TikTok creator and UWM alum Geo Rutherford reconnects with her alma mater for Artists Now! lecture

Geo Rutherford on a beach collecting materials.

Geo Rutherford (MFA 2021, Art) is an artist, author, and TikTok creator with more than 1.8 million followers. She’s best known for her viral series Spooky Lake Month and for using her platform to share stories about the Great Lakes and environmental sustainability.

On October 15, Rutherford will engage with her alma mater as part of the Artists Now! Guest Lecture Series.

Rutherford’s artistic focus on lakes began during her graduate studies at UWM, where she was struck by the proximity of Lake Michigan. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, and Dexter, Michigan, she had never lived so close to one of the Great Lakes before.

“I was suddenly located within seven blocks of a Great Lake and in your master’s program you have to pick a topic to focus on,” Rutherford said. “I decided to go to Bradford Beach every day for 90 days, even if it was in the middle of a blizzard.”

Materials collected from beaches are contained in small containers within boxes in shades of blue with artwork on the outside of them.
Beaches of Great Lakes | Submitted by Geo Rutherford

Before graduate school, Rutherford spent five years teaching high school art. She credits her decision to pursue an MFA at UWM to a connection she made with Associate Professor Jessica Meuninck-Ganger (Area Head, Printmaking and Book Arts), who shared her background as a high school teacher. Though Rutherford initially worried she wouldn’t fit in, her teaching experience and bond with Meuninck-Ganger gave her confidence.

“My life is truly where it is today because I decided to attend Peck School of the Arts instead of getting my master’s degree anywhere else,” Rutherford said. “After overcoming my imposter syndrome, everything shifted. I feel like without that shift I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Her TikTok career began unexpectedly during the pandemic, when a video of one of her graduate projects gained wide attention. From there, she began creating content about the Great Lakes, building a devoted audience. In October 2020, she launched what would become her most popular series, Spooky Lake Month.

“On October first of 2020 I jokingly said that we were going to do a Spooky Lake Month because there’s a lot of weird lakes on Earth and it just performed very well,” Rutherford said. “The series gets even better every year. I have a whole career focused on spooky lakes now, which is hilarious because this was kind of an accident.”

Rutherford will give her Artist Now! lecture on October 15 at 7:30 p.m. The free, virtual series invites practicing artists from around the world to share their work and insights.

Learn more about Rutherford’s lecture and many others on the Artists Now! webpage.

Payton Murphy ’27 (BFA Film)

UWM alum takes role at the New York Times as a video production coordinator 

Thomas Trudeau headshot

UWM alum Thomas Trudeau (BFA 2012, Film) joined the New York Times as a video production coordinator. Trudeau’s new position entails facilitating video production and managing NYT’s video equipment and production studios. 

In a warm welcome from NYT’s Solana Pyne and Andrew Wilcox published online, executives highlighted Trudeau’s industry experience, past projects, and education. 

To read the full announcement, visit the New York Times.  

UWM Dance Chair Daniel Burkholder featured in MKE Lifestyle

Daniel Burkholder executing an improvised routine across the studio.

Daniel Burkholder (Associate Professor and Chair, Dance), was profiled in MKE Lifestyle by John Schneider. The article explores Burkholder’s lifelong relationship with dance, from his first classes as a child in Michigan to his current role leading UWM’s dance program and performing professionally.

He describes the three practices dancers need—physical workouts, somatic practices, and dance itself—and how he balances those disciplines in his daily life.

“Every day I’m trying to do something to activate my ‘dance body,’” Burkholder said. “Sometimes it’s more of a workout, sometimes more dance, sometimes more meditative, but I’m trying to be IN my body, moving my body, expressing my body every single day.”

Read the full story on MKE Lifestyle.

Alum Anwar Floyd-Pruitt remembered in Milwaukee Magazine

Anwar Floyd Pruitt stands in front of colorful artwork

Milwaukee Magazine reports the passing of interdisciplinary artist and UWM Peck School of the Arts alum Anwar Floyd-Pruitt ’16, who died September 9 after a long battle with cancer. Floyd-Pruitt earned Art BFA from UWM, specializing in sculpture, before later earning an MFA from UW-Madison.

He served as artist in residence at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in 2024, and his studio was based at House of RAD in Milwaukee.

MOWA executive director Laurie Winters described his absence as leaving “an immeasurable void” and praised his ability to make “those around him feel seen, inspired and deeply valued.”

Read the full story on Milwaukee Magazine.

