Actual Fractals, Act I: Alum Curates Sculpture Milwaukee’s 7th Season

July 12, 2023

Suns Fall by Katy Cowan. Photo taken June 29, 2023 by Sophie Bolich.

Sculpture Milwaukee’s 7th season, “Actual Fractals, Act I,” showcases a diverse collection of sculptures by seven artists curated by Milwaukee-based artist and PSOA alum John Riepenhoff (BFA 2004, Art). “There are many Milwaukees within this single city,” Riepenhoff said in a statement. “While our parts can appear, and be, disjointed, there are also patterns that play out in our experiences across communities, generations and public and private spaces, connecting us intricately.” The sculptures will be on display until October 2024 and offer residents, workers, and visitors the opportunity to experience public art and appreciate the urban environment of Milwaukee. Read the full article on Urban Milwaukee.

Alumni Spotlight: Lights, Camera, Action!

July 11, 2023

Sarah Grubb I BFA 2002, Theatre: Production

Sarah Grubb, currently the Managing Director at Grubb Productions LLC, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of production and event management. She has held many significant roles, such as the Head of Production for the Special Olympics USA Games, US Operations Director for The Creative Engagement Group, Technical Director for MC3, and an Operations Director for major events. Grubb’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with several shows she worked on earning Emmy Awards, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Educational Journey and Career Path

Driven by her love for theatre, Grubb was inspired to pursue a BFA in Theatre Production at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts. Her passion for being involved behind the scenes led her to reflect, “I always wanted to do theatre. In fact, I assumed I would audition for UWM’s acting program, but it didn’t take too long for me to realize that I preferred being backstage.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

When asked about her most impactful experience at UWM, Sarah acknowledged the significant contributions of her teachers, specifically Sandra Strawn and Chris Guse (Professor, Theatre Production). “I honestly enjoyed all of my teachers at UWM. But I would say that both Sandra and Chris impacted my success in a big way. They were always encouraging me to aim higher, and I felt it gave me a great understanding of why a strong work ethic is crucial. Chris actually taught a class called Verbal Aikido that I still think was one of the most valuable classes I ever took. It was about how to communicate better in a collaborative theatre setting. I absolutely loved this class!”

Advice to Students

Offering advice to current and future students at UWM, Grubb emphasized the value of hard work, initiative, teamwork, and genuine passion for one’s craft. She stressed the need to prepare for increasing challenges as one progresses in their career. “I would say it is very important to work hard. You will be forever employable if you show initiative, get along well with others and enjoy what you do. But be prepared as the more you move up, the harder you have to work! But every show I have ever worked on, all of the hard work paid off when I experienced the end result.”

In addition to her role as Managing Director, Grubb also contributes as a writer to TheatreArtLife.com, sharing her expertise and experiences with a wide audience. One notable article that she wrote offers advice to students aspiring to pursue similar professions and can be found here. In this piece, Sarah dives into the intricacies of her journey, providing valuable perspectives and guidance for those seeking to make their mark in the industry.

Connect with Sarah

To learn more about Sarah and explore her artistic endeavors, please visit her website. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.

Alumni Spotlight: Behind the Seams

July 11, 2023

Brent Roberts I BFA 2011, Theatre: Costume Production

Brent Roberts is a talented Master Crafts Artisan/Dyer, currently showcasing his talent at Seattle Rep. Previously, Roberts worked as a Costume Crafts Assistant at The LA Opera and The Old Globe Theatre, further solidifying his expertise in the world of costume production.

Educational Journey and Career Path

When asked what inspired him to pursue a BFA in Costume Production at Peck School of the Arts, Roberts shared, “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be an artist. It wasn’t until I discovered the hobby of costuming/cosplay in the early 2000’s that I began to contemplate it as a career choice. I quickly grew passionate about the art form. When it came time to attend university my desire to know more about the professional techniques of costuming lead me to The Peck School of the Arts Theatre costume production program.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

During his time at UWM, Roberts had the privilege of learning from professors who contributed to his artistic growth. In reflecting on his time at UWM and the professors who contributed to his experience, Roberts said, “All three of my professors (Pam Rehberg, Jeff Leider, and Louella Powell) at the time gave me invaluable skills. Painting and Dying is a class, (taught by Jeff Leider) that I have benefited from more than I could have imagined at the time. A large portion of my job at Seattle Rep revolves around very precise color matching with various dyes.”

