MIAD alumni chosen for County Parks’ Maptacular project
Several MIAD alumni have been chosen for Milwaukee County Parks’ Maptacular project.
In the project, illustrators and artists create a new map for a Milwaukee County Park in their own distinct, artistic style. The newest crop of posters is on sale now, with proceeds benefiting the parks fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Read more.
Chosen alumni include:
Charity Ekpo ’15, Greenfield Park
Barderies Hampton ’17, Scout Lake Park
Zac Jacobson ’11, Jackson Park
Melissa Lee Johnson ’16, Estabrook Park
Monique Machut ’18, Cathedral Square Park
Jordan Pintar ’14, Brown Deer Park
Dominique Viverette ’18, Mitchell Park
as well as MIAD faculty member Susan Kwas, Lake Park.
News
Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students
A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).
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.