Fine arts students from Rockford, IL make big community impact
Lain Weickert ’21 (New Studio Practice: Fine Arts) was awarded a $1,250 commission from the Our City Our Story initiative in Rockford, IL for a public art commission. The initiative is based on re-sparking community interest and investing into community culture. The winner was chosen by ballot from the community. Weickert is making a large-scale welded pillar with 42 laser-cut portraits of community members.
Tyler Yomantas ’19 (New Studio Practice: Fine Arts) was nominated in the Individual Artist category for a Rockford Area Art Award, as an artist who has made a meaningful impact through their artwork. The awards are through a partnership with the Rockford Arts Council and Rockford Art Museum.
News
Containment Breach Selected for ICON13 Motion Commotion Screening
Parker Deutsch ’26 (Illustration – Animation Track) recently had the animated short “Containment Breach” selected for screening in Motion Commotion, part of ICON13, the Illustration Conference. The showcase features innovative animation and motion-based work from illustrators and animators across the field.
MAKE! Participants Reflect on Creativity, Community and Growth
Alicia Zapata, a second-year MAKE! participant from Chicago and a K-8 art teacher at Waters Elementary School in Chicago, IL, Kelly Wendel, an eighth-year participant and art teacher at Nicolet High School in Glendale, WI and Gail Kowsky, a second-year participant and sixth- and seventh-grade art teacher in New Brighton, Minnesota, reflected on what they gained from this year’s program.
Meet Maya Koehn and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project L’Atelier
Maya Koehn ‘26 (Interior Architecture and Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Sheboygan, Wis., currently employed as a Junior Designer at Direct Supply.
Meet Kaitlyn Powers and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Solenne
Kaitlyn Powers ’26 (Illustration major; Communication Design minor) is a self-described mixed media illustrator, graphic designer and textile artist. She is also a President’s (Honor) List student from Appleton, Wis.
Meet Emily Camp and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Predisposed
Emily Camp ‘26 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Fox River Grove, Ill.