New showcase celebrates interactive electronic music 

A student performs electronic music in a dimly lit performance venue.

Students enrolled in Interactive Electronic Music classes will perform their final projects live at the third UW-MESS Interactive Electronic Music Showcase. In its early stages at PSOA, the UW-MESS program helps students fulfill an education focused on their passion for electronic music.  

What is UW-MESS? 

UW-MESS stands for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Electroacoustic Sound Studios and is the electronic portion of PSOA’s Music Composition and Technology BFA and Music Composition and Theory MM. The sequence of four courses is centered on electronic music creation, composition, and production. 

Students work with the computer program Max MSP, which junior Calvin Smith-Skwierawski describes as “coding for musicians.” Smith-Skwierawski notes that these classes give students a wide vocabulary of how to create electronic music. 

“Take a synthesizer… there are many components to it,” he said. “Within this program, you can recreate those components and create a synthesizer in an electronic program… It’s so unique and these classes break down the different components and ideas.” 

What many may not understand about the discipline of electronic music is how an artist can still perform their work in a live setting. When students perform their electronic work, there is a strong element of improvisation and spontaneity that one may commonly expect with physical instruments. 

“We have these ideas, but we’re improvising on the set,” said Smith-Skwierawski. “A lot of UW-MESS students do not use sheet music… we judge our pieces by time because it helps us understand what we want and lets us work without any restrictions.” 

Students perform at UW-Mess showcase
A student performs at a past UW-MESS Showcase. | Submitted photo

Mixing electronics with physical instruments 

A lot of UW-MESS students possess expertise in a physical instrument family, which helps them with their electronic music creation. 

Graduate student Colton Townsend, a long-time percussionist, describes the willingness of percussionists to experiment with sound as a driving force for his interest in electronic music. 

“Percussionists are accustomed to trying new things and exploring new possibilities,” Townsend said. “That had a direct correlation into composing for me… I think about the physical act of music a lot when I compose, which goes well with electronics.” 

At last year’s UW-MESS concert, Townsend performed a piece that resulted in breaking open a drum to pull a set of bells out of it. This led to experimentation in how to play the drum, the way the speakers surrounded the audience, and what electronic elements to include. 

“If you can imagine a series of sounds, then you can make it in this program,” added senior Brodie Miller. “There are virtually no limitations to what you can create… You are not following a predetermined set of classical standards. There are endless possibilities.” 

Why UW-MESS? 

The electronic music program is an example of how PSOA’s Music Department offers students a modern approach to music education, whether they have physical instrument experience or not.  

“I’ve always gravitated more towards creating a unique sound and mangling audio into something new,” said Miller. “I’ve always had a love and affinity for electronic music, so UW-MESS has been right up my alley.” 

Miller was initially a computer science major which led well into his UW-MESS involvement. Electronic music became a way to explore the “scientific aspect” of music. 

“There are a lot of academic papers and researchers by people like [Pierre] Schaeffer who kind of pioneered electronic music,” said Miller. “Teaching it also runs parallel to music because a lot of it is embedded in programming, but it still uses a lot of the basic knowledge of music theory.” 

Students perform at UW-Mess showcase
A student performs at a past UW-MESS Showcase. | Submitted photo

The performance aspect of UW-MESS 

The inclusion of electronics in a student’s performance can help create sounds that may not be accessible through a physical instrument. For some, this helps set a scene and tell a story. 

“This program has helped me enjoy electronic music more because you get to do more storytelling with electronics,” said Kyrstyna Jones, a junior. 

Jones’ next piece, which she hopes to premiere next year, is meant to create the feeling of driving from Wisconsin to Minnesota using electronics to create sensations such as the time of day, the tiredness of the driver, and the excitement of of getting to visit a close friend. 

“It’s going to be a vibraphone with electronics,” said Jones. “Electronics can help set the scene of what that long drive looks like.” 

If you would like to see UW-MESS in concert, visit the PSOA Events Calendar for information on their December 12 showcase. 

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Student musicians focus on positive energy during a busy end to the semester

Musicians seated close together play flutes in a concert setting.

As the Fall semester winds down, many PSOA students have the opportunity to display their talents in public settings. For student musicians, this comes in the form of a whirlwind of concerts spanning nearly every evening during the final stretch of the semester.

With the stress of finals in full swing, now is a time for music students at the Peck School to come together and support one another, reminding themselves and their peers that music has the power to uplift, inspire and foster strong communal relationships. 