Advice to Students

Roberts’ advice to current and future students is to remain steadfast in pursuing their passion and never lose sight of the reasons that led them to choose a career in the arts. He encourages aspiring artists to “Keep following your passion and don’t lose sight of why you decided to go into the arts in the first place. Be open to moving to a new city if you’re offered your dream job. There were many low paying jobs, and some that didn’t pay me at all, along the way before I got to a staff position at a LORT theatre. Definitely demand your worth, but never settle for comfort if it means sacrificing your original dream (or a new one that has evolved along the way, sometimes that happens too.)

Connect with Brent

To learn more about Roberts’ artistic journey, you can connect with on LinkedIn or stay updated through his Instagram: @brent_elsewhere.

Alumni Spotlight: Art, Community, and Environmental Impact

July 11, 2023

Melanie L. Ariens I BFA 1992, Art: Painting & Drawing and Printmaking & Book Arts

Melanie L. Ariens is a passionate artist and dedicated Creative Arts Manager currently working at Milwaukee Water Commons. With a lifelong love for the arts and a commitment to environmental issues, Ariens’ journey has been shaped by her creative pursuits and a deep connection to her community.

Educational Journey and Career Path

When asked what inspired her to pursue a BFA in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking, Ariens’s story traces back to her childhood. She shared, “My parents say they knew I would be an artist since I was 5 years old and tried to glue my artwork to the dining room wall. Coming from a skilled-trades family, I had what I call a “making things” problem and was always drawing, sewing, knitting, leather tooling, and even cake decorating. They fostered my creative interests and were makers themselves, making stained glass, building a wood-strip canoe, cutting apart and welding together old bikes; they had the do-it-yourself spirit and there was always something interesting going on. My parents were super supportive of my creativity and because of my interests, I attended Alverno’s Young People’s Art Program from age 5-13. I also had excellent art teachers in the Greendale Public Schools, namely Virgilyn Driscoll in High School, who pushed me to pursue art and led me to opportunities to attend UW-Green Bay’s Summer Art Camp and Summer Figure Drawing studio at MIAD. The decision to attend UWM was easy since it was so accessible and affordable. I feel that Milwaukee has evolved and is a great place for students. It’s big enough to feel urban and has a vibrant arts scene, but it’s small enough to feel like home. My general feeling is that Milwaukee has a warm, welcoming and supportive arts community.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

Throughout her time at Peck School of the Arts, Airens was able to learn from an assortment of faculty from diverse disciplines. While specializing in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking, she also enjoyed Fibers and Ceramics. She noted, “There were so many faculty I enjoyed working with. My degree is in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking, but I really enjoyed learning all the disciplines, especially fibers and ceramics, and I create mixed-media art today. The late professors Anthony Stoeveken, Jack Waldheim, John Colt, Lawrence Rathsack, were all influential. Marna-Goldstein Brauner, Leslie Vansen, and Jill Sebastian – I am grateful to still cross paths and have connections to them and am still inspired by their incredible creative practices.”

