Diamond Barnett-Lewis

Excited voices filled the halls and studios as MIAD welcomed 170 future artists and designers from around the country to the 2011 Pre-College program. 

Pre-College provides intensive summer art and design training for high school students interested in exploring or pursuing a career in a creative field.

Diamond Barnett-Lewis, 16, of Milwaukee, is in her third year in the Pre-College program.  She registered for the advanced, three-week MAJORS program for the first time, focusing on printmaking. Like many students in the program, Barnett-Lewis receives a Pre-College Scholarship through the Department of Public Instruction.

“MIAD is a great starting place for any artist who wants to express themselves,” Barnett-Lewis said.  “It teaches you everything you need to know to become the artist you want to be.” 

Pre-College is open both to students who wish residency and to those who do not. Students in the three-week advanced MAJORS program can earn three MIAD college credits.

Barnett-Lewis said she particularly enjoys the vibrancy of the residency experience, new to her this year.

“Everyone does art … all the time. Now it’s 21 days of art. It never stops,” she said.

New this year too is the first annual MAJORS Exhibition Awards Ceremony and Closing Reception on Saturday, July 30, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Brooks Stevens Gallery, hosted by the Offices of Admissions and Pre-College.

The two-week beginner and intermediate program will have a reception and exhibition on Saturday, July 23, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Click here to learn more about Pre-College and request information.