Select Page

Meet Sofie Captain and 2025 Senior Exhibition project Then and Now

This is one in a series of online interviews with MIAD seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2025 Senior Exhibition project and their MIAD education.

Sofie Captain ’25 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) is from Hartford, Wis.

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

My practice has a focus on sharing and making memories that people are able to look back on forever; as well as sharing who I am and where I come from and those who have shaped me to be the person I am today. This year I have been most interested in incorporating more sculptural elements into my photography. Working with things that will hold memories forever. Physical forms speak to me more than a digital image because a digital image you cannot touch. Hands-on processes and physically making is important to my practice because it pulls me closer to my photographs. My work represents memories I’ll have forever even if I don’t remember them as clearly as the moment they occurred.

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

I really enjoyed my MIAD experience. I met so many amazing people and mentors over my last three years here. I’m excited yet sad to move forward…. The community built at MIAD is something truly special to me and I’m very grateful for all who have helped and supported my dreams and ambitions.

I plan to continue working at my current part time job. However, during my free time I’ll be creating my own photography website and really focusing on branding myself and getting my work out there. My goal is to eventually be a full-time photographer working for myself.

Apply to MIAD. Plan your visit.

News

Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First

For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.

MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker

Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.

Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student

When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.

Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence

When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.

Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin

Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.