Advice to Students

Airens’ advice to current and future students is to immerse themselves in the studio and seize every opportunity available. She emphasizes, “You will learn as much from your peers as you will from your professors, so support each other and keep in touch with them beyond university. This is the time to take risks and try everything. If you aren’t making some bad art along the way, you aren’t taking enough risks. Your best work will come when you are teetering on the edge of your comfort zone. Explore other interests deeply because they will influence your art work. I enjoyed taking Environmental Studies, Geology and Genetics classes, and these interests are still a big part of my work. There are so many great, free or cheap programs at UWM to intersect with, like the Science Bag, the Manfred Olson Planetarium, the Union Cinema, the Union Art Gallery – Check it all out! Explore creating community art and get involved with organizations that interest you outside of art. You never know when sharing your creativity will inspire and have an impact. If you are on the fence about whether or not to enroll, know that right now, I am also the proud mother of a current Peck School of the Arts student! My daughter, Dora Peregrine, attended the University of Denver for two years, but made the switch to UWM and couldn’t be happier with the change to a larger program with excellent faculty. She appreciates the diversity and the way UWM is engaged throughout the city as a whole.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM, Arnies has achieved notable recognition for her creative work. Her focus on the Great Lakes and freshwater issues has led to regional exhibitions, including a showcase at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Beyond her work winning awards in several exhibitions, Melanie was recognized as the Community Partner of the Year Award from UWM after mentoring UWM Community Arts Students. Melanie also shared, “Most recently I was the first artist recognized by the River Network, a National Organization, for my work with Milwaukee Water Commons. I received the River Hero Award, which has been given to 5 people annually for 20 years – so hopefully they will continue to recognize artists’ contributions to environmental issues. I am excited to have the first solo show in the newly renovated Union Art Gallery this Fall. I worked for the Union Art Gallery as a college student, so it feels like a full circle moment.”

Connect with Melanie

To explore Ariens’ artistic endeavors, please visit her website. You can also learn more about Melanie’s work with Milwaukee Water Commons here.

Alumni Spotlight: Art as a Dialogue

July 11, 2023

Nirmal Raja I MFA 2012, Art

Nirmal Raja, an accomplished independent artist, stands as a testament to the profound impact that UWM’s Peck School of the Arts can have on one’s creative journey. Her story serves as a compelling example of how an arts education can shape and empower aspiring artists to pursue their passions.

Educational Journey and Career Path

When asked about what inspired her to pursue an MFA at PSOA, Raja shared, “I’ve always known I wanted to spend my life thinking about art and making art. But I never got the opportunity to study till later in life. The Peck School is local, and I could study while still taking care of family. Although it was a practical choice, I feel very lucky to have attended this school.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

Throughout her time at Peck School of the Arts, Raja found inspiration and guidance from various sources. She noted, “The first graduate seminar taught by Marcelino Stuhmer was one of the toughest courses but also the most important for me. My MFA committee of Leslie Vansen, Jessica Meuninck Ganger, and Nathaniel Stern were phenomenal! It was a diverse committee with varied backgrounds and experience, and this led to a lot of interesting discussions and feedback on my work.”

Advice to Students

Raja also highlights the exceptional dedication and unwavering support of the Peck School faculty, describing them as an exceptionally committed and encouraging group. When asked what advice she would give to current and future students, she emphasized, “The faculty at the Peck School is one of the most dedicated and supportive groups I’ve ever met and worked with! I know that graduate school seems long when you start but it really goes by fast, and my advice is to take full advantage of the time there and also keep in touch with your faculty and cohort after leaving. These are lifelong relationships that will continue to benefit your growth. Grad school at Peck taught me to be curious throughout my life and being at Peck is just the beginning in your journey of learning and art making.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM Peck School of the Arts, Raja has received numerous accolades and recognitions for her creative work. These include the Graduate of the Decade award from the UWM Alumni Association, the Mary L. Nohl Fellowship, the Milwaukee Arts Board Mildred Harpole Artist of the Year, and an Arts and Industry residency at the John Michael Kohler Art Center. These achievements exemplify the impact and significance of Raja’s artistic contributions to the local arts community.

Connect with Nirmal

To learn more about Raja and explore her artistic endeavors, please visit her website or connect with her on LinkedIn.

E-Flux Film Highlights the Creative Vision of FVANG’s Department Chair

July 11, 2023

Still from Wherever You Go, There We Are depicting a screen on a small table in a dark basement

Jesse McLean, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts was recently featured in E-Flux Film’s filmmaker staff picks. Her films, Just Like Us and Wherever You Go, There We Are, were highlighted and are a testament to McLean’s creative and unique perspective in pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Alumni Spotlight: Crafting Creativity

July 11, 2023

Shannon Molter I BFA, Art: Art Education and Jewelry & Metalsmithing

Shannon Molter is currently an Art Educator at Hawthorne Elementary School. Previously, Shannon worked at the Milwaukee Art Museum as both a Teen Programs Educator and a Youth and Family Programs Educator.

