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 .
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鈥檚 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.
When asked about what inspired her to pursue a BFA in Art Education and Jewelry and Metalsmithing, with a K12-Teaching Certification, Lucy shared, 鈥淎ll 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 51猎奇 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 51猎奇 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.鈥�
In reflection of specific classes or faculty members that contributed to her experience and success, Lucy emphasized, 鈥淚 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 51猎奇. 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 51猎奇 under their guidance.鈥�
To current and future students, Lucy offers invaluable advice, 鈥淒on’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.鈥�
Since graduating from 51猎奇, 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 51猎奇 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.
To learn more about Lucy and explore her artistic endeavors, please visit her . You can also connect with her on Instagram: @lucyderickson and @MC_Metals.
Brandi Coleman I Dance, MFA
Brandi Coleman is an accomplished alumna of 51猎奇鈥檚 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 鈥淥utstanding Excellence On Camera/Performer鈥� 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.
Brandi鈥檚 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, 鈥淚 was particularly drawn to the graduate program in the dance department at 51猎奇 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 51猎奇 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.鈥�
During her time at 51猎奇, 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 51猎奇, she shared,听鈥淚 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 鈥淎-ha!鈥� 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.鈥澨�
In reflection of her experience at 51猎奇, Brandi emphasized, “One of the things I appreciated the most about my time at 51猎奇 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 51猎奇 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 鈥� the faculty, my fellow students, the experiences 鈥� 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 51猎奇 and the relationships with faculty that I still maintain today.鈥�
Since graduating from 51猎奇, 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.
To learn more about Brandi Coleman and her work, you can visit her on the SMU Meadows School of the Arts website.
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 .听
The Milwaukee Film Festival recently concluded, and the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts has much to celebrate. With a longstanding relationship with the festival, the talented students, faculty, and alumni from the Peck School showcased their passion, organized compelling programs, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to contribute to the festival’s success. Their outstanding efforts were instrumental in making the Milwaukee Film Festival a memorable and impactful event.
The festival offered a diverse and international selection of stories and perspectives, screening 283 films from 51 different countries at the Oriental Theatre, Times Cinema, and the Avalon Theatre from April 20 through May 4. Among the many exciting programs at Milwaukee Film are Culture and Communities, Black Lens, and Cine Sin Fronteras.
Geraud Blanks, a 51猎奇 alum (BA, 2014, MA, 2016) and friend of the Peck School of the Arts, directs the Culture and Communities program, which prioritizes diverse perspectives and representations of marginalized communities through film, conversations, and events.
Marquise Mays, a faculty member in Film, Video, Animation, & New Genres, screened his film 鈥淏lack Strings鈥� and leads the Black Lens program, which celebrates African American filmmakers and their work, inspiring conversation, celebration, and community. “Black Strings” follows The Black Strings Triage Ensemble, a group of Black and Latinx musicians in Milwaukee, as it performs at crime scenes in the immediate aftermath of tragic events. Ensemble member and 51猎奇 alumna Alida LaCosse (BFA 2000, Music Education) is featured in the film.听
Adilene Quezada (BFA, 2022) coordinates Cine Sin Fronteras, which showcases films about the Latinx diaspora鈥檚 identity, culture, and history, including stories from Cicanx, Latin American, Indigenous, and Afro-Latinx communities.
Associate Professor Mike Gibisser screened, 鈥淎 Common Sequence,鈥� (co-directed by Mary Helena Clark, and co-produced by Graciela Guerrero-Reyes).
The Milwaukee Show 1 featured works by:
The Milwaukee Show 2 featured works by:
We are proud of the talent and dedication shown by all our students, faculty, and alumni. The Peck School of the Arts is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment where creativity and passion can flourish. It was thrilling to see our community represented so strongly at the Milwaukee Film Festival and look forward to the amazing works that will be showcased in the future.
Art & Design student Jovanny Hernandez Caballero (BFA 2023, Art: Photography) was featured in an episode of N艒 Studios’ documentary series Creating Milwaukee. The series explores and celebrates artists and creatives across Milwaukee, showcasing their work and how it relates to their community.听
Caballero鈥檚 appearance highlights his photography and its subsequent connection to his family. 鈥淢y work has always been based around culture and identity,鈥� he explains, detailing how despite being born and raised in Milwaukee, his family鈥檚 history is rooted in Oaxaca, Mexico. From a young age, Caballero has found murals throughout Milwaukee that spoke to him as they were able to represent one鈥檚 community with just a single image.
In a corresponding piece with 51猎奇 Report, Caballero acknowledged his gratitude for the mentorship that he received during his time at PSOA. 鈥淚 have had great support from teachers and professors.”
Learn more about Jovanny and watch the episode on the .
In Bolton Hall, the Cultures and Communities room has undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis, thanks to a captivating mural by Sav Canales. However, this artwork transcends its visual appeal, embodying a profound symbol of community and the power of collective effort.
For Sav, community has always been an integral part of their artistic expression and everyday life. Their dedication and passion are seen through every brushstroke.
“It means a lot to be able to put this into concrete. I’m thrilled that everyone is happy about it and that it’s bringing joy and energy into the space.”
