MIAD alumni works featured in new Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection and Fiserv Forum complex

Vedale Hill

MILWAUKEE (September 1, 2018) – As the new Fiserv Forum opens in Milwaukee, visitors will see the work of three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) alumni – Vedale Hill ’11 (Integrated Studio Arts), Andi Woodward ’13 (Time-Based Media) and Brandon Minga ’04 (Illustration). The three MIAD alumni are among 32 artists chosen out of 1,200 submissions to contribute works to the Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection. Additionally, one alumna – Amanda Koch ’11 (Interior Architecture and Design) – is an architectural designer working on an apartment complex near the arena.

“We are proud that the artwork of MIAD alumni is represented so prominently in Fiserv Forum as part of the Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection,” said Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin. “MIAD is an influencer in the Milwaukee art community and beyond, and we are excited that MIAD will have a significant presence and be a focal point of the fan experience.”

Works showcase basketball, buck and Milwaukee history

Andi Woodward

As a Bucks fan whose work was already heavily influenced by basketball, Vedale Hill is thrilled to have his work accepted into Fiserv Forum. The co-founder of Jazale’s Art Studio, a local charity offering free arts programming to inner city children, Hill created two small basketball paintings incorporating found objects onto abstract backgrounds.

Andi Woodward’s work is a 4′ x 8′ piece featuring a buck, crafted from locally-sourced wood and scaffolding strips. Woodward works at Retail Fixture, a company that designs, develops and produces retail and restaurant environments, and also is co-founder of Seadog Creative, a local video and creative services company. As a queer artist, Woodward is encouraged by their acceptance into the Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection, as well as by the Bucks’ inception of a Pride Night.

Brandon Minga’s work is a diptych abstract basketball court using materials that tie into Milwaukee brands and history. The piece pays homage to Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the city’s big five original breweries. Minga is the founder and creative director of MINGAdigm, a local branding and media company.

“You don’t get a much bigger platform,” said Minga. “Owners, players, fans will all see the work, and you never know who your next client is going to be.”

Brandon Minga

Designing a Fiserv Forum-area apartment complex

Amanda Koch, an architectural designer with Engberg Anderson Architects, is part of a team of architects and designers working on the Five Fifty Ultra Lofts near the Fiserv Forum. Koch said having the residential component in the arena complex will help keep the area active 24/7, instead of just during the night or special events. “It is exciting to see the [complex] start to come to life.”

Setting a foundation for career success

For each alum, MIAD laid a foundation for them to be able to create the work that will appear in the Milwaukee Bucks Art Collection, and for them to be successful in their careers.

Both Hill and Minga say they use the critical thinking skills gained at MIAD every day in their work.

Amanda Koch

Being immersed in MIAD’s culture was also most beneficial for Koch and Woodward.

“At MIAD there’s a strong sense of creativity, innovation and curiosity. It’s highly encouraged and valued,” said Koch. “Architecture is a career that requires that same level of dedication and curiosity.”

Being able to dabble in many different art and design areas as a student at MIAD helped Woodward grow not just in their work, but as a person. Woodward hopes to inspire others to start on a similar artistic journey.

“If one kid sees my work and wants to go home and make a birdhouse, I’ll be really happy.”