Educational Journey and Career Path

With a strong foundation in creativity and the desire to explore multiple areas of focus, Shannon found UWM’s well-rounded degree program to be the perfect fit for their aspirations. In reflecting on what inspired them to pursue a BFA in both Art Education and Fiber Art, Shannon shared, “From the time I was very young, I knew my gifts were creative. UWM Peck School of the Arts offered a well-rounded degree program that allowed me to follow my curiosity and explore multiple areas of focus.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

Throughout their time at UWM, Shannon encountered exceptional instructors who played pivotal roles in their experience and success. Shannon highlights, “Kyoung Ae Cho, Marna Goldstein-Brauner and Kim Cosier were very influential instructors, opening my field of vision, challenging me, giving me unconditional support and encouragement. David Southward was also a generous mentor in the field of philosophy and human cognition.”

Advice to Students

Shannon values UWM’s Peck School of the Arts as a nurturing environment that fosters creative expression and the discovery of one’s unique artistic voice. When asked about what advice they would give to current and future students at UWM, Shannon expressed, “UWM Peck School of the Arts is a great place to find your voice as a maker, where flexibility and diverse ideas create a home for expression.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM, Shannon has garnered recognition and achieved notable milestones in their career. Awards such as Art Educator of the Month from the Wisconsin Art Education Association and being named Art Museum Educator of the Year highlight their exceptional contributions to the field. Shannon’s achievements also include grants, guest lectures, curated exhibitions, and features in renowned publications.

Connect with Shannon

To learn more about Shannon Molter and their artistic endeavors, please visit their Instagram profile, @shannon_lee_studios.

Alumni Spotlight: Finding Harmony in Motion

July 11, 2023

Dan Schuchart I BFA 2004, Dance and Painting & Drawing

Dan Schuchart is currently a part of the Teaching Faculty at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts’ Department of Dance. Alongside his role at the university, he serves as the Co-Artistic Director of Wild Space Dance Company. Throughout his journey, Dan has also held teaching positions at Lawrence University, Beloit College, and UC Riverside. He shared his expertise as a guest teacher at esteemed institutions such as the Milwaukee Ballet, American College Dance Association Conferences, and public-school outreach programs. Dan has showcased his artistic versatility through working as a scenic painter for the movie, “Public Enemies,” and as a scenic charge for renowned organizations like the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Florentine Opera, and Skylight Music Theatre.

Educational Journey and Career Path

Dan’s passion for the arts stems from a lifelong connection to creativity. In reflecting upon what inspired him to pursue his BFA in Dance, he shared, “Art has always been a way that I process the outer world and my inner experience. I was bedridden for a while as a boy due to an illness and I would spend my days drawing, which created a lifelong practice. I originally entered UWM as a Math major, but after the first year I realized that I missed the art studio too much, so I switched my major to what was then Painting/Drawing. With some serendipity of friends made at UWM and course requirements, I took a dance class. This tied together my love for the arts and physical athleticism. I soon added Dance as a second major and have been extremely fortunate to continue a life in these fields ever since.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

Among the influential figures in Dan’s journey, he highlighted Simone Ferro, “Simone Ferro has been and continues to be a huge influence. She joined the Dance Department as a professor at the same time I became a Dance major, and she quickly made her mark on the department and on me. She always challenged you while being completely supportive and encouraging. I learned so much from Simone about the craft of dance and the art of pedagogy. This also led to other opportunities such as being her rehearsal assistant when she choreographed for the Milwaukee Ballet, and her professional experience around the world encouraged me to seek opportunities outside of the US, which greatly influenced my work.”

