Senior Exhibition 2023: Margaret Griffin
When Margaret Griffin ’23 (New Studio Practice: Fine Arts) transferred to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), she hoped to dig deeper into her artistic practice. Now in her final semester, Griffin’s work is catching the attention of the Milwaukee creative community.
Taking inspiration from her father, a pipefitter, Griffin’s senior thesis work is titled “Industrial Bodies” and explores the intersection of industrial and body references. “I was always jealous of this secret world that I was never allowed to encounter due to its dangers,” she says about her father’s career.
Griffin’s sculptures are constructed of light materials that give the impression of weight. “I start by constructing a frame … out of dowel rods and foam, super lightweight material,” she explains. Using paper mache, Griffin builds up the form and adds strong homemade clay and a final layer of latex.
Although she appreciates the studio space MIAD offers to all juniors and seniors, Griffin has also opted to rent a studio off-campus at Var Gallery on 2nd. “Having different spaces to work helps me tap into different mindsets. Depending on where I need to be mentally, that’s where I choose to be physically,” she explains. Because of her studio space at Var, Griffin will have the opportunity to show work at the gallery and participate in events hosted by the venue after graduation.
“I’m thinking about grad school in potentially two or three years,” says Griffin. “I’d like to take a break to have experience existing as an artist in an art scene before moving on to that chapter.”
Keep up with Margaret on Instagram (@m_m_griffin), and view her sculptures, along with the hard work of her talented peers, at MIAD’s 2023 Senior Exhibition from April 21 – May 6.
News
Veolia North America mural highlights native plants and fish
In a recent project through the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), three students worked with Veolia North America to research, concept and install a mural of native plants and fish.
Animation Career Review ranks MIAD Communication Design program top in state
In its 2024 rankings, Animation Career Review named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the top college for graphic design in Wisconsin and among the top 15 in the midwest. The rankings considered over 700 schools with graphic design programs from across the United States.
MIAD interns aim high at Bucks; offer internship advice
Two Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) students interning for the Milwaukee Bucks are thrilled with the variety of their work, the collaborative brainstorming and brand support skills they are gaining and the joy of seeing their work in use by the Bucks organization.
MIAD alumni, faculty featured in Baird Center art collection
MIAD alumni are well represented in the We Energies Foundation Art Collection at the Baird Center, as are MIAD Professor Emerita Jill Sebastian and acclaimed artist Dawoud Bey, who created ”Milwaukee Portraits” of MIAD students. The collection was introduced to the public under its new name at the Baird Center in May 2024.
Angeline Garvey: Director of Design at Stone Creek
When Angeline Garvey ’22 (Illustration) decided to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), she originally planned to focus entirely on illustration. But almost immediately, she was challenged to start expanding her creative horizons. Now, she is the Director of Design at Milwaukee’s Stone Creek Coffee.