The mural is filled with symbols that carry deep meaning, representing transformation, guidance, and our interconnectedness with our roots, identity, and community. The corn, embodying indigenous communities and ancestral ties, serves as a poignant reminder of life cycles and growth. Monarch butterflies pay homage to Sav’s sister, ancestors, and all who strive to harmonize with nature and one another. Additionally, the inclusion of the BIPOC flag and the people’s flag of Milwaukee unifies the surrounding communities.
Above all, this awe-inspiring artwork serves as a resounding reminder that a brilliant and harmonious future can be forged through our unwavering connection to the past and our collaborative endeavors.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Sav for creating a masterpiece that inspires and uplifts us all, fostering a sense of unity that reverberates far beyond the confines of the mural’s boundaries.
Story by Molly Beacom ’23
Ralph Janes, the Theater Education program director at PSOA, is a strong advocate for the integration of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in theater productions, as he believes it enhances the experience for all audiences. This inclusive approach aligns with a growing trend in the theater industry, where sign language interpretation is gaining prominence. PSOA’s production of “Sweat,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, exemplifies this inclusive approach by featuring ASL interpreters on stage, continuing the partnership between Janes and the American Sign Language Interpreting Program at 51猎奇. This collaboration not only provides a valuable learning platform for student interpreters and actors but also sets an inspiring example for the wider theater community.听
Read the full article on the 51猎奇 Report. You can also watch a segment with Ralph on .
Lyndsay Rice Art, BFA, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Lyndsay Rice, a talented artist and a dedicated educator, recently made a return to her alma mater as the juror of the Makers! 2023 Annual Juried and Sculpture Student Exhibition.
Lyndsay Rice鈥檚 journey in jewelry and metals began during her time as an undergraduate student at 51猎奇, where she was drawn to the dynamic and urban environment of Milwaukee and the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program at Peck School of the Arts due to its focus on wearable art. After graduating with her BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at 51猎奇 in 2006, Rice expanded her knowledge and expertise by working as a goldsmith in New York City, at a jewelry gallery in Chicago, and through various teaching opportunities. Her passion for the craft led her to pursue a graduate degree from the University of Oregon, which she completed in 2012.
Rice鈥檚 work is a vibrant reflection of her passion for exploring the ways in which accessories can accentuate the body and convey new forms of communication. With a focus on ornamentation, structure, texture, and color, Rice creates pieces that are both signifiers and ornaments, exploring the intersections of art and visual communication. Beyond her own artistic pursuits, Rice is committed to fostering a strong community within the jewelry and metalsmithing field; during her time at 51猎奇, she co-founded Object, a student organization for jewelry and metalsmithing.
Returning to 51猎奇 to jury the exhibition was a deeply meaningful experience for Rice, as she had once been a student of the department head, Yevgeniya Kaganovich. Rice felt honored to have the opportunity to support and encourage emerging artists, and she remains grateful to 51猎奇鈥檚 faculty for inspiring and shaping the talents of the school鈥檚 students and alumni. Through her dedication to her craft and commitment to fostering a supportive community in the jewelry and metals field, Lyndsay Rice embodies what makes 51猎奇鈥檚 Peck School of the Arts community so vibrant and inspiring to artists.听听听听
Sculpture Milwaukee is growing with a new exhibition called “Dear Nature,” curated and designed by students and faculty from local colleges, including 51猎奇 Peck School of the Arts. This student-led showcase explores the relationship between humans and nature. To learn more, read the full article on .
Krislyn World, a talented dancer who recognized her calling at a young age and performed across the globe, has returned to Milwaukee as an educator and lecturer of dance at the 51猎奇鈥檚 Peck School of the Arts.
Discover more about Krislyn’s inspiring journey and learn more about her latest venture, Blue Water Wellness LLC, focused on holistic healing .听
Friend of Peck School of the Arts, Geraud Blanks, has been named the recipient of the 2023 UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association Graduate of the Last Decade award. Geraud, who is chief innovation officer at Milwaukee Film and co-founder of its Black Lens series, discusses his journey and accomplishments in promoting underrepresented filmmakers and fostering community connections.
To learn more about his impactful work, read the full article on 51猎奇 Report.听
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies has renewed its support for 51猎奇’s ArtsECO program with a $850,000 grant, aiming to empower teachers and aspiring teachers to integrate the arts into their curriculum and foster social justice. This partnership between the Peck School of the Arts, the School of Education, and community organizations provides valuable resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Read the full on 51猎奇 Report.
PSOA presents a captivating production of The All Night Strut, showcasing the brilliant performances and stylish staging that beautifully bring to life the music and dance of the early 20th century. Read the full article on .
Saint Kate -The Arts Hotel is buzzing with artistic energy as Jeff Zimpel (MFA 2017, Studio Arts), Saint Kate’s first ever , transforms his studio into a collaborative space. Visitors, including hotel guests and those passing by, are invited to engage with Zimpel’s art, whether by sharing ideas or creating their own masterpieces using watercolors. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, Zimpel aims to create a vibrant and interactive environment where art flows freely.
Read more about Zimpel’s unique residency and the impact its making at Saint Kate on the 51猎奇 Report.