Duarte, wearing a blue-colared shirt and black blazer, smiles.
Diego Duarte

Concert Chorale member Diego Duarte, a senior double majoring in music and business, is looking forward to the piece “America Will Be” during the ensemble’s December 7th concert because of its theme of unity during difficult times. 

“The different languages, rhythms, time signatures, and voices in the performance highlight the diversity that we not only honor through this song but also celebrate on an everyday basis,” said Duarte. 

In addition to the songs selected, ensembles support an encouraging environment in rehearsal. Duarte expressed the positive atmosphere that PSOA Choirs create ahead of a major performance, consciously keeping practice sessions enjoyable. 

“At the beginning of each rehearsal, we always do vocal warm-ups,” said Duarte. “However, these warm-ups feel different to traditional warm-ups because we always prioritize making them fun, engaging, and effective.” 

Nearing the end of the fall semester, some students may struggle to balance excitement and stress. To help with this, the music department strives to foster a strong community to keep students passionate about their upcoming performances. 

Montes poses with his insturment and smiles.
Rayden Vaughan Montes

Cellist Rayden Vaughan Montes, also a senior, takes it upon himself to encourage fellow musicians in the Symphony Orchestra during the final moments before an end-of-semester performance.

“My main goal is to keep the energy positive and flowing,” said Montes. “The nerves before a performance can swallow people up while others embrace it and harness it on stage. Maintaining a positive and supportive attitude is key to any performance.” 

From “Still I Rise” performed by Alta Voce to “Life is a Highway” performed by the Popular Music Ensemble, world premieres of new works composed by UWM students, and a whole lot more, audiences and performers alike have plenty to enjoy. Explore the busy music performance schedule by visiting the PSOA Events Calendar. 

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Panther Pale Ale features artwork by DVC student for a second year

From left: Dan Abel, CEO and Founder of Pilot Project Brewing Milwaukee; Michelle Rose Markuson, Design and Visual Communication student; Kyle Stephens, Co-Founder and President of Craft Beverage Warehouse Milwaukee; Amanda Braun, UWM Director of Athletics | Photo by Rachel Klemp

For the second consecutive year, Pilot Project Brewing, in conjunction with Milwaukee Athletics, is set to welcome its Panther beer this week – launched for the 2024-25 season with a new design.

The “Panther Pale Ale,” an American pale ale beer, will make its first appearance in a new can design this week to celebrate the multi-part collaboration in time for the holiday season.

An officially licensed product, the beer was first developed last year in partnership between Pilot Project Brewing, Craft Beverage Warehouse, Milwaukee Athletics, the UWM Peck School of the Arts, and CLC, the University’s trademark licensing company. Today marks the beginning of the second straight year of the multi-part collaboration.

The cans will make their debut and be available to the public for the first time at UWM Panther Arena for the men’s basketball contest against Cleveland State on December 5. The person who purchases the 100th can of Panther Pale Ale that evening at the game against the Vikings will win a $100 gift card to Pilot Project Brewing.

Fans and customers looking to purchase the product can now find it at Gasthaus (UWM Student Union), Ian’s Pizza North Avenue, Cheba Hut Eastside, Discount Liquor, Major Goolsby’s, and Downer Wine.

Director of Athletics Amanda Braun and General Manager for Milwaukee Panther Sports Properties Kristina Filipovic helped move the process to once again bring the concept to market, through the work that current Panther Athletics staff members and University leadership put into this concept to make it a reality.

“We are so excited for the debut of this year’s design, as well as the continued collaboration with campus partners and the Milwaukee business community on this project,” Braun said. “An especially important component of this campaign is the opportunity for UWM students to gain real-world design experience beyond the classroom and see their efforts come to life. Thank you to Pilot Project Brewing, Craft Beverage Warehouse, and UWM’s Peck School of the Arts for their partnership.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will be directed to student scholarships and other student-centered programming at UWM.

Michelle Markuson of Glendale, Wis., and a Design and Visual Communication BFA major with a certificate in Digital Fabrication & Design at UWM, created the artwork that was selected to appear on the product. Her winning design was one of numerous submissions made by UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts students who worked their way through the approval process.

“Working on the Panther Pale Ale collaboration has been a profound experience as a student designer and a UWM Panther,” Markuson said. “From the folks at Pilot Project Brewing, who made the process straightforward, to the Craft Beverage Warehouse, who made my design possible, and Milwaukee Athletics for their vision. Everyone involved has such a strong passion. This passion was my main inspiration for the design, showing Milwaukee’s relentless strength. This collaboration between the school and our community attests that being a UWM Panther means you will be supported by your classmates, the staff, and our community. I hope that more cross-campus and community collaborations like this one will be in UWM’s future. For the MKE!” 