Advice to Students

To current and future students, Dan shares valuable advice, “Stay curious and open. As much as college is a time to learn and hone one’s craft, it is also an opportunity to explore other fields and approaches. Take classes in the other PSOA departments and see their shows and exhibitions. Finding collaborators and like-minded people in other mediums is invaluable, both personally and professionally.”

Connect with Dan

To learn more about Dan Schuchart and his work, you can visit his biography on the UW-Milwaukee Arts Department website or explore the Wild Space Dance Company’s website.

Alumni Spotlight: The Transformative Power of Somatics and Dance

July 11, 2023

Halie Bahr I BFA, Dance

Halie Bahr, currently working as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Southern Utah University, has an impressive career in the arts. She previously held positions as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Davidson College and a Visiting Lecturer of Dance at the University of Kentucky.

Educational Journey and Career Path

Halie’s decision to pursue a BFA in Dance at UWM stemmed from her deep connection to dance and the arts, which made her feel grounded in her own body. Halie reflected, “I loved the sensation and impact my body had in the studio space. I am a first-generation college student, who grew up in a rural farming community in Wisconsin. I graduated from high school a few years after the 2008 housing market crash and recession. This nationwide hardship negatively impacted the support and encouragement I received to major in Dance at UWM. Many of the narratives I heard while exploring career options were quite discouraging of a career in the arts — ‘it was unpractical, not enough money, what will you even do with it…’ Pursuing a degree at UWM Peck School of the Arts was inspired by a mix of rebellion, deep-seated curiosity, and intuition that there was more to this career path than I, or the community around me, could imagine. I also had a high school dance teacher who recently graduated from UWM’s PSOA in Dance. Her classes sparked me — I experienced a depth of body connectivity, intellectual rigor, anatomical knowledge, and heart that I didn’t know dance could become. When finally attending UWM, the coursework and faculty greatly expanded what I thought was initially possible and helped me brainstorm ways to create a life in dance.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

When asked about classes or faculty members that helped contribute to her experience and success, Halie credited the Composition and Somatics focus in the curriculum, “Looking back on my time as a Dance Major at UWM, the focus on Composition and Somatics greatly aided my professional success. This is a rare curriculum feature that is unique to the Department. In hindsight, the faculty at UWM were creating gritty artists that were responsive to the changing professional dance field. Post-graduation, I moved to Minneapolis, MN to dance. I often made my own creative work when I didn’t have a professional performance opportunity. Had there not been a strong foundation at UWM in Composition, and the encouragement to show creative work in the greater Milwaukee dance community, I may have easily given up during these incredibly challenging post-graduation times. Additionally, Somatics was a huge emphasis in the program and was woven into many facets of coursework. Somatics simply means thinking about the mind and body as one entity. This approach, woven throughout the curriculum in Dance, completely transformed how I viewed myself, and the awareness I had of the environment around me. I became a socially responsible artist who has the tenacity and grit to think on my feet, experiment wildly, believe in (and take care of) myself, and continuously show up, even on the most challenging days.”

Advice to Students

Halie encourages current and future students to invest in the people around them and seek a supportive community that fosters curiosity, empathy, and self-compassion. She attributes her transformational undergraduate college experience to professors who became life-long mentors and colleagues who were once peers when attending UWM. She shared, “I never imagined that I would have gained a genuine community like this! My advice would be to continue to invest in the people around you — surround yourself with those who support and encourage your questioning, deep curiosity, empathy, and self-compassion. The balance of challenge and support was crucial to my evolution both while attending UWM and post-graduation.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM Peck School of the Arts, Halie has achieved several awards and recognition for her creative work. She earned an MFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah on a fully funded scholarship. In 2021, she received the Jon Scoville/Tandy Beal Award for her experimental and innovative choreography. Halie’s performances and choreographic works have been showcased at prestigious venues nationally, including The Walker Art Center, Milwaukee Art Museum, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, and more. She has also served as a Rehearsal Director for renowned artists and holds certifications as a Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst and a Registered Somatic Movement Educator. In 2022, she received the Utah Division of Arts and Museums Artist Career Advancement Scholarship, and she has conducted academic dance-making courses within the Utah Department of Corrections. Halie’s research on trauma and recovery in socially conscious creative art education has led collaborative publications and presentations across the nation.

