Student commission celebrates previous MIAD board chair

Deanna Tillisch, outgoing chair of the board at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), received a student-commissioned monotype print in recognition of her service. “Deanna Dancing” was made by Anna Louise Barr ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice).

“It was a wonderful surprise to have Anna’s impressive artwork presented at my last MIAD board meeting as chair,” says Tillisch. “This thoughtful gift was even more meaningful because Anna beautifully captured me as a dancer, one of my avocations. Meeting Anna and receiving her artwork were the perfect way to complete my time as board chair.”

Deanna Tillisch and Jeff Morin.

The prompt that Barr worked from was flexible, as long as the subject was a dancer of Tillisch’s stature and incorporated reference images of Tillisch’s dancing costumes. “Another nonnegotiable was tons of energy and color, and I’m no stranger to colorful monotype work so I felt confident there,” says Barr. “Many of her costumes had these rich colors and to contrast that I emphasized the warm spotlight.”

After accidentally enrolling in a printmaking class with MIAD President Jeffrey Morin, Barr fell in love with printmaking of all types, from monotype to etching to letterpress. “Printmaking unlocks a plethora of opportunities to introduce color into my work in bright and unique ways, allowing my innermost thoughts and feelings to show on the paper,” continues Barr.

Connecting with and supporting MIAD’s students is one of Tillisch’s passions. “Having served on the MIAD Board for 15 years, I am deeply committed to the college, especially the students,” explains Tillisch. “MIAD has evolved tremendously during that time, especially under President Morin’s leadership. It has been extremely rewarding to watch the college expand in student size, campus accommodations and number of majors. The biggest advantage in serving as board chair is spending more time with students, whom I adore and admire for their creativity, imagination, innovation and inclusivity.”

“Before attending MIAD I had no clue I would fall this deeply in love with printmaking,” says Barr. Since that class with President Morin, Barr’s “art practice has flipped completely on its head. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and grateful to Deanna for her work on the board.”

“I am so proud to have been selected to serve as Board Chair for the past two years,” Tillisch continues. “Our family has seen firsthand the value of a MIAD education through Morgan, our daughter, who graduated in 2024. MIAD provides a haven for students to express themselves through art while also helping them build a foundation to transfer their talent to the workforce in a productive and purposeful way.”

Learn more about MIAD’s Board of Trustees, keep up with Barr on their website and explore the Fine Art + New Studio Practice major!