Bucks partnership with MIAD a slam dunk for Black History Month
Vedale Hill and Brandon Luster, 2024.
When the Milwaukee Bucks chose Black Excellence in the Arts as the theme for their Black History Month game in February, it was natural to continue their ongoing partnerships with the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) by reaching out to the college for a live art piece to be created at Fiserv Forum.
MIAD junior Brandon Luster ’25 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) joined Vedale Hill ’11, MIAD alum, adjunct faculty and Milwaukee arts educator and advocate, to collaborate on Hoop Dreams, part of Hill’s ongoing series of work by that name. The piece is inspired by the tenacious spirit of innovation to overcome obstacles.
When asked by the Bucks at the game what it’s like to share an art experience with fans, Luster said, “It’s kind of nerve wracking but it’s fun because you get to participate with the community around you in a way ‘cause people get to see, you get to go back and forth… I really like it.”
Hill added,” It’s always great to work with a student outside of the classroom, so they can see how the profession acts outside the walls…. So it was great for him, great for me – the energy he has is great, the talent is amazing.”
Hill is donating the piece created at the February 8 game for auction at MIAD’s Creative Fusion Scholarship gala on May 4, 2024.
Watch the Hoop Dreams Instagram video. Read more about Vedale Hill and his role in Milwaukee’s HomeWorks: Bronzeville project.
News
La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025
Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants
Galilea Cerda ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.
Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors
Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.