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
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.
Author and artist Faythe Levine presents MIAD Foremothers
Visiting author and artist Faythe Levine is motivated by reimagining archives and collections through a queer feminist lens. She presents “Queer Investigation & Storytelling in the Archive: MIAD Foremothers Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink,” based on her many-year research process for her fourth book, “As Ever, Miriam” (2024).
Florentine Opera partners with MIAD Lubar Innovation Center
The first project Taylor Leinstock ’26 (Illustration) did through the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) will come to life as the Florentine Opera brings its touring production to schools and community centers around southeast Wisconsin in 2026.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Arma Zeqiri
Arma Zeqiri, Lead Housekeeper, received the September 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Arma’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Kindness and Community.