 with a deeper understanding of how design can shape behavior, not just aesthetics. The CD program taught me how to turn ideas into systems that are clear, functional and grounded in real world context.�

A community volunteer from a young age, Mallerdino says, 淭hat influence is all over Cultivata, which was built with the belief that small, local efforts can create real impact when people are supported.

淭his project has been a turning point for me, not just in design, but in understanding the kind of systems I want to build. Thoughtful, functional and rooted in care.�

Currently, Mallerdino says, 淚’m pursuing full-time opportunities where I can grow within a team and take on more collaborative long-term challenges. In the meantime, I’ve been fortunate to work on client projects that have helped me continue refining my process and pushing my work in meaningful directions. Most recently, that’s included large scale CNC signage for a small local German restaurant and a 20th anniversary rebrand for an industrial design company.�

Learn more about 91精品檚 top ranked Communication Design major.

Wisconsin State Fair has named �16 (Integrated Studio Arts) the 2025 Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist for her hand-painted poster featuring this year檚 theme, 測outh enjoying the state fair.�

The South Milwaukee artist has a vibrant practice � Lauren Marvell Illustrations � that includes projects for municipalities, health care systems, Marquette University, Radio Milwaukee, Titletown and Milwaukee Art Museum.

Fair officials say her poster 渂ursts with fun colors and spotlights the vibrancy of young people soaking in all that the has to offer.�

Marvell says she finds it 渇un to plant people (and pets and places) I know in my drawings (with their permission!), especially family and friends. It檚 a fun way to personalize the drawing experience. Plus, I love being able to point at my drawings and say, 楬ey, look! It檚 my friend!櫇

淚 especially love working with cities,� Marvell says of her client portfolio. 淚t檚 always fun to learn more about a place, especially if they檙e close to home. I檝e gotten to learn about so many awesome local businesses, parks, public art spaces and more through the research I do before I start sketching.

淢y favorite project was definitely the Oak Creek Trailer. It was amazing getting to draw something on my tiny iPad, then getting to see it on such a large scale. Plus, seeing it around town is always a special treat!�

淐onnections are everything,� advises Marvell. 淪o much work is generated through social media, vending at shows, word of mouth and by people seeing the projects I post/share/sell. Staying active and making work is also important. Even if I檓 not in the middle of a big commission, I檒l always find a way to make something that I檓 excited about.

淎 silly series I檝e been working on with my mom and dad is called 楪roovin� in the Garden�. They檙e puns about the music we listen to and gardens we grow! Like Dolly Parsnip, Frank Cilantro, Ozzy Cob-Corn � all illustrated in a groovy-colorful format�. I檝e also been working on some fun stuff for local libraries and schools!�

Does Marvell feel unique as an illustrator with a fine art background? 淚 took an Illustration course my senior year and LOVED it she says, 渂ut in the end I really value the advice and guidance given to me by my teachers. I feel it helps me approach illustration from a different angle.�

Commemorative posters and other items featuring Marvell檚 artwork will be available for purchase at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Proceeds support the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation.

Learn more about 91精品檚 fine art major, Fine Art + New Studio Practice, and Illustration major.

Award-winning children檚 illustrator and author �93, who majored in Illustration at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品), has been named one of two Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year by the .

The award recognizes artists 渇or their voices, vision and service in shaping and elevating Milwaukee檚 vibrant arts scene,� said Ald. Milele A. Coggs, chair of the Milwaukee Arts Board, in a release. Amal Azzam was also named a 2025 Artist of the Year, and Nakeysha Roberts Washington and Symphony Swan-Zawadi were named 2025 Friends of the Arts.

Boyd, a Milwaukee native, has illustrated more than 40 books. Several focus on engaging people with the struggles and successes of such Black American icons as Vel Phillips and John Lewis, and with the richness and diversity of Milwaukee檚 neighborhoods. The Harambee neighborhood, for example, is seen in Boyd檚 first acclaimed written and illustrated book, 淕iving Good� (2024), about his father, and Boyd檚 son Lucas represents Boyd檚 younger self.

