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
Pallas Textiles competition provides real-world experience
First-place winner Sophia Simonson ’28 created Refractions as part of her MIAD studies in Interior Architecture and Design. She is one of 20 students studying at MIAD through a cross-registration program with Concordia University. MIAD students Kaitlyn Powers ’26 (Illustration) and Natalie Spetell ’27 (Product Design), both of whom have minors in Communication Design, received Honorable Mentions.
2026 First-Year Exhibition showcases professional growth
An annual tradition at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design from late March through September, the juried First-Year Experience Exhibition celebrates students’ yearlong personal and professional growth.
Meet Carmen Briones and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Echo
Carmen Briones ‘26 (Product Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Cambria, Wis., president of the MIAD IDSA student chapter and an intern at SI Jacobson Manufacturing. Briones designed a device called “Echo” that removes ovarian cysts without surgery.
Meet Eeshaan Dutt and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Indra Supreme
Eeshan Dutt ‘26 (Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from India and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. Dutt’s work centers on visual storytelling through sequential art, where he explores how narratives can engage and connect with audiences.
Poster designs boost professional skillsets, children’s nonprofit
Continuing an annual tradition begun in 2010 at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Illustration juniors worked with Cramer-Krasselt and Penfield Children’s Center to design posters for the center’s Annual Croquet Ball fundraiser.