Like Game of Thrones? Check out Story & Craft – A Magic: The Gathering Exhibition at MIAD
MILWAUKEE … If you like science fiction, fantasy art, Dungeons & Dragons or TV shows like Game of Thrones, then you may want to check out Story & Craft – A Magic: The Gathering Exhibition at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s (MIAD) Brooks Stevens Gallery, 273 E. Erie Street, on view Nov. 11, 2019 through Jan. 11, 2020.
Since its debut in 1993, artists have designed more than 20,000 game cards and its fan base has grown to more than 20 million players worldwide. The exhibition at MIAD is the first of its kind in the Midwest, and only the second in the game’s history in North America.
Artists who design cards for Magic: The Gathering are among an elite group. “It is the peak of fantasy illustration to have your work on Magic: The Gathering cards,” said John Matson, Illustration professor at MIAD and a Magic: The Gathering card illustrator.
Matson added that artists who design Magic: The Gathering cards not only need to be great illustrators, but they also need to be good communicators and storytellers.
The exhibition examines the game card design process and gaming culture. It features rare original Magic: The Gathering artwork and cards, plus concept drawing and models from different periods of the game’s history – taking visitors on a journey through the design process from sketches to design to final art creation. The fans and players of Magic literally invent the rules and methods of play, and this exhibition also highlights the evolution of the many differing ways of playing.
MIAD’s galleries are open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. The galleries are closed during the college’s Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 28 & 29) and Winter Break (Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2020). More information: miad.edu/galleries
Events at MIAD open to the public and the MIAD community:
Artist Talk: “Making a Career of Diversity in Fantasy Art”
Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Artist Winona Nelson has worked in the video game and tabletop gaming industries for more than a decade. She has painted over 135 Magic cards and tokens, and traveled the world to sign cards at tournaments and events. Throughout her career she has worked to expand representations of diversity in fantasy and science fiction culture. Nelson’s fine art often focuses on the stories and history of her tribe, the Ojibwe of Minnesota, and on the experiences of women and minorities. Free admission.
Opening Reception
Nov. 15, 6 – 8 p.m.
Join us for an Opening Reception for Story & Craft – A Magic: The Gathering Exhibition in MIAD’s Brooks Stevens Gallery. Free admission.
Magic: The Gathering Game Day
Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All experience levels are welcome to play Magic: The Gathering at MIAD. Guest appearance by illustrator Winona Nelson. Playing cards will be provided, or bring your own – all game formats welcome. Free admission. Co-hosted by MIAD’s Magic: The Gathering club.
Events specifically for MIAD students:
Winona Nelson: Talk with Students, Nov. 14, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
MIAD Innovation Center, Room 270
Illustrator Winona Nelson discusses her inspirations and work process as a Magic: The Gathering illustrator and exhibiting fine artist.
Art Director Talk: Mike Linneman, Nov. 18, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
MIAD Innovation Center, Room 270
Linneman shares his approach as an art director selecting artist works, creating prompts for illustrators and experiences installing Magic: The Gathering exhibitions.
Illustrator Talk: John Matson, Nov., 20, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
MIAD Innovation Center, Room 270
Matson, a MIAD instructor, shares his experience as a former Magic: The Gathering illustrator, his work as a freelancer and how those experiences inform his approach to teaching fantasy illustration at MIAD.
Illustrator Talk: Jeff Miracola, Nov. 25, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Todd Wehr Auditorium
Alum Jeff Miracola discusses his experience as a Magic: The Gathering illustration and industry insight from his entrepreneurial ventures and how-to video series.
News
Senior’s passion for Illustration and Natural Sciences thrives at MIAD
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Lilly Zbiegien’s two passions – Illustration and Natural Sciences – flourished at an early age and have continued through college. Recently Zbiegien presented her Natural Science Independent Study research, “Junkyard Nests,” showing not only the impact of plastic pollution on birds, but also her skill in portraying the environment through Illustration.
Reducing food insecurity at MIAD’s People’s Pantry
Students, staff and faculty at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are addressing short-term food insecurity on campus with direct action. One of the college’s newest resources, the People’s Pantry, provides free food for anyone in the MIAD community who needs a meal, no questions asked.
Intergenerational sharing as knowledge building at MIAD
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) instructor Hj Bullard continued a longstanding collaboration with House of History this semester in their First-Year Experience “Community Connections” class.
gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix announces 2024 Fall Cohort
Of the seven Milwaukee artists selected for the gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix 2024 Fall Cohort, three are part of the community at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Assistant Professor Morgan Bouldes, current senior Nomka Enkhee ’25 and Photography & Digital Media Lab Technician Grant Gill ’13 (Photography) were selected as part of the grant and mentorship program.
Painting is alive at the Painting is Dead Gallery
It’s over 20 years and 30 miles from a figure drawing class at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to the new Painting is Dead Gallery in Fredonia, Wis., owned by Katie Musolff ’04 (Painting) and Andy Fletcher, who first met in the class.