Alumni Stories

ArtsECO alum who uses art to make a difference in her community receives national award

Jeanette Arellano, an alum of UWM’s ArtsECO program, uses art in her classroom to make a difference in the Milwaukee community.  Recently, the National Education Association award Arellano with their César Chávez Acción y Compromiso Human and Civil Rights Award. The award acknowledges her for embodying the spirit of César Chávez and making “noble contributions to the labor movement through commitment, action, negotiation, and art.” 

Film alumni debut new festival to increase diversity in Milwaukee cinema  

The world of independent film in Milwaukee is expanding with the Milwaukee Illuminate Film Festival, a new event spearheaded by festival director and Peck School graduate Amber McNeill (BFA 2023, Film). McNeill, who is also lead programmer, is joined by fellow PSOA alum Zoe Lufman (BFA 2023, Film), who serves as operations manager and programmer. McNeill and Lufman met at UWM during their senior-year film course and immediately embraced their commonalities.

Theatre alum brings ghostly features to life in world premiere production 

In Milwaukee’s recent World Premiere of The Forgotten Girl, production design is more important than ever. Viewers are immersed in the world of the main characters Iris and Daniel as they discover the abandoned grave of a girl in their grade and begin interacting with her ghost. Scenic designer Amaya Rockett (BFA 2022, Theatre Production) is the one responsible for creating the world where these features come to life.

Film and Animation alumni, faculty, and staff represented in screenings around the world

From current graduate students to esteemed alumni and faculty members, the Peck School of the Arts Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres was well represented on the international film festival circuit this Fall. We’re excited to showcase the achievements of some of our very own who are currently screening their works across the globe.

MFA alum and lecturer Allison Calteux explores family’s history in archival project

Allison Calteux (MFA 2023, Art) has been receiving attention for her recent photography project Remnants // relics // remembrance. The impressive body of work examines her family archives through self-portraits and still-life interactions with books, jewelry, and images, creating representations of her ancestors. Calteux is now a lecturer in photography and imaging lecturer at PSOA.

Alumni Spotlight: A “Top 10” Designer to Watch

In the dynamic world of graphic design, Naomi Dable stands as a testament to the power of creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. As the proud owner of Naomi Paper Co., Naomi has been named a “Top 10 Designer to Watch” by an industry magazine.

Art alum exhibits at Museum of Wisconsin Art’s venue at Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel

Los Angeles-based artist Vaughan Larsen (BFA, Art: Photography, 2019) has exhibited their award-winning work in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, and internationally in Germany, Italy, and Russia. And now, they are returning to Wisconsin for their first solo exhibition, “Everything I Could Ever Want.” In advance of their exhibition, Vaughan reflected on the inspiration behind their work, their time at Peck School of the Arts and Milwaukee as an “incubator and nest.”

PSOA Alum Recognized as 25 New faces in Experimental Film

Filmmaker Magazine recently released its “25 New Faces in Experimental Film,” and PSOA Alum Zachary Epcar (MFA 2021, Cinematic Arts) made the list. The publication noted that Epcar’s seven shorts to date have regularly premiered at high-profile festivals like TIFF …

PSOA Alum’s Exhibition and Gallery Featured on TMJ4

“My main concentration is painting and drawing, but I consider myself an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary artist. I like to create and combine different ideas together,” Nadia Alkhun (BFA 2022) told TMJ4 on a recent feature about her gallery and upcoming exhibition. She described the show as Islamic inspired work as having specific characteristics or elements like calligraphy, flowers and plants, and geometric detail.

PSOA Alum Speaks to WUWM about Milwaukee’s Creative Sandbox

Michael Lagerman (MFA Art 2021) talked with Creative MKE host Elisabeth Gasparka about “the magic of collaboration, the challenges of inhabiting the space between emergent and establish artist, and Milwaukee as a creative sandbox.” Lagerman recently joined Imagine MKE as Development Coordinator, but he’s also an accomplished artist, collaborator, and programmer within Milwaukee’s art scene.

Alumni Spotlight: Exploring the Intersection of Art and Design in a Digital Space

Justin Edwards is a talented artist and creative currently holding the position as Vice President of Global Digital Creative and Social Design at MAC Cosmetics. With a deep-rooted passion for visual arts, Justin’s educational and professional journey has been characterized by his ability to bridge art and design in the digital realm.