Alum named ArtRoot’s writer-in-residence for beginning of 2026 

Jay Mollerskov (MM 2006, Music Composition & Theory) has been named ArtRoot’s writer-in-residence for the first half of 2026. While studying at the Peck School of the Arts, Mollerskov was influenced by former music department faculty Hal Rammel, Steve Nelson-Raney, and the late Dr. Yehuda Yannay.  In ArtRoot’s January 10 announcement, Mollerskov reflects …

Music Composition and Technology alum debuts new musical

Kyle Thomas Hanneken (BFA 2018, Music Composition & Technology) has spent the past seven years developing Hellenika, a large-scale musical set in the Golden Age of ancient Greece that centers on the life and teachings of the philosopher Sokrates. Drawing …

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlights recent PSOA graduate Ethan Hightire

Recent Peck School of the Arts theatre graduate Ethan Hightire (BFA 2025, Acting) is stepping into the Milwaukee professional theater scene with roles in two major productions this season.  In a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feature by Jim Higgins, Hightire reflects on his path to the stage and his …

The Guardian calls documentary by Jesse McLean luminous and immaculate 

Jesse McLean, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres, was recently featured in The Guardian for her experimental documentary Light Needs, which examines relationships between humans and their houseplants.  In a review by Leslie Felperin, The Guardian praises McLean’s precise and thoughtful approach, …

Senior film student featured on Telemundo Wisconsin 

Film BFA alum Julian Maldonado was featured on the CBS affiliate station Telemundo Wisconsin. Maldonado was invited to talk about his short documentary, “Maderas y Memorias,” which tells the story of his great grandfather, a renowned wood carver from Puerto Rico.  “He was my great grandpa from Puerto Rico that I never know,” said Maldonado, “He was kind of …

UWM alum and multi-disciplinary artist displays work at Chicago art gallery 

UWM alum and multi-disciplinary artist Michael J Miller (BFA 1987, Art; MA 1991, Art) is currently displaying his work at SoNa Chicago, a venue for contemporary art. A lifelong artist, Miller’s recent exhibition focuses on his life as an artist, how he has changed over time, and how this …

UWM alum Trixie Mattel featured speaker at UW-Madison Event 

Brian Firkus (BFA 2012, Theatre), also known as drag artist and multimedia personality Trixie Mattel, was featured in an article by Isthmus covering her recent appearance at UW-Madison.  Mattel participated in an open Q&A panel focused on queer identity and history, where she shared personal experiences, connected with …

UWM alum and his wife open physical media store in Chicago 

UWM alum Chantala Kommanivanh (MFA 2013, Art) and his wife, Mallory McClaire, are the proud owners of Beverly Phono Mart, a vinyl and physical media shop that doubles as a community space. Located in Chicago’s South Side, BPM serves to …