Connect with Halie

To learn more about Halie Bahr and explore her artistic endeavors, please visit her website.

Alumni Spotlight: Dancing with Purpose

July 11, 2023

Victoria Isaac I BA 2021, Dance

Victoria Isaac is currently a Teaching Artist at Danceworks MKE. Her previous positions include being a Lecturer at UWM’s Department of Dance, a Dance Instructor at Schauer Arts Center, and a Teaching Artist at Wild Space Dance Company.

Educational Journey and Career Path

Victoria’s decision to pursue a BA in Dance at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts was fueled by her desire to grow not only as a dancer but also as a dance educator. She recognized that Peck School of the Arts would provide her with the foundational tools and opportunities to thrive as both an artist and an artistic educator. Victoria emphasized, “I knew that I wanted to grow not only as a dancer, but as a dance educator. I knew the UWM Peck School of the Arts would provide me the foundational tools and opportunities to thrive as both an artist and artistic educator.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

Reflecting on her experience, Victoria acknowledges the significant contribution of Professor Maria Gillespie from the Department of Dance, “Professor Maria Gillespie in the Department of Dance gave me valuable opportunities to research, curate, and implement movement curriculum for oppressed populations within the greater Milwaukee area, specifically incarcerated youth. I am very grateful for her support and mentorship!”

Advice to Students

To current and future students, Victoria offers valuable advice of not hesitating to approach professors for ways to get involved both within and outside of UWM. She shared, “Don’t be afraid to ask professors about ways to get involved both within and outside of UWM. The faculty members at UWM are involved in various ways across the state of Wisconsin and beyond, and I’ve never encountered a situation in which someone was hesitant to provide resources in my journey!”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from PSOA, Victoria has received recognition for her creative work. She has presented her work in multiple venues throughout Milwaukee, including the Restore Arts Festival founded by Jade Charon, the Hip Hop DNA event hosted by Flutes at Dawn, Inc., and the Rhythmworks event hosted by Danceworks MKE.

Alumni Spotlight: Beyond the Curtain Call

July 11, 2023

Rachel Foster I Theatre Production, BFA

Rachel Foster is currently an Automation Technician at Felt Entertainment.

Educational Journey and Career Path

While reflecting on what inspired her to pursue a BFA in Theatre Production, Rachel said, “I was first working towards a different degree, while at night I worked with professional theatre technicians having careers I’d dreamed about. Seeing so many young technicians successful and confident in their careers inspired me to make the transfer and pursue a theatre degree at UWM PSOA.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

When asked about a class or professor that Rachel felt contributed to her success at UWM, Rachel expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is impossible to pick just one professor that contributed to my success, every PSOA professor I worked with cared about me on an individual level and supported me in my specific goals and personal journey. Specifically, though, I will never have enough gratitude for the support from Chris Guse, Steven White, and Jessica Berlin Krivsky. Thank you everything.”

Advice to Students

Rachel’s parting advice for current and future students is to embrace the opportunities that come their way. She emphasized the importance of having goals but cautioned against becoming too fixated on following a predetermined path. Rachel’s words of wisdom echoed, “It’s important to have goals, but don’t get too caught up on the “right way” to get there. Especially if it’s an opportunity to learn, always take it, you can never learn too much, and you never know what you’ll discover a passion for.”

Alumni Spotlight: Exploring Personal Journeys Through Artistic Creations

July 11, 2023

In her exhibition “Rituals + Vessels,” Milwaukee-based artist and PSOA alum Ava Hager (BFA 2022, Art) showcases her sculptures made of bent wood and tea bags. Influenced by her own health challenges and the loss of her mother, Hager’s art reflects her personal journey. Through her installations, Hager invites viewers to engage in rituals such as tea drinking and meditation, creating a space for reflection and self-awareness.