淚 am always most interested in children relating to someone else or a character in a story,� says Boyd. 淎sking, 楥an you relate to this girl檚 feelings even if you are not a girl?� Or 楥an you relate to this orphaned boy from Haiti?� They may not have experienced the exact experience � but when you have that empathy dialog, we all get greater understanding.�

淥ne of the greatest awards � is when a young artist or child stops me to say how much a book of mine spoke to them. This award is just like that child or artist who reaches out to me because it is from my home, Milwaukee.�

Boyd says his learning continues today. 淲e often think of college as four years, but I still connect with my 91精品 teachers to go over ideas, share a new piece or simply have lunch. This is something that cannot be measured by a school檚 rank, cost or curriculum alone. To have educators who share in the creative journey with me well after my time in school is priceless. In many ways, they all still teach me.�

Over the last several years, Boyd has been refining a newer style, using more contrast and mixed media. In addition to exhibiting, he runs workshops and discussions around art, storytelling and wellness throughout the community to, Boyd says, encourage kids (and others) to tell their own stories, without judgment, and to understand the transformative power of art.

Boyd檚 advice for aspiring illustrators?

淥ne of the greatest lessons I pass on is that technique/style comes second. I remember how much we fretted in school trying to find our defining style that would make our mark. Over the years I have come to feel that it檚 substance that must come first. Experience new foods, make a lot of friends, travel, read, observe and be okay with the mistakes. These are the things that bring soul and life to one檚 work. Your style and technical skill will come in time. When it does, you need to have something to say with it. Everything you absorb can be a part of your education.�

The awards will be presented on June 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall lobby.

Learn more about 91精品檚 award-winning Illustration major. Follow Aaron Boyd:

Twelve students and recent graduates from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91精品) received 2025 honors from the national , with one graduate receiving three awards for works done while a student. The 2025 awards marked the highest monetary award received by 91精品 Illustration students, with the number of accepted entries steadily increasing over the last ten years.

�25 and �24 received Scholarships Awards: Nelson the Chiu-Yueh Lai Scholarship Award for her mixed-media work 淗arriet Tubman,� and Anderson the In Memory of Harry Rosenbaum Award for her digital 淎lice in Wonderland Cup.� Anderson also received honors for the digital works: 淗ave a Fire B-Day� and 淲ild Things.�

Julius Koo, “Roadside Picnic”

Nearly 2,000 college-level students from 62 schools were nominated by their professors for the awards, which are judged by professional peers, including illustrators and art directors. An exhibition of all selected students is held May 7 � June 7, 2025, at the society檚 New York headquarters, with a reception on May 9.

According to the society, 淧ieces are accepted based on the quality of technique, concept and skill of medium used.”

淭he Chiu-Yueh Lai Scholarship Award is an amazing honor, and it not only will provide me with financial support as I begin my career after graduation, but it has also boosted my confidence in my illustrative work,� says Nelson.

淚 have been continuing to work in cut paper, and I have recently completed another book dummy that I will be submitting to publishers and agents over the next few months.�

淭his piece was made in tandem with a book cover for Illustration Seminar II as a way to get us practicing book illustration on classic pieces of literature, my selection being 淎lice檚 Adventures in Wonderland,� says Anderson. 淢y goal was to create an image full of the life and madness that檚 associated with the story while utilizing negative space to depict Alice herself, and overall I really enjoyed the process and the outcome.�

Additional 91精品 awardees are Tom Painter �26 for 淪tick,� Sydney Bledsoe �25 for 淒og in Store,� Julia Flock �25 for 淧enfield Poster,� Julius Koo �26 for 淩oadside Picnic,� Cyprien Morin �24 for 淧epe’s Kitchen 1,� Riley Peters �25 for 淧enfield Poster,� Intan Zulkifi �24 for 淢uslin Mountains,� Xander Maxwell �26 for 淗appy Halloween,� Sarah Winans �25 for 淲here is Shadow,� and Lexington Berens-VanHeest �25 for 淓ric Carle.”

Learn more about 91精品檚 award-winning Illustration and Animation programs!