The product will be available for purchase at UWM Panther Arena, Pilot Project Brewing and other select bars/restaurants and liquor stores in the greater Milwaukee area. Any retailers interested in carrying Panther Pale Ale should reach out to Sales@PilotProjectBrewing.com.

“It’s such a privilege to be involved in the UWM Panther Pale Ale project for a second year in a row,” Pilot Project Co-Founder and CEO Dan Abel said. “Pilot Project is a beverage incubator and exists to give creative opportunities to beverage creators; the fact that we get to work with students in the UWM Peck School of the Arts program and give back in a meaningful way really helps strengthen Pilot Project’s purpose. Plus, we have a great time doing it!”

Craft Beverage Warehouse is once again printing the cans and packaging for the product, one with a design that came directly from students at the UWM Peck School of the Arts, while CLC was involved with officially licensing the product and signing the agreement with Pilot to allow for the brand on the beer.

“Craft Beverage Warehouse (CBW) is once again excited to collaborate with Pilot Project and the University to bring Panther Pale Ale to life,” CBW President and Co-Founder Kyle Stephens said. “This collaboration is a unique experience for all parties, providing a real-life packaging development case to students at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts, whose students were provided with a design brief and executed a branding plan brought to them by CBW, Pilot Project, and the Milwaukee Athletic Department. Our whole team looks forward to continuing this partnership long into the future and enjoying a few Panther Pale Ales at future sporting and university events!”

Stephens, a UWM graduate, is thrilled to be a part of the collaboration once again.

Pilot Project Brewing is a brewery incubator & restaurant located in the Brewery District of Milwaukee, Wis., Pilot Project was launched as a collaborative and artistically curious space to help support talented brewers in an industry with exceptionally high barriers. Modeled after the music industry, Pilot serves as a launch pad for start-up breweries, offering assistance with recipe R&D, production scaling, marketing, distribution and more.

This story by Chris Zills originally appeared on the Milwaukee Athletics site.

Faculty bring multi-faceted global partnership to new heights

Cynthia Hayes sits with students from Hubei

For many years, UWM has welcomed senior students from Hubei University of Technology (HBUT) in Wuhan, China, to complete their BA in Studio Arts at PSOA. This global partnership not only offers a unique degree pathway for HBUT students but has also proven to be a valuable opportunity for faculty.

Instructors preparing in Hubei

An important aspect of the cultural exchange is the time UWM faculty spend in China. Each summer, eight instructors travel overseas to teach three-week courses at HBUT.

“It’s a really beneficial experience for the instructors,” said James Charles (Teaching Faculty, Jewelry & Metalsmithing), one of the instructors who oversees the program. “It really helps educators learn, see, and understand how they are communicating. We take a lot for granted, speaking the same language… With students in China, you have to be much clearer.”

Through this experience, UWM instructors harness an understanding of how to communicate with Chinese students, skills they also transfer to their Milwaukee classrooms.

“It helps instructors deliver content in a much clearer, efficient way to our students when they come back,” said Charles. “When we are writing our syllabi or our assignments, our expectations are much clearer which is helpful for them.”

Following several years of virtual visits, instructors returned to in-person visits to China this summer. Among them was Wes Larsen (Assistant Professor, Design & Visual Communication), who led students through an experimental typography design course.

“Not only are [the students] practicing speaking, reading, and writing in English, but they’re also designing English language letterforms and thinking of the autonomy of typography,” said Larsen.

Despite the geographic difference, Larsen found that students had striking similarities.

“Once you find a groove, you realize ‘Oh, they’re just undergraduate students like the ones back in the U.S,’” said Larsen.

Cynthia Hayes interacts with students at HBUT
Cynthia Hayes (Teaching Faculty III, Painting & Drawing; Director, First Year Program) interacts with students at HBUT in Wuhan, China. | Submitted photo

Mary Roley (Lecturer, Sculpture) also visited Hubei. She spent the three-week program leading a workshop on sculpting functioning toys.

“Teaching online, I had no idea what tools or equipment were available to them,” said Roley. “In person, they got to use their woodshop and laser cutter that they had on hand. It was really fun!”

Following their experience learning the norms of another culture, instructors return to UWM even more prepared thanks to their time overseas.

“I come back to the classroom in Milwaukee refreshed from my experience abroad,” said Roley. “I also come back with a much more fine-tuned grasp on what I need to get across to my students and how. To create lifelong learners is what the college experience is all about.”

