In Brief

UWM ranks in list of top 30 film schools by MovieMaker magazine

MovieMaker magazine has named UW-Milwaukee a top destination to study film in its list of “30 Best Films Schools in U.S. and Canada in 2024.” The publication made note of the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres as a place where students gain a “comprehensive study in all aspects of film and media production, from ideation and pre-production to production and post.” This is the second consecutive year that UWM has ranked among MovieMaker’s list.

Frank Hoeffler named Artist of the Year 2024 by ArtTour International

Frank Hoeffler (BA 2004, Art) was recognized as one of ArtTour International’s Top 60 International Master Artists. An untitled abstract piece by Hoeffler is featured on the cover of the publication. Hoeffler’s versatile style, ranging from realism to abstraction, has been showcased in numerous national and international juried shows, and has graced the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square. This is the third consecutive year Hoeffler has been recognized by ArtTour International.

Alum and Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award recipient opens solo exhibition

Milwaukee artist and PSOA alum Adam Stoner (MFA 2019, Art) recently opened his month-long solo exhibition at Grove Gallery in Milwaukee. Running through July 27, this collection of new and recent works from Stoner draws on the forms of Romanesque cathedrals and mythical iconography. The works explore pilgrimage paths, dreamlike architecture, roman cityscapes, and more. 

PSOA lecturer’s movie about his Chinese immigrant experience featured on CBS 58

Filmmaker Yinan Wang (Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation & New Genres) was recently featured on CBS 58 reflecting on his film, “Decoupling,” in advance of screenings at the Milwaukee Film Festival. The film documents his family’s experience during the pandemic, highlighting their journey to reunite with their daughter amidst the challenges of international travel restrictions and strained U.S.-China relations.

Bel Canto Chorus names Jonathan Laabs as next artistic director

Milwaukee Magazine reports that the Bel Canto Chorus has named its next artistic director, Johnathan Laabs (MM 2017, Choral Conducting). Laabs assumes the role following the retirement of Music Director Richard Hynson and Assistant Conductor Michelle Hynson. Laabs has been …

PSOA alumni and faculty well represented at 2024 Wisconsin Film Festival

The Wisconsin Film Festival will feature the work of several PSOA faculty and graduates. The following individuals have PSOA connections:  Two of these filmmakers, Lori Felker and Magdelena Bermudez, were recognized as Golden Badger Award winners. The WFF runs from April …

Kathryn Henry ’16 returns to Florentine Opera next season

Kathryn Henry (BFA 2016, Music) will be featured in Florentine Opera’s 2024-25 season. Henry will sing Micaëla in their production of Bizet’s “Carmen” on May 16 & 18 next year, reports Jim Higgins for the Sheboygan Press. A native of …

PSOA alumni receive recognition at Music Education Awards Showcase

Music educators throughout Milwaukee have been recognized for their excellence at the Civic Music Milwaukee Educator Awards. The 2024 ceremony provided teachers with a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Among them were several Peck School of the Arts alumni, building …

NY Times article highlights success of film produced by PSOA alum

Kurt Ravenwood (BFA 2011, Film) is one of the producers of “Hundreds of Beavers,” a mostly wordless indie comedy that the New York Times reports has been touring the country and holding energetic screenings, complete with appearances by the star …

Work by PSOA alumni, students, and instructor on view at MOWA Wisconsin Artists Biennial

Peck School of the Arts is well-represented at the 2024 MOWA Wisconsin Artists Biennial. The competitive exhibition showcases emerging artists throughout Wisconsin, highlighting excellence in creative and self-expression. Over a dozen of the artists selected for the exhibition have ties to PSOA, accounting for a quarter of the total artists on view.