Broadway World reviews play staring alum Ashley Oviedo

Ashley Oviedo lies on a the stage floor with co-star King Hang seated beside her.

Ashley Oviedo (BFA 2020, Theatre) stars in Sanctuary City at Next Act Theatre, a play exploring the experiences of young immigrants in post-9/11 America. Oviedo plays G, one of two teenagers navigating impossible choices in a country they call home.

Broadway World reviewer Kelsey Lawyer praised her performance: “Her vulnerability and intensity are off the charts,” noting the chemistry between Oviedo and co-star King Hang. The production runs through October 5, 2025, and highlights Oviedo’s talent and depth as a performer.

Read the full story on Broadway World.

Community printmaking nonprofit with strong PSOA ties featured on TMJ4

Steph Brown talks with Julia Scheckel at AP3.

UWM alum Julia Scheckel (BFA 2020, Art: Printmaking and Book Arts) is one of the leaders of Anchor Press, Paper, and Print (AP3), a nonprofit providing the community with access to space, equipment, and workshops to explore the art of printmaking.

In a “What’s Brewing” segment presented by NBC TMJ4’s Steph Brown, Scheckel talks about AP3, its goals, and its work in the community. She also gives a shoutout to AP3 Emerging Printmaker Resident, Ellie Hogan (BFA 2025, Art: Printmaking & Book Arts, Painting & Drawing).

“AP3 is a non-profit, community-centered, fully equipped printmaking studio,” Scheckel told TMJ4. “We do workshops for anyone who wants to learn how to do printmaking. We’re fully equipped; we’ve got it all.”

Watch the full segment on TMJ4 or learn more about AP3 on their website.

UWM alum and lecturer brings classical guitar from Singapore to Wisconsin 

Kevin Loh plays his guitar in a studio at Kenilworth Square East

Kevin Loh (MM 2025, Classical Guitar; Graduate Certificate 2025), an alum and now classical guitar lecturer, was recently featured in a PBS Wisconsin interview highlighting his global career and unique perspective on the art of classical guitar.

Originally from Singapore, Loh has studied internationally and first met Professor René Izquierdo at a competition in Germany at age 15. The encounter that eventually brought him to Milwaukee to study under Izquierdo’s mentorship.

“I knew from the very first time that I heard him play that he was going to be one of the greatest guitarists of our time,” Izquierdo said.

Watch the full segment on PBS Wisconsin.

UWM alums take part in Latino Heritage Month Pop-Up event 

UWM alums Thom Romero (BFA 2011, Art) and Emmanuel Guerra (MFA 2024, Art) feature their work as part of the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center’s Latino Heritage Month Pop-Up event. The exhibition will honor the contributions of Latino artists to Wisconsin’s art community.  

To read the full article, visit the Daily Jefferson County Union.  

Shepherd Express previews H.M.S. Pinafore

Students rehearsing for H.M.S. Pinafore

UWM’s Department of Theatre has partnered with the Milwaukee Opera Theatre to produce a newly adapted version of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta H.M.S Pinafore. The production will be co-directed by Milwaukee Opera Theatre artistic director Jill Anna Ponasik and UWM’s Jeffery Mosser (Lecturer, Theatre). 

In a Shepherd Express article written by David Luhrssen, Ponasik reflects on the development of H.M.S Pinafore. This new adaptation is shaped by students, who not only perform but also contributed to edits, props, and costumes.

“Some of the language was contoured around the actors for their personalities and special skills,” Ponasik said. “The cast was handed script and score on day one of rehearsals, but there was room for the cast to do some editing. We’re making this production together… We’re letting them make it their 2025 H.M.S. Pinafore.” 

To read the full article, visit the Shepherd Express.  

UWM alum debuts new art exhibit ‘Born on a Ripple’ 

One of Bastian's textile works

Jennifer Bastian (MFA 2008, Art) will debut her new exhibition “Born on a Ripple” at Tooth + Nail Studios on October 7. “Born on a Ripple” is an exploration of the complexities of grief, especially through the lens of parenting and community. 

In a Shepherd Express article written by Ben Slowey, Bastian describes her motivation behind the exhibition. Driven by her experience with chronic illness and the passing of her mother, Bastian uses textile works and mixed media to explore her grief.  

“I was compelled to make this work in order to be who I am in other aspects of my life,” said Bastian. “I had to look at how much I was suppressing that I didn’t want to anymore.” 

To read the full article, visit Shepherd Express.  