Hubei students to Milwaukee

This summer, the program expanded and brought 11 HBUT students to visit Milwaukee for a two-week English and Art program.

During their time in Milwaukee, students were offered experiences and excursions that offered an insight into Western culture.

“The goal was to introduce more students to our programs and allow them to feel what it is like to be a student at UWM,” said program co-coordinator Cynthia Hayes (Teaching Faculty III, Painting & Drawing; Director, First Year Program), who guided students through their two-week program. “This program gives them time to plan ahead and really think about the reality of coming to UWM.”

Visiting HBUT students tour Milwaukee
Visiting HBUT students tour Milwaukee | Photo by Cameron Wise (BFA Film)

HBUT students took classes and workshops, including using state-of the-art 3D printing technology. They visited popular art destinations including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Villa Terrace, and the Art Institute of Chicago, the latter of which was part of an overnight Chicago trip that included an architectural boat tour.

HBUT students interacted with one another and their instructors for most activities but also met other international UWM students in an English language course.

UWM and PSOA hope that these students will return to Milwaukee for their senior year.

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Arts ambassador Josh Thone to compete in national vocal competition 

PSOA student Josh Thone poses in theater lobby

PSOA Theater student and Arts Ambassador Josh Thone is competing this weekend in the American Pops Orchestra (APO) NextGen National Vocal Competition Semi-Finals. 

Thone is one of 25 students competing out of 240 submissions. Viewers can watch Thone’s performance this Sunday, Dec. 1st, and vote virtually for Thone to advance to the live finals. 

About APO NextGen 

Thone previously competed in the National High School Theater Awards, more commonly known as the Jimmy Awards. Through this experience, he discovered APO. Their mission is to find the voices of tomorrow through the usage of pre-1970s music. 

“The conductor is known for taking older songs and reviving them,” said Thone. “That’s all my career has been so far… It’s why I love musical theatre and music in general, to take older stuff and put it in a newer life.” 

For the pre-recorded semi-finals, Thone will perform “Flesh Failures/Let the Sunshine In” from the musical Hair. Thone plans to take the hopeful song and innovate it for a modern audience. 

“Having that minute to share my hopes for the 2024 version of this society, you never know who could be impacted by those words,” said Thone. “As long as people feel something in their heart, that’s what I value the most with this performance.”  

Thone has already advanced his performance craft thanks to APO. In addition to receiving a professional backing track and backdrop from APO, he also got to participate in a virtual workshop with Nic Rouleau, an accomplished actor who most recently played the lead role in the Broadway production of “The Book of Mormon.” 

Thone sits in a black and purple chair, sitting in a stadium.
Photo by Cameron Wise (BFA Film)

Thone’s PSOA experience and representing Milwaukee 

Following the semi-finals, ten performers will be selected for the live finals at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Jan. 19, 2025.  

“Performing with the American Pops would be insane,” said Thone. “It is so cool to say we get opportunities like this through Milwaukee and through Peck. I wouldn’t have been able to even get to the semi-finals without the support of the community. Literally would not have been possible.” 

Representing PSOA and the Milwaukee arts community is something Thone promotes often.  

“Genuinely the school and the city have shaped my life in a way I didn’t expect,” said Thone. “I have so much love in my heart for the faculty and the people in this tight-knit community… Success forever will and continues to come out of this program.” 

Since arriving at PSOA, Thone has acted in several on-campus productions, recently playing a lead role in Bright Star. When preparing for his APO performance, Thone reflected on his work in Bright Star, noting how it helped him remain authentic. 

“Authenticity is something this show taught me,” said Thone. “We were given total creative control to be ourselves on stage… At the end of the day, it’s not just the art we are making but it’s about the humans that we are.” 

Whether or not Thone advances to the finals, he has expressed gratitude for the APO experience.  

“There’s such a privilege to what we’re doing here,” said Thone. “At the end of the day, this experience has already taught me so much about my ability to be authentic.”        

The APO NextGen Semi-Finals will occur virtually this Sunday, Dec. 1st at 1 p.m. CST. If you would like to watch Josh Thone compete, RSVP using the Eventbrite link. 

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Dr. Newman named Dean following national search

Dr. Newman

Dr. Winifred (Elysse) Newman has been named Dean of the College of the Arts and Architecture, effective June 2, 2025.

Dr. Newman comes to UWM from Clemson University where she serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, Mickel Professor of Architecture, and Director of the Institute for Materials, Systems, and Environments in the College of Architecture, Art, and Construction. Previously, she was Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, and Director of Advanced Studies at Florida International University (FIU).

