Alum Julia Bradfish (BFA 2023, Studio Art) is the Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel’s first back-to-back artist in residence. Having begun her residency in September 2025, Bradfish will continue the role through 2026.
UWM alum Basha Harris (BFA 2016, Jewelry & Metalsmithing) is featured in the latest issue of Metalsmith, a magazine published by the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG). Harris explains to Metalsmith’s Rachel Reichart how the legacy of prolific Milwaukee artist Mary Nohl inspires her own work.
UWM alums Haley Omick (BA 2016, Art) and Danielle Burrows (BFA 2018, Art) are the owners of Eucalyptus & Company, a Riverwest-based art studio specializing in stained glass, floral arrangements, and ceramics.
UWM alum Kurt Sensenbrenner (BFA 2011, Film) opens a “turnkey” studio space in Madison, providing a place for creatives to grow their craft. After his experience filming a documentary on the turbulent banks of the Chicago River, he came up with the idea to create an indoor studio space for projects ranging from filmmaking to woodworking.
Milwaukee honors late theatre and movie critic Dominique North, who passed away in late June. During the 1970s and 1980s, North taught film at UWM.
FuzzPop Workshop collaborated with PSOA and Wild Space Dance Company to create “Radiant Echoes,” an interactive art installation for Summerfest 2026.
Travis A. Knight (BFA 2007, Theatre) will make his Broadway debut this August in Paranormal Activity, the stage adaptation of the 2007 horror film. Knight, who previously appeared in the production’s pre-Broadway engagements, reprises his role as James for the Broadway run.
Film lecturer Jeffery Kurz and alum Chiké Johnson (BFA 2000, Theatre-Acting) played key roles in filmmaker Nathan Deming’s new feature, Winter Hymns. Kurz served as an executive producer on the film, while Johnson portrays Father Greg, a priest grappling with questions of faith and mortality. The film was positively reviewed by Film Threat.
Alum Joshua Schmidt (BFA 1999, Music Composition & Technology) was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Play. He earned this honor for his sound design of The Manhattan Theatre Club’s adaptation of Tracy Lett’s “Bug,” which made its Boradway premiere at the Samuel J. Freidman Theatre last February.
Theatre faculty members Dana Rochester (BFA 2008, Theatre) and Jason Orlenko (BA 2008, Theatre Studies) were spotlighted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel during teacher appreciation week for their commitment to their craft and dedication to their students.
The Madison Classical Guitar Society selected Guitar Foundation of America winner and UWM alum Leonela Alejandro (BFA 2020, Music) to perform at Madison’s Overture Center on April 28. Madison Classical Guitar Society president Christopher Allen spoke about the selection on WORT 89.9.
Historian Clayborn Benson (BFA 1987, Film) returns to his alma mater to deliver the commencement speech at UWM’s 2026 spring graduation ceremony on May 17. Because of his work’s impact on the community, Benson will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony.
BFA Dance student Pharria Jones and alum Corynn Latta (BA 2025, Music) take part in “Satin Jazz,” an event honoring the rarely talked about origins of the jazz genre. Hosted by the Milwaukee County Historical Society, the performance serves to honor the history of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville community.
Jesse McLean (Associate Professor & Chair, FVANG) earned first prize in the Experimental Short category at the Athens International Film and Video Festival for her film Placeholder. The 12-minute work was recognized by the festival jury during its 53rd annual program, …
A review from BroadwayWorld highlights the success of the first-time collaboration between Skylight Music Theatre and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts in A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, with particular praise directed at the UWM student performers.
