Artist featured in MIAD exhibition named McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist
Douglas R. Ewart, an interdisciplinary artist from Minnesota whose work spans musical performance, instrument making, painting and teaching, was named the 2022 McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist. The award recognizes “artists who have made significant lifelong contributions to Minnesota, enriching our communities” and carries a $100,000 grant.
Ewart is currently displaying work in MIAD’s “Then as Now: Woodland Pattern 1980-2022” gallery exhibition. “Then as Now” features four decades of visual history of Milwaukee’s Woodland Pattern Book Center and over 100 artists who have exhibited there, with works ranging from printmaking and fiber arts to sculpture and sound arts. The exhibition runs from October 10 to December 3, 2022 in MIAD’s Frederick Layton Gallery.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Ewart currently lives in south Minneapolis, where he focuses on multi-instrumental creation and performance, sound sculpture and visual art. He has won prestigious awards and performed at national and international venues. His musical and visual composition “Crepuscule” has been performed at numerous jazz festivals.
“Douglas Ewart has been a mentor to countless musicians, performers, and creatives in Minnesota and nationally,” said DeAnna Cummings, Arts & Culture program director at McKnight Foundation. “This award honors his heart and genius as well as his influence and impact.” Marcus Jones, who served on the panel that chose Ewart, said, “The panel was moved by the nomination letters that not only spoke of Ewart’s talents and contributions as an artist and trailblazer, but also of the love, deep respect, and gratitude these nominators feel for him. They detailed an artist who lives his creative life thoroughly and shares generously with the community.” Read the McKnight Foundation’s full post about Ewart here.
View Ewart’s contribution to “Then as Now: Woodland Pattern 1980-2022” at the opening reception on Friday, October 14 at 5pm in the Frederick Layton Gallery at MIAD. Read more here about MIAD’s gallery schedule.
News
MIAD professor brings love of branding to projects and students
Brian Bowles ’01, professor of Communication Design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finds freelance projects “deeply fulfilling” and beneficial to himself and to his students.
Independence First and MIAD students produce adaptive clothing
Students in a junior-level Fashion and Apparel Design class at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) collaborated with Independence First to design adaptive clothing. Two Independence First employees worked closely with MIAD students on customized outfits specific to their needs and preferences.
‘GQ Rebranded’ series is a hit for MIAD alum’s new studio
When Justin Thomas Kay ’04 (Communication Design) opened his own studio, JTK Studio, Inc., in New York City early this year, he hoped that his work “would contribute positively to helping to make things look nicer and more enjoyable and speak honestly to people broadly.” The new GQ Sports series “GQ Rebranded” turned out to be a good fit to do just that.
MIAD student support system receives national SMILE Award
Choose Mental Health, the national voice for children’s mental health, named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the 2024 SMILE Award–Organization Winner for the college’s commitment to promoting mental health and well-being among its students.
Senior’s passion for Illustration and Natural Sciences thrives at MIAD
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Lilly Zbiegien’s two passions – Illustration and Natural Sciences – flourished at an early age and have continued through college. Recently Zbiegien presented her Natural Science Independent Study research, “Junkyard Nests,” showing not only the impact of plastic pollution on birds, but also her skill in portraying the environment through Illustration.