“Dr. Newman’s deep understanding of the performing arts, visual arts, architecture, and urban planning make her an ideal choice for our college,” said Kevin Hartman, Interim Dean of the College of the Arts & Architecture. “Under her leadership, I am confident the Peck School of the Arts and the School of Architecture & Urban Planning will continue to flourish and grow together.”

Dr. Newman has maintained an academic career as a researcher, historian, and theorist. She received $18 million in NSF and other funding to study spatial perception and neuroaesthetics with active research in neuroscience and architecture, data visualization, STEM education, and histories of technology and science.

Dr. Newman completed her PhD in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Urban Design, MPhil, and MArch at Harvard University. She has a BArch and a BS in History from the University of Texas at Austin and was a candidate for a BFA in Music Theory and Composition.

The College of the Arts and Architecture, which comprises the School of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Peck School of the Arts, formed in 2023 as a key component of UWM’s 2030 Action Plan. The college offers a wide range of academic programs and initiatives through the Departments of Architecture, Art & Design, Dance, Film & Animation, Music, Theatre, and Urban Planning.

Theater lecturer to direct several productions in 2024-25 season 

Marcella Kearns (Lecturer, Acting) is preparing for a busy remainder of the 2024-25 theater season with three different productions, both in and out of Wisconsin. 

From Dec. 6 until Dec. 15, Kearns will direct a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Milwaukee’s First Stage, which is a Young Company Performance Project. 

In 2025, Kearns will present another work by Shakespeare, directing Henry IV from Feb. 3 through April 18 at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah. Finally, from May 2 until May 11, Kearns’ production of Dawn King’s The Trials will play at the Children’s Theatre of Madison.  

Senior dance students present new choreographic works in New Dancemakers: Emanation

Senior dance students pose on Milwaukee's lakefront.

A wide variety of original pieces will premiere at “New Dancemakers: Emanation,” a night of deeply engaging work choreographed by senior dance students at PSOA. “Emanation” marks a major point in senior dance students’ capstone projects, showcasing the skills they have developed in their undergraduate education.

Creative skills

Across ten distinct works, “Emanation” will present all that students have learned in their dance studies. One concept that will be especially noticeable is how the UWM Department of Dance is on the cutting edge of dance by inspiring students to move beyond traditional styles.

Dance student Charlotte Reynolds
Charlotte Reynolds

One student who benefited from this exploration is Charlotte Reynolds. Her piece “80HD” frames people with ADHD through the lens of a 1980s, three-level video game. Noting how her creativity has grown since studying at PSOA, Reynolds felt compelled to fuse different dance styles to fully express herself and her art.

“Dance isn’t just about styles, anymore,” said Reynolds. “With the piece I’ve created this year… it’s like a fusion. It’s my artistry and my style. I feel like PSOA has taught me to open up my vision and mind to the different possibilities of dance and art.”

Reynolds also described feeling that she presents her well-rounded set of skills by merging different dance methods and techniques.

“Moving away from the traditional breakdown has definitely been a part of my journey at UWM,” said Reynolds. “Throughout my time, I’ve learned that I don’t just need to be one thing, I can do many things.”

Dance student Maya Hirsig-Smith
Maya Hirsig-Smith

Another individual who benefited from a PSOA’s exploration of new styles of dance is Maya Hirsig-Smith.

“Teachers here have really opened my mind to freely expressing myself,” said Hirsig-Smith. “This dance department is really open to trying new things.”

At “Emanation,” Hirsig-Smith will present her piece “La beauté est en chacun de nous,” which explores how humans can feel beautiful and sexy in their own bodies without being sexualized. While the piece explores the positives and negatives, it aims to highlight the confident side of someone showing off their talents for their own pleasure.

Soft skills

Hirsig-Smith credited the foundational skills she picked up in her early composition and improv-based classes at PSOA as helping her generate ideas to complete her piece.

“The way a lot of people get writer’s block, we get dancer’s block,” said Hirsig-Smith. “I had a lot of that during this process, but I went back to my core skills a lot. I thought, ‘What have I done in the past that maybe I can use again?’”

Hirsig-Smith found ways to draw from past work while ensuring that she was “switching it up” to stay original and creative.

Dance student Lia Smith-Redmann
Lia Smith-Redmann

Another student presenting original choreography is Lia Smith-Redmann, debuting her piece “Americana: Labor Union,” which tells the story of the “unattainable” American dream and criticizes the ideology of working oneself to death.

