Events
We invite you to get involved with MIAD through the many events we host each year. Your participation supports students and alumni and helps create a galvanized education and creative community, addressing universal needs through our thought, design and expression. Join our mailing list to receive event updates!
MIAD Creativity Series
Founded in 2012, the MIAD Creativity Series annually brings in internationally preeminent artists, designers and creative scholars/educators to celebrate excellence in the arts, enrich the experiences of MIAD students and engage the community in new ways of thinking about and appreciating the visual arts and the world of design. Visiting creatives have an in-depth residency with MIAD students and present a public presentation.
MIAD Holiday Sale
The annual MIAD Holiday Sale supports students and alumni in showcasing and selling their one-of-a-kind art and design work (at all price points) to community members and art enthusiasts. The event is held during the first weekend of December. Proceeds support the artists/designers and MIAD student scholarships.
MIAD Senior Exhibition
MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kind, features more than 130 artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors.
Creative Fusion
Milwaukee’s signature fundraiser in the heart of MIAD’s creative studios, Creative Fusion, is an annual benefit for MIAD scholarships. The night includes a cocktail hour and dinner, as well as a live auction of artworks donated by a variety of artists.
Alumni Events
MIAD’s Alumni Office regularly hosts events for MIAD alumni! Check out featured events coming up.
Gallery Exhibitions
MIAD features two gallery spaces that are free and open to the public: The Frederick Layton Gallery and Brooks Stevens Gallery of Industrial Design. The galleries are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. View our current gallery exhibition schedule. Gallery tours are available.
Join Our Mailing List
Get updates on MIAD’s latest events!
Academic and Other Events
For other events, see our Academic Calendar and General Events Calendar.
Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact Tracy Milkowski at tracymilkowski@miad.edu or 414‑847‑3239.
Need a location for your next event? If you would like to have your event hosted at MIAD, please contact Meghan Wingert, Assistant Director of Facilities & Logistics, at meghanwingert@miad.edu or (414) 847-3318.
News
Yale Norfolk Summer Program accepts Fine Art junior
Greta Berens ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) was accepted to participate in the summer Yale Norfolk program in Norfolk, Connecticut. The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) junior is one of 25 students who will attend the six-week program.
MIAD alum is state fair Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist
Wisconsin State Fair has named Lauren Marvell ’16 (Integrated Studio Arts) the 2025 Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist for her hand-painted poster featuring this year’s theme, “youth enjoying the state fair.”
Milwaukee Public Market celebrates 20 years with MIAD collaboration
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Milwaukee Public Market looked to the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) for designs reflecting the market and Milwaukee.
Poster designs support professional practice, children’s nonprofit
Each year, Illustration juniors at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) work with Cramer-Krasselt and Penfield Children’s Center to design posters for the Penfield Children’s Center Annual Croquet Ball fundraiser.
Milwaukee Art Museum partners with MIAD Lubar Innovation Center
For its annual celebration of art, flowers and spring, the Milwaukee Art Museum turned once again to the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).