Read more about Hager’s unique artistic process and the exhibition on WUWM.

Alumni Spotlight: Shaping Minds and Metal

July 11, 2023

Lucy Louise Derickson I BFA 2011, Art: Art Education and Jewelry & Metalsmithing

Lucy Louise Derickson is currently an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Jewelry and Metalsmithing/Craft Area at Montgomery College. Lucy’s passion for the visual arts has been a lifelong pursuit. From an early age, she immersed herself in art classes and enthusiastically created works using various materials.

Educational Journey and Career Path

When asked about what inspired her to pursue a BFA in Art Education and Jewelry and Metalsmithing, with a K12-Teaching Certification, Lucy shared, “All through my youth I was drawn to visual arts. I took all the classes I could in elementary and high school and was highly motivated to make artworks from a variety of materials outside of school as well. When it was time for college, I chose UWM for no specific reason (sorry!) I barely knew what to look for in an art school anyway. It was siblings that brought me to Milwaukee, which felt like a good choice after leaving the nest. There was no specific career path I was seeking, only that I wanted to work in the arts. After freshman year, I decided to take a few years away from school to collect myself. Eventually, I decided Art Education would be my track, and returned to UWM to reach that end. Early in my return I enrolled in Jewelry and Metalsmithing, and found this new medium was MY FAVORITE! After that I dual majored in Art Education and Fine Arts, with an emphasis on Metalsmithing.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

In reflection of specific classes or faculty members that contributed to her experience and success, Lucy emphasized, “I know it sounds generic, but I really loved all my professors and classes! As an Art Ed major, I had to take introduction to everything and really enjoyed the variety of process and instruction I received. Though, I have to express that Prof. Yevgeniya Kaganovich and Dr. Kim Cosier had a huge influence on me while attending UWM. Both are absolute experts in their field, while also being upstanding people to know. Their teaching philosophies and instruction styles helped me to grow as an artist and a person. I continue to model my own teaching practice on my experiences with Kim and Yev and loved my time at UWM under their guidance.”

Advice to Students

To current and future students, Lucy offers invaluable advice, “Don’t rush through it. You will need time to simmer and reflect. Each studio class you take will influence the next. If you race through your education, you will miss out on some very important moments of discovery.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM, Lucy has achieved significant milestones in her creative career. She earned her MFA from Virginia Commonweath University and secured a full-time teaching position at Montgomery College, where she now works as the coordinator of the metals area. Lucy also had the honor of returning to UWM as a Visiting Artist in 2019. Her work has been showcased internationally, and she has taught workshops at various craft schools. Additionally, she actively contributes to the non-profit organization, Ethical Metalsmith, as the Chair of the Education Committee, organizing programs that benefit students and educators globally.

Connect with Lucy

To learn more about Lucy and explore her artistic endeavors, please visit her website. You can also connect with her on Instagram: @lucyderickson and @MC_Metals.

Alumni Spotlight: Beyond the Studio

July 5, 2023

Brandi Coleman I Dance, MFA

Brandi Coleman is an accomplished alumna of UWM’s Peck School of the Arts and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Division of Dance at Southern Methodist University. Brandi received an Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Excellence On Camera/Performer” for her work in the Emmy-Award-winning documentary, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project: Getting There and has toured nationally and internationally with JRJP to Finland, Italy and Canada. As a teaching artist, she has led more than 40 choreographic and teaching residencies at universities across the country and internationally, including a recent choreographic commission for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for their 2022 Family of Jazz concert series.

Educational Journey and Career Path

Brandi’s passion for the arts and her desire to teach in a university setting led her to pursue a degree in dance. When asked what inspired her to pursue her MFA in Dance, she reflected, “I was particularly drawn to the graduate program in the dance department at UWM Peck School of the Arts because, at the time, I was performing and touring with a professional company and the low-residency MFA program was structured so that I could continue my teaching and performing schedule while going to school. Additionally, I had been teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University for several years and found that I was drawn to teaching in a post-secondary academic setting. I decided to pursue an MFA in dance because I wanted to teach full time in a university and needed a terminal degree to do so. Beyond meeting the needs for my career journey, attending the program at UWM Peck School of the Arts fed my artistic soul. The program cultivated rich creative, analytical, and theoretical experiences that challenged me to consider a contextual perspective outside of my depth area as a rooted jazz dance artist. I found community and support within my cohort, and I engaged in challenging and enriching dialogue with my professors and classmates through explorations of embodied classwork, choreographic explorations, and theoretical and historical studies.”