“It’s a letter of respect to my community,” said Smith-Redmann. “It’s in honor of the working class and all of the labor strikes that have happened recently.”     

Smith-Redmann said that the soft skills she developed at PSOA proved valuable in the creation of her piece.

“As a dancer and choreographer, you’re picking up technical and artistic skills, and learning how to build off your own interests and repertoire,” said Smith-Redmann. “Skills like how to work with people and respect dancer’s bodies… Those soft skills have been really important to my process.”

Through her work, Smith-Redmann fosters a collaborative space for her eight dancers, ensuring everyone feels respected and fulfilled.

Collaboration skills

In the New Dancemakers program, dancers receive weekly feedback from a diverse panel of experts across Milwaukee’s dance community.

“Cross-pollinating between dance and other fields is not only important to me personally, but on an industry level is really important,” said Smith-Redmann. “PSOA really invests a lot of time and energy into you as an artist… They’re really zeroing in on you, your craft, and what you want to say.”

Dance student Megan Holzhauer
Megan Holzhauer

Fellow student Megan Holzhauer also found the collaborative aspect of these weekly check-ins to be extremely valuable while creating her work, “Behind That Gleam.”

“I feel like we’re all a team and we all have each other’s backs,” said Holzhauer. “It’s great to be able to go to everybody and ask for advice and feedback… It’s great to get a fresh perspective from a diverse panel.”

Holzhauer’s piece centers on perfectionism among athletes. While she describes how perfectionism can help one excel, it also can overwhelm one’s daily existence.

“Perfectionism is very idealized,” said Holzhauer. “I really wanted to not only help individuals learn how to excel in a healthy way but also maintain a better well-being and overall experience in sports.”

Holzhauer has been sitting on her topic throughout her education, which has made the creation of her piece an exciting and impactful endeavor.  

“This has felt like an accumulation of all four years,” said Holzhauer. “I honestly feel like I’ve had my New Dancemakers topic since freshmen year… There’s so much excitement around it.”

Reflection from Maria

Maria Gillespie (Professor, Dance; Graduate Program Director, Dance) is the artistic director for New Dancemakers and has worked alongside these students throughout their education at the Peck School.

As is the case for many dance faculty members, getting to see their students enter this final stage of their education is a special occurrence.

“Watching these seniors grow into singular artists with powerful motivation and deep care for their craft is by far the most rewarding experience of our work here in the Department of Dance,” said Gillespie. “These ten choreographers show all of us what embodied patience, rigor, empathy, and tenderness can become – really gorgeous artworks that glow!”

Gillespie has also noted how “Emanation” has been a labor of love and passion for dance students.

“The choreographers chose the title ‘Emanation’ because it unifies their unique paths and visions, describing how the knowledge and experiences gained here at UWM radiate through their dancing and future paths,” said Gillespie.

Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation" | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner
Production photos from "New Dancemakers: Emanation"
Production photos from “New Dancemakers: Emanation” | Photos by Christal Wagner

 “New Dancemakers: Emanation” runs Nov. 20-23, 2024, at Studio 254 in Mitchell Hall. For more information and tickets, visit the PSOA events calendar.

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Alum and lecturer’s new concert featured in Shepherd Express

Image from rehearsals of "dis/connect"

Dance lecturer Gina Laurenzi (BFA 2013, Dance; MFA 2024, Dance) and her newest concert dis/connect were featured in Shepherd Express following a premiere with Danceworks Performance MKE. dis/connect was Laurenzi’s third full-length piece with Danceworks and her first as co-artistic director with Christal Wagner (Lecturer, Dance; Outreach Coordinator, Dance).

Research from Laurenzi’s MFA thesis was incorporated into the concert, as the piece explores the modern obsession that people have with social media.

“When will we notice we tune into the phone more than each other, and the world around us?” Laurenzi wrote in the dis/connect program.  “When occupied by happenings online, and entranced by apps and social media, we miss out on these awe-filled experiences that happen in real-time and we risk missing out on moments of connection. Are we able to experience awe with our heads in our phones?” 

To read more about dis/connect and Laurenzi, read her feature in Shepherd Express.

PSOA partner WaterMarks MKE featured on CBS 58

WaterMarker in Milwaukee

WaterMarks MKE, an initiative that helps educate people on their relationship with water systems, was recently featured on CBS 58 as they continue to set up WaterMarkers throughout Milwaukee.

