MIAD NSP students install service learning mural

Students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are developing professional expertise and honing their artistic craft, all while contributing to public art efforts in Professor Brad Anthony Bernard’s New Studio Practice: Fine Arts murals class. Their 2Cubed Exhibit is the culmination of the hard work of MIAD students in this service learning course.

Six students collaborated with Art Intersection MKE, a public mural and sculpture garden located in the Near West Side neighborhood that combines art with meaningful human connection. