Select Page

MIAD educator and co-founder Frank Lukasavitz passes away

Nov 12, 2021 | News

Frank Lukasavitz photo

Frank Lukasavitz

It is with great sadness that we share the passing on November 7, 2021, of Frank (Francis) Lukasavitz – one of the seven co-founders of MIAD and a lifelong Industrial Design educator, leader, mentor and friend to countless MIAD students, alumni, staff and faculty.

Frank received the first MIAD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, after 50 years of dedicating himself to the education excellence the college embodies today.

“I wanted people to not just walk away with a degree, but to be the best people they can be, just like my goal for the college was for it to be the best college it could be.” –Frank Lukasavitz, 2013

From the Layton School of Art, to the Milwaukee School of Art, to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, from the boardroom to the classroom to the 3D Lab that he helped found and build, Frank contributed to the college’s growth and successes we still see today. Frank taught students that creative fear is a part of growing and hosted students and alumni for weekly dinners in the 3D Lab. He embodied the best of MIAD faculty and their lifelong connection with students and graduates.

MIAD Board of Trustee member Ryan Ramos ’02 was one of Frank’s students. “Frank loved being around young people, especially the students at MIAD. He drew from their energy and we reciprocated by drawing from the eternal youth that was always present, always visible in the glint of joy in his eyes,” Ryan said. 

A memorial service of life celebration will be scheduled in Spring 2022.

Click here to read more about Frank’s lasting imprint on MIAD.

News

Two MIAD students finalists for Grilled Cheese Grant

The ninth annual Grilled Cheese Grant finalists include two Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) students: Stella Kowalski ’24 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice, Illustration) and Makenna Schibler ’25 (Fine Art + NSP). They are two of five finalists who are in the running for the crowd-funded grant.

Artist Talks provide MIAD student experience in museum world

For Stella Koslowski ’24, presenting at the Art Institute of Chicago during University Partner Fest 2024 “is a great way for students to gain experience in the museum world because it takes your research to a more professional setting and encourages you to have discussions with new people.”

MIAD seniors receive 2024 Alumni Senior Thesis Awards

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) will award $5,328 to 27 seniors to directly support the fabrication and installation of their senior exhibition capstone projects. Through the application process, students submit plans and sketches for their final project, as well as a budget for materials. Winners were selected by a panel of a record 54 MIAD alumni with experience in fine art and design career fields.

Overture Center gallery hosts MIAD alumni

Two alumni from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are exhibiting work at Madison’s Overture Center. Cassandra Smith ’06 (Sculpture) and Stacey Steinberg ’04 (Drawing) both have work on display in separate galleries at the performing arts space.