Over the past four years, UW-Milwaukee has worked closely with WaterMarks MKE to work alongside artists and create visually appealing art that educates. These WaterMarkers are meant to remind people to reduce their water waste.

“When I see these, I know this means the community came together with artists and scientists and residents to talk about water and the water issues in their neighborhood, and the city at large,” said Katie Avila Loughmiller, the WaterMarks manager for programs & engagement. 

To watch WaterMarks recent feature, visit the CBS 58 site.

To read more about WaterMarks partnership with PSOA, including the work of recent MFA candidate Corrigan Eckert, visit the PSOA News & Stories page.

Art MFA candidate and WaterMarks grad assistant uses art to amplify the importance of water conservation

MFA candidate Corrigan Eckert stands in front of a water fountain on campus.

Over the past four years, UW-Milwaukee has worked closely with WaterMarks MKE, an initiative that helps people better understand their relationships with the water systems and infrastructure that support their lives.

Started in 2014, WaterMarks hosts a series of public programs, community events, and initiatives that develop community understanding regarding water conservation and environmental activism. This project further pursues its mission by working alongside artists to create visually appealing works throughout Milwaukee that help educate the city.

Art MFA candidate Corrigan Eckert is a Graduate Assistant with WaterMarks in a role that aims to expand her knowledge of using art to provide education on water sustainability.

“I’ve always been really intrigued in art as a vehicle to encourage people to learn and know more about the environment,” said Eckert. “The best art is visually dynamic and can get you to connect or believe. That’s what WaterMarks is doing.”

In 2021, the renowned New York City artist Mary Miss, along with Principal Investigators (PIs) from UWM’s Geography Department, faculty from Art and Design, and colleagues from the Center for Student Experience and Talent, secured a four-year, multi-million-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation. This grant helped expand the WaterMarks project, giving more UWM and PSOA students a chance to be involved.

As a Graduate Assistant, Eckert works with the Center for Student Experience and Talent at UWM. Her focus is on improving community engagement through tabling events, networking with other organizations, and youth outreach.

Eckert’s role at WaterMarks goes hand-in-hand with her research as a master’s student. Centered on human perspectives regarding the wellbeing of animals and plants, Eckert’s process of doing environmental research has been informed by the increase in community involvement that has come from her WaterMarks role.

“It’s important to think about audience and community and how that all comes together to make an artwork,” said Eckert. “You might make something beautiful, but I don’t know if it is fully art until it’s been experienced and interpreted by people.”

WaterMarks strives to build community and reinforce the importance of education. At a time where environmental threats are more pronounced than ever, WaterMarks aims to provide a stroke of positivity.

“There needs to be hope and you need to give people concrete things they can do to help,” said Eckert. “Our hope is to give community members the chance to engage in a way where they know they are not alone… Community is so important to make the impact we want.”

To learn more about how WaterMarks empowers artists, scientists, and community members, visit the WaterMarks MKE website.

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

Art alum’s life and career chronicled in Shepherd Express feature 

Alum Evelyn Terry, captured by Shepherd Express

Evelyn Patricia Terry (BFA 1970; Art MS 1973) was recently interviewed for a feature with Shepherd Express that chronicled Terry’s six-decade-long career in the arts, which has seen her create diverse works and exhibits around the world. 

In the Q&A-style article, Terry discusses the beginnings of her career including what brought her to UW-Milwaukee in the 70s. 

“I took a class called Related Art,” said Terry in her Shepherd Express feature. “At the end of the class, my teacher said, ‘Evelyn, I think you’re an artist. You should get a degree in drawing.’ I went immediately to the art department in Mitchell Hall.” 

As described in the article, Terry’s UWM roots remained influential in the early stages of her career, providing her with connections that led to valuable work opportunities. 

“I got two degrees from UWM,” said Terry. “Ruth Milofsky, a UWM professor, hired me to teach residents at the Hillside Public Housing project.” 

To learn more about Terry’s life and career, read her feature in Shepherd Express. 

Film faculty receives honorable mention for voter advocacy film 

Sean Kafer (Teaching Faculty II, Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres) recently received an honorary mention in the Spark the Vote Challenge by the Why Do You Vote? Social Action Campaign. This mention recognized “Don’t Tell Me Your Vote Doesn’t Matter,” a short film directed and produced by Kafer and activist Mariah Smith. 

The film merges Kafer’s passion for impactful storytelling, voter engagement, and education advocacy. The work of Kafer and Smith sought to inspire Milwaukee communities to use their vote to promote transformative power in our nation’s future. 

How the collaborative magic of theatre makes a ship crash on stage

PSOA students in rehearsal for "Pericles."

