Remembering Daniel Petry, key figure in the creation of Jan Serr Studio 

Photo of Daniel Petry

Daniel Petry, a longtime Milwaukee arts administrator who played a key role in the creation of UWM’s Jan Serr Studio, died in August at age 71. During a career spanning several Milwaukee arts organizations, Petry worked at the Peck School of the Arts and Present Music, among others.

In an article for Milwaukee Magazine, Evan Musil looks back on Petry’s contributions to Milwaukee’s arts community and the relationships he built throughout his career. While working at the Peck School, Petry approached John Shannon and Jan Serr about creating a sixth-floor venue at Kenilworth Square East. Their $1 million gift led to the Jan Serr Studio, which opened in 2019. 

“The things that we accomplished after he came were really remarkable, and it wouldn’t have been possible without him,” said Kevin Stalheim (MM 1981, Music),  a close friend of Petry and founder of Present Music. 

To read the full article, visit Milwaukee Magazine.