Pre-College goes virtual for the first time in history
The MIAD Pre-College program provides an opportunity for high school students to develop their artistic skills and prepare to attend an art and design college. Pre-College went virtual this summer due to the pandemic. Students and professors met online everyday for class lectures, critiques and projects.
The two-week Core Studio Concepts and the three-week Advanced Studio Concepts included course topics on graphic design, illustration, industrial design and more. Students created their own personal studio spaces inside their homes, from their bedrooms to their living rooms.
“I believe that this is one of the finest groups of Pre-College students we have ever had. They showed a certain attitude of resiliency, passion and an appetite for learning that I have not seen for quite some time. Their attitude has really restored my faith that we’re going to move forward through this in a positive way,” said James Barany, Fine Arts professor.
In the video above, students and professors talk about their summer Pre-College experience.
News
Student commission celebrates previous MIAD board chair
Deanna Tillisch, outgoing chair of the board at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), received a student-commissioned monotype print in recognition of her service. “Deanna Dancing” was made by Anna Louise Barr ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice).
MIAD elects new board chair and three new trustees
MIAD elects new board chair and three new trustees: Amanda Singh to board chair; Abim Kolawole, Lauren Hurley, and Bob Schwartz as trustees.
Meet AJ Schramek and Senior Exhibition project Life is a Drag!
AJ Schramek ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Villa Park, Ill., who received a 2025 MIAD Alumni Senior Thesis Award.
Bronzeville initiatives by MIAD alums garner state and local awards
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 (MIAD), recently accepted two awards: Best Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiative (Business) at the 34th annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards and Historic King Drive Business of the Year.
Fine Art senior selected for Tidal Shift Award
Marta Tereziya ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), a senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), was recognized with a 2025 Tidal Shift award for her oil painting “Global Warning.” The award celebrates young artists who want to solve the climate crisis.