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.