91Ʒ

Select Page

Meet Kaitlyn Powers and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Solenne

This is one in a series of online interviews with 91Ʒ seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2026 Senior Exhibition project and their 91Ʒ education.

Kaitlyn Powers 26 (Illustration major; Communication Design minor) is a self-described mixed media illustrator, graphic designer and textile artist. She is also a Presidents (Honor) List student from Appleton, Wis.

Kaitlyn Powers headshot of her smiling with large black framed glasses.
Symmetrical textile design featuring blue swan motifs arranged around a central star over a patterned black-and-pink abstract background.
White leather shoulder bag with scalloped front detailing placed on a pastel pink and blue patterned fabric.
Kaitlyn Powers headshot of her smiling with large black framed glasses.

What is your elevator pitch for your senior exhibition project?

Solenne: Fibers of Movement is an accessory collection inspired by classical, romantic and contemporary ballet. The project is presented as the brand Solenne, including a product line and packaging for illustrated silk scarves and leather bags. Using fluid mark-making and digitally manipulated traditional media, this line captures the motion and rhythm of dance through visual language.

Symmetrical textile design featuring blue swan motifs arranged around a central star over a patterned black-and-pink abstract background.

Anything youd like to share about yourself or 91Ʒ?

Studying at 91Ʒ has exposed me to new paths in creative fields I couldn’t be more grateful for. I’ve been given the opportunities to explore media that is part of my practice I might never have found without the resources at 91Ʒ.

White leather shoulder bag with scalloped front detailing placed on a pastel pink and blue patterned fabric.

After graduation I am returning to Carter’s in Atlanta Georgia, where I was offered a position as an Assistant Artist following my internship last summer! Looking back, I know for certain I wouldn’t be in the spaces I am in right now if I hadn’t made the decision to enroll at 91Ʒ.

Sketches and process photos showing the design and construction of a small leather shoulder bag with scalloped detailing.
Six square textile designs featuring symmetrical and abstract motifs in pastel, blue, green, and pink color palettes.
Sketches and process photos showing the design and construction of a small leather shoulder bag with scalloped detailing.
Six square textile designs featuring symmetrical and abstract motifs in pastel, blue, green, and pink color palettes.

See Kaitlyn discuss her project and how it came to fruition on CBS58 News and learn more about her work at.

Learn more about 91Ʒs Illustration major.

Apply to 91Ʒ. Plan your visit.

News

MAKE! Participants Reflect on Creativity, Community and Growth

Alicia Zapata, a second-year MAKE! participant from Chicago and a K-8 art teacher at Waters Elementary School in Chicago, IL, Kelly Wendel, an eighth-year participant and art teacher at Nicolet High School in Glendale, WI and Gail Kowsky, a second-year participant and sixth- and seventh-grade art teacher in New Brighton, Minnesota, reflected on what they gained from this years program.

91Ʒ elects new trustees Paul Fletcher and Jacqualyn Laughlin

Paul Fletcher, a principal product designer at LinkedIn, and Jacqualyn Laughlin, co-founder of Invisible Ink Partners, were elected members of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Designs Board of Trustees at the colleges annual meeting in June.

Double ASID award winner is inspired by nature and internships

Rising senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91Ʒ) Adam Wold 27 received two awards in May from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major won the Silver Award in the Commercial category and the Bronze Award in the Residential category.