Professor Kyoung Ae exhibits work at Madison’s Arts + Literature Laboratory

Professor Kyoung Ae Cho (Professor & Area Head, Fibers) is featured in MADE: Contemporary Fiber Arts, an exhibition of recent works by emerging and established fiber artists. Curated by Hannah O’Hare Bennett, the exhibition embraces utilizing fiber art to honor diverse histories, cultures and practices. 

From the Arts + Literature Laboratory: From birth to death, textiles are present in our daily lives. Through this presentation of textiles as fine art, the project elevates the appreciation of craft and the dedicated labor inherent in these creations, encouraging contemplation of the making process and a reconnection with handmade work. The exhibition invites viewers to reengage with the handmade, to reflect on sustainability, and to explore the generational knowledge embedded in fiber traditions. Through a full-building installation and a series of workshops and community programs, MADE fosters cultural appreciation, sparks dialogue on craft and sustainability, and deepens our understanding of textiles as both personal and collective expression.

MADE: Contemporary Fiber Arts is on view at Arts + Literature Laboratory in Madison through Nov 8, 2025. Receptions will be held on Sep 19 and Nov 7.

UWM receives $100,000 NEA grant to continue autism-focused creativity research

Three people standing beside a sign that reads "National Endowment for the Arts Research Labs" in a conference setting.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to continue its pioneering research into the benefits of creativity-based programming for autistic individuals.  

This latest award supports the next phase of the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship, a cross-disciplinary initiative that explores how art and design can empower autistic individuals for workforce success while fostering more inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly work environments. 

This marks the third NEA grant supporting ABLE, a collaboration among UWM’s Colleges of the Arts & Architecture, and Engineering & Applied Science, and the School of Nursing, in partnership with Milwaukee-based nonprofit Islands of Brilliance. 

The lab’s work began with a $150,000 NEA grant in 2021 to fund a longitudinal study on the impact of a five-week creativity workshop. A second $150,000 renewal expanded the research to include one-day short courses. The current grant will fund a new fellowship program designed to provide transitional support for autistic people entering professional environments. 

“This continued support from the NEA affirms the importance of inclusive, creativity-driven approaches to workforce development,” said Nathaniel Stern, ABLE executive director and UWM professor of art and design and mechanical engineering. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of research that not only empowers autistic individuals but also transforms workplace culture.” 

UWM grad student and research assistant Mich Dillon guides a student using Photoshop during an Islands of Brilliance Foundation Workshop. The workshop was part of Study 1 of the ABLE Research lab study.
UWM grad student and research assistant Mich Dillon guides a student using Photoshop during an Islands of Brilliance Foundation Workshop. The workshop was part of Study 1 of the ABLE Research lab study.
UWM alum and Islands of Brilliance Creative Technologist Ruby Wilson guides a student using Procreate during an Islands of Brilliance Sandbox@ Discovery World Workshop.
UWM alum and Islands of Brilliance Creative Technologist Ruby Wilson guides a student using Procreate during an Islands of Brilliance Sandbox@ Discovery World Workshop. The workshop was part of Study 2 of the ABLE Research lab study.
An Islands of Brilliance student creates a stop motion animation using an iPad during a Sandbox@ Milwaukee County Zoo workshop.
An Islands of Brilliance student creates a stop motion animation using an iPad during a Sandbox@ Milwaukee County Zoo workshop. The workshop was part of Study 2 of the ABLE Research lab study.
An Islands of Brilliance student works on a project during a Fellowship workshop at the L.E. Phillips Public Library in Eau Claire, WI.
An Islands of Brilliance student works on a project during a Fellowship workshop at the L.E. Phillips Public Library in Eau Claire, WI. The workshop was part of Study 3 of the ABLE Research lab study.

The fellowship will offer six months of weekly, one-hour creative arts-based sessions held at partner libraries and art centers. Led by experienced autistic and neurodiverse artists and educators, these sessions will focus on special interest-driven projects that blend art and design with guided discussions. The goal is to build workforce readiness skills, social connections, resilience, advocacy and identity. 

“At ABLE, we’re passionate about empowering autistic young adults to thrive,” said Jeana Holt, ABLE principal investigator and research director and UWM associate professor of nursing. “This program is all about boosting confidence, building resilience and fostering genuine social acceptance. By equipping them with stress management tools and a strong sense of self-worth, we’re helping them make a successful, fulfilling leap from school into the workforce — and into a brighter future.” 

