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
Meet Bailey Staerkel and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Stitched Together
Bailey Staerkel ’26 (Fashion and Apparel Design) is a Dean’s List student from Vancouver, Wash., and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. My thesis, Stitched Together, is an exploration of Gothic horror through fashion, taking classic horror archetypes and reinterpreting them into a collection of fully realized couture looks.
MIAD faculty Yi receives Wisconsin Academy Fellows Award
Multidisciplinary artist, curator, mentor and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) professor Jason S. Yi has been named a 2026 Fellow of the prestigious Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. Yi is one of “16 extraordinary Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service,” the Academy said in its awards announcement.
Meet Logan Moris and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Regrowth
This is one in a series of online interviews with MIAD seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2026 Senior Exhibition project and their MIAD education. Logan Moris ’26 (Product Design) is from West Bend, Wis., and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. What...
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Jason Yi
Jason Yi, Professor of Fine Art + New Studio Practice, received the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) Values Recognition Award for March 2026. Jason received nominations that highlighted his embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Integrity, Kindness and Community.
Meet Makenzie Cincotta and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Point Park
Makenzie Cincotta ’26 (Interior Architecture and Design) is a Dean’s List student from Milwaukee and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award.