On Wednesday, the Peck School of the Arts theater department will present its latest production “Pericles.” From the twilight of Shakespeare’s career, this piece chronicles adventure, love, and family through the tragedy of a devastating shipwreck and several extreme storms throughout.

For PSOA’s production, the sensation of the wreck is created through sound and movement, brought to life by the work and collaboration of PSOA theater students.

The Immersion of Sound

Taking the reins of sound design for “Pericles” is Ella Baird (Theater Production BFA, Junior), who is making her solo debut as a sound designer. Through this role, Baird has the difficult task of portraying multiple storms without the use of complex scenery.

To make the storm and wreck feel believable for the audience, actors on stage use practical sounds including a rain machine and thunder sheets. These sounds are slowly complemented by digital sounds that come from speakers throughout the theater, creating a deeper level of immersion for audiences.

PSOA students work on the sound design and production for Pericles.
Sound designer Ella Baird (center) with fellow production team members. | Photo by Cameron Wise (BFA Film)

Throughout the play, the storms get increasingly intense through a clever use of volume. That work is amplified by the actors on stage, whom Baird describes as “really responding” to the audio they hear.

“At one point, there’s a booming thunderclap that prompts Pericles to cry to the gods to stop the thunder,” said Baird. “There’s a strong element of collaboration there that is apparent through the whole show.”

Baird takes a step away from the sound booth when “Pericles” opens, leaving the work to a sound operator who has been carefully learning Baird’s cues throughout rehearsal.

“I’m glad I get to hand it off to somebody else,” said Baird. “I get to sit down, enjoy the show, and see how audiences respond to it… The show’s theme of familial love really resonates, and I hope audiences appreciate it, too.”

The Physicality of Acting

For this production, the actors create aspects of the set with their bodies.

“We are the boat, we are the waves,” said Natalie Gustafson (Theatre Performance BFA: Acting, Junior), who plays Marina, the daughter of the titular character. “We create the boat by holding hands, making different levels, and rocking back and forth. It’s really beautiful.”

Gustafson explains that this is not as simple as standing still to create a boat shape. Instead, the cast collaborates to move as one.

“It’s not just about being a boat, it’s about portraying emotion,” said Gustafson. “It’s a real bonding experience that takes a lot of work and coordination.”

Students rehearse a scene
Natalie Gustafson (left) and Autumn Holmes rehearse a scene from “Pericles.” | Photo by Cameron Wise (BFA Film)

The actors collaborate with the technical crew, reacting to the sounds from Baird and the lighting design, which sometimes creates the illusion of thunder and lightning in the theater.

“We’ve had to be very flexible and collaborative in this production,” said Gabe Rodriguez (Acting BFA, Junior), who plays Pericles. “The way we’re approaching this work is very physical… if there’s a boat on stage, we’re creating the boat with our movement.”

At the height of his acting training with Peck School of the Arts, Rodriguez feels he utilizes movement and his relationship with sound to convey what is happening in the story.

Rodriguez intensively studied “Pericles” and similar Shakespearean works, such as “King Lear,” to prepare himself for the physicality needed to perform his role.

According to Rodriguez, he has been supported by faculty and peers at PSOA who have trained alongside him. One of his most crucial preparations came during “Beach Day,” a once-a-year event when the theater department studies their physical and vocal craft on the beaches of Lake Michigan.

“I jumped in the water and started doing my lines,” said Rodriguez. “Feeling the energy that came from getting crushed by Lake Michigan and trying to fight through it proved really helpful.”

The magic of theatre comes together strongly for “Pericles,” helping students tackle big themes in the play that will resonate with audiences.

“Pericles is a story about fate and learning to live with what happens,” said Gustafson. “I hope audiences walk away appreciating the strength and willpower of human beings.”

“Pericles” opens on Nov. 6, 2024, and runs through Nov. 10, 2024, at the Mainstage Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit the PSOA events calendar.

Story by Jason McCullum ’25

PSOA faculty and alums come together for voting advocacy art installation  

From now until November 30th, an art installation about modern politics and voting from Kim Cosier (Professor Emeritus, Art) and the artist collective Art Build Workers is on display at the University YMCA. This piece, entitled This is What Democracy Looks Like, was made in collaboration with Joe Brusky (BS 2006, Education), Nicolas Lampert (Teaching Faculty II, Art), Claudio Martinez (BFA 2007, Art), and Pete Railand (Teaching Faculty II).  

Read more about the installation and its creation in Smile Politely.