MIAD Task Award: Alum pays it forward with generous mentoring

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) alum Amy Cannestra ’06 (Communication Design) believes in giving back, in mentoring and in the supportive nature of the Milwaukee art and design community. By founding Task Creative and the MIAD Task Graduate Award, the incredibly busy creative exemplifies all three beliefs.

Task Creative is an independent artist-centered studio and project space in Milwaukee dedicated to supporting experimentation, exhibitions and professional development for emerging artists. MIAD seniors who applied for a 2026 Alumni Senior Thesis Award were eligible to apply for the Task Graduate Award.

The Task awardee, Ashley Osorio ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), will receive five consecutive days to use the Task Creative space for a project of their choosing this summer.

Amy Cannestra

“The most significant benefit of the award is the confidence that comes from full authorship,” says Cannestra, who also holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has an active conceptual and multi-media exhibiting and performance practice and is a senior graphic designer at GMR Marketing.

“Having complete control over the space allows the artist to realize a project from initial concept through execution, reinforcing both their vision and their ability to carry it through,” she says. “I focus on directing artists to the right resources and encouraging them to ask better questions – about their intent, their decisions and the goals of their project. Much of the process is addressing what they don’t yet know they need to consider.”

Osorio’s 2026 Senior Exhibition project, “Soñando Estados Unidos,” is based on interviews with “many wonderful Latino business owners and workers who were willing to share their stories with me,” per the artist’s website. “I conducted small interviews … focused on what reasons or dreams led to them sacrificing so much to be in the United States. Unfortunately, we are living in a time where the media influences our perceptions of others, and discrimination and prejudiced judgments have been normalized towards people of color. I believe if you are willing to spare a few minutes to hear someone’s story, you’d realize how much we all have in common as human beings.”

“I will be sharing this opportunity with other Latino/Hispanic MIAD students to continue expressing our culture and community,” Osorio says. “I want to emphasize the importance of equality and support amongst people of all backgrounds and provide an opportunity to share the stories and experiences we hold close to our hearts. I am so grateful and honored to have been chosen.”

Cannestra’s advice for recent graduates? “Reach out and ask. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own – this is a community that shows up for each other.

“Send the email, ask the question, introduce yourself after the event. Most opportunities start with a simple ask.”

The MIAD 2026 Senior Exhibition runs through May 9. Learn more about the Communication Design and Fine Art + New Studio Practice majors.