Participants in the pilot fellowship program shared powerful reflections: 

  • On joy: “Meeting other people with autism.” “Being able to share my art.” “I liked networking with new, cool people.” 
  • On discovery: “Discovering how my talents and positive traits can benefit my community.” “Our preferences are as unique as we are as people.” “I discovered that I’m not alone in this world.” 

For more information about the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship and UWM’s ongoing research, visit: islandsofbrilliance.org/able. 

UWM alum wins second and third Emmy 

UWM alum and acclaimed filmmaker Chris Smith (MFA 1999, Performing Arts – Film) won his second and third Emmy for his work as an executive producer on the documentary series 100 Foot Wave. Smith won his previous Emmy in 2024 for his cinematography work for the same project.  

To read the full article, visit the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  

Guitar students and alumni shine on international stages 

Leonela Alejandro holding her guitar

The Peck School of the Arts guitar program is recognized for its distinguished faculty and the achievements of its students and alumni. Led by internationally renowned artist René Izquierdo, the program continues to produce musicians who thrive on competitive stages around the world. 

Annika Nelson, a senior and student leader for the Classical Guitar Organization at UWM, spent her summer training and performing at major festivals. She received a full scholarship to study with the Volterra Guitar Project in Tuscany, Italy, and attended the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina on scholarship. 

“During the school year I applied to a couple of different programs for over the summer, and I ended up receiving a full scholarship to go to a festival in Italy called the Volterra Guitar Program,” said Nelson. “Before that I went to the Brevard Music Center for a music camp for orchestra students. There’s an in-depth guitar program with a professor from Austin and I got a partial scholarship to attend for two weeks.” 

In addition to her studies, Nelson competed at the Chicago Guitar Festival, placing third in the collegiate division. She also found time to teach guitar, ukulele, and piano in her hometown of Plymouth, Wisconsin. 

“I placed third in the collegiate competition and one of our graduate students received second place in the open division,” said Nelson. “An upcoming TA and graduate student had won in his division last year, so he played a full concert. There was a lot of UWM representation this year.” 

The graduate student Nelson referenced is Kyle Khembunjong, who placed second in the open division of the Chicago Guitar Festival and returned to Domaine Forget de Charlevoix’s International Guitar Festival for his winner’s performance. 

Recent Master of Music graduate Aidan Wiley Lippke also competed at Domaine Forget, earning second prize in this highly selective international competition. 

Another standout this summer was Alberto Daniel Quintanilla, a recent Master of Music graduate and current Performance Certificate student. Quintanilla captured First Prize at the Festival Internacional de Guitarra “Villa de Petrer” in Spain, one of the most prestigious international competitions in classical guitar. His achievement places him among the top emerging artists on the global stage. 

Alumna Leonela Alejandro (BFA 2020), who recently completed her master’s degree at Columbus State University, continues to remain closely connected to UWM’s guitar program. This summer she opened the Guitar Foundation of America’s 2025 convention in Louisville, adjudicated the youth competition, and taught a technique workshop. 

“I got to open the concert this year which was nerve wracking and exciting,” said Alejandro. “I got to play a recital in front of all my guitar heroes and the festival attendees. This was a big part of what I did this summer and a big part of my guitar career.” 

Alejandro was also honored as a rising star at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, where she performed in celebration of her heritage. 

“They have a list for honorees who are Puerto Rican or of Puerto Rican descent every year and this year I was one of the honorees,” Alejandro said. “I was one of the rising stars which was a really cool experience.” 

From Spain to Italy, Canada to New York, UWM guitarists are carrying their artistry onto the global stage, continuing the tradition of excellence and serving as shining examples of the quality of instruction that defines the Peck School of the Arts guitar program. 

Payton Murphy ’27 (BFA Film)

UWM alum and lecturer showcases work for Hispanic Heritage Month 

Celeste Contreras Skierski with her work

Work by J. Celeste Contreras Skierski (MFA 2022, Art: Print & Book Arts; Lecturer, Art & Design) will be on view at the United Community Center in a solo exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month. Contreras Skierski’s work centers on her Hispanic and Native identity, focusing heavily on the influence her teachers and mentors had on her practice.  

In a segment by Meryl Hubbard for NBC TMJ4, Contreras Skierski elaborates on how her teachers have influenced her path into artistry and educating. Her exhibition is dedicated to capturing the connection between students and teachers.

“Mrs. Dreamer, my middle school art teacher. She saw me making work, and she saw that art, you know, was something that I was using as a coping mechanism and an outlet for my voice,” said Contreras Skierski. 

To watch the segment, visit TMJ4.