Select Page

Meet Kaitlyn Powers and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Solenne

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.

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.

Kaitlyn Powers headshot of her smiling with large black framed glasses.
Kaitlyn Powers ’26
Symmetrical textile design featuring blue swan motifs arranged around a central star over a patterned black-and-pink abstract background.
Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Scarf
White leather shoulder bag with scalloped front detailing placed on a pastel pink and blue patterned fabric.
Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Bag
Kaitlyn Powers headshot of her smiling with large black framed glasses.
Kaitlyn Powers ’26

What is your “elevator pitch” for your senior exhibition project?

Solenne: Fibers of Movement is an accessory collection inspired by classical, romantic and contemporary ballet. The project is presented as the brand Solenne, including a product line and packaging for illustrated silk scarves and leather bags. Using fluid mark-making and digitally manipulated traditional media, this line captures the motion and rhythm of dance through visual language.

Symmetrical textile design featuring blue swan motifs arranged around a central star over a patterned black-and-pink abstract background.
Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Scarf

Anything you’d like to share about yourself or MIAD?

 Studying at MIAD has exposed me to new paths in creative fields I couldn’t be more grateful for. I’ve been given the opportunities to explore media that is part of my practice I might never have found without the resources at MIAD.

White leather shoulder bag with scalloped front detailing placed on a pastel pink and blue patterned fabric.
Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Bag

After graduation I am returning to Carter’s in Atlanta Georgia, where I was offered a position as an Assistant Artist following my internship last summer! Looking back, I know for certain I wouldn’t be in the spaces I am in right now if I hadn’t made the decision to enroll at MIAD.

Sketches and process photos showing the design and construction of a small leather shoulder bag with scalloped detailing.

Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Bag process images

Six square textile designs featuring symmetrical and abstract motifs in pastel, blue, green, and pink color palettes.

Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Scarf illustrations

Sketches and process photos showing the design and construction of a small leather shoulder bag with scalloped detailing.

Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Bag process images

Six square textile designs featuring symmetrical and abstract motifs in pastel, blue, green, and pink color palettes.

Kaitlyn Powers – Solenne Swan Scarf illustrations

See Kaitlyn discuss her project and how it came to fruition on CBS58 News’ “Art to Opportunity” and learn more about her work at kaitlynpowersart.com.

Learn more about MIAD’s Illustration major.

 Apply to MIAD. Plan your visit.

 

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.

MIAD elects new trustees Paul Fletcher and Jacqualyn Laughlin

Paul Fletcher, a principal product designer at LinkedIn, and Jacqualyn Laughlin, co-founder of Invisible Ink Partners, were elected members of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s Board of Trustees at the college’s annual meeting in June.

Apply Now
Request Info