Impactful Classes and Faculty

During her time at UWM, Brandi found herself deeply inspired by the faculty and instructors who played pivotal roles in her artistic and personal growth. When asked about a particular professor or class that contributed to her experience and success at UWM, she shared, “I can name a multitude of professors and guest instructors that, in various ways, positively contributed to my experience at Peck School of the Arts, my artistic and creative growth, and eventual post-graduation success. I was deeply impacted by my classes and advising sessions with Professor Simone Ferro. As a professor, she challenged and supported me as a developing artist/choreographer through learning spaces that were rigorous, warm in spirit, and nurturing. As an advisor, she offered advice and guidance beyond just keeping track of my degree progress. She encouraged me to continue writing about dance and I credit her with imparting the skills and the confidence to pursue publication post-graduation. I remain inspired by her research and continued zest for going deep into the art, culture, community, and representation in dance. I want to also mention Professor Elizabeth Johnson. What a force! She was a model for the human-centric, deeply feeling, empathetic artist/teacher/dancer combined with a ferocious tenacity for seeking truth and equity in our art form. Every class with her was filled with a multitude of “A-ha!” moments that I still carry with me today. Additionally, she offered invaluable career advice and support as I embarked on my post-graduation job search.”

Insight and Advice to Students

In reflection of her experience at UWM, Brandi emphasized, “One of the things I appreciated the most about my time at UWM was the range of curricular content, the nurturing and attentive faculty, the depth of knowledge and research focus of the faculty, along with the diversity of experience and knowledge in my cohort of fellow students. The majority of us in my cohort were working professionals in the field, bringing years of performing, teaching, and creative experience in a multitude of dance perspectives to each class discussion. I learned so much from engaging in discussion and embodied dialogue with my classmates which provided contextual breadth for the work I pursued in my depth area. Additionally, I felt like I left UWM with a solid foundation of knowledge for pursuing work in my area of interest. During the program and especially afterwards, my professors shared detailed advice on applying for jobs, curating my portfolio, as well as how to navigate job interviews, on-site campus visits, follow-up conversations, along with many of the cultural practices that come along with looking for work in higher education. I was deeply grateful for the individual attention in this way. Attending the graduate program in dance at the Peck School of the Arts – the faculty, my fellow students, the experiences – was one of the most enriching and soul-filling times of my life and it has played a vital and essential role in my post-graduation career and life journey. I am forever grateful for the lifelong friends I met at UWM and the relationships with faculty that I still maintain today.”

Achievements and Contributions

Since graduating from UWM, Brandi has garnered recognition for her creative work. She received a choreographic commission for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and her choreography has been presented at prestigious venues such as the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, TX, and the Rhythmically Speaking performance series in Minneapolis, MN. Brandi has also published chapters in esteemed books and was nominated for a Big Easy Award in New Orleans.

Connect with Brandi

To learn more about Brandi Coleman and her work, you can visit her biography on the SMU Meadows School of the Arts website.

Members of PSOA Community Honored by Milwaukee Arts Board

May 8, 2023

Left: Ben Tyjeski, Right: Carl Bogner. Photos Submitted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Milwaukee Arts Board has announced PSOA alum Ben Tyjeski (BFA 2012, Art) as one of two 2023 Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year. Tyjeski, a talented tile artist and educator, is known for his handmade tile art and his dedication to creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. The arts board also recognized film advocate and Carl Bogner (BFA 1997, Film) as one of two 2023 Friends of the Arts. To learn more about the awardees and their contributions to the local arts community, read the full article on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.