Events
We invite you to get involved with MIAD through the many events we host each year. Your participation supports students and alumni and helps create a galvanized education and creative community, addressing universal needs through our thought, design and expression. Join our mailing list to receive event updates!
MIAD Creativity Series
Founded in 2012, the MIAD Creativity Series annually brings in internationally preeminent artists, designers and creative scholars/educators to celebrate excellence in the arts, enrich the experiences of MIAD students and engage the community in new ways of thinking about and appreciating the visual arts and the world of design. Visiting creatives have an in-depth residency with MIAD students and present a public presentation.
MIAD Holiday Sale
The annual MIAD Holiday Sale supports students and alumni in showcasing and selling their one-of-a-kind art and design work (at all price points) to community members and art enthusiasts. The event is held during the first weekend of December. Proceeds support the artists/designers and MIAD student scholarships.
MIAD Senior Exhibition
MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kind, features more than 130 artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors.
Creative Fusion
Milwaukee’s signature fundraiser in the heart of MIAD’s creative studios, Creative Fusion, is an annual benefit for MIAD scholarships. The night includes a cocktail hour and dinner, as well as a live auction of artworks donated by a variety of artists.
Alumni Events
MIAD’s Alumni Office regularly hosts events for MIAD alumni! Check out featured events coming up.
Gallery Exhibitions
MIAD features two gallery spaces that are free and open to the public: The Frederick Layton Gallery and Brooks Stevens Gallery of Industrial Design. The galleries are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. View our current gallery exhibition schedule. Gallery tours are available.
Join Our Mailing List
Get updates on MIAD’s latest events!
Academic and Other Events
For other events, see our Academic Calendar and General Events Calendar.
Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact Tracy Milkowski at tracymilkowski@miad.edu or 414‑847‑3239.
Need a location for your next event? If you would like to have your event hosted at MIAD, please contact Fran Serlin, Director of Special Events, at 414‑847‑3336 or franserlin@miad.edu.
News
‘GQ Rebranded’ series is a hit for MIAD alum’s new studio
When Justin Thomas Kay ’04 (Communication Design) opened his own studio, JTK Studio, Inc., in New York City early this year, he hoped that his work “would contribute positively to helping to make things look nicer and more enjoyable and speak honestly to people broadly.” The new GQ Sports series “GQ Rebranded” turned out to be a good fit to do just that.
MIAD student support system receives national SMILE Award
Choose Mental Health, the national voice for children’s mental health, named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the 2024 SMILE Award–Organization Winner for the college’s commitment to promoting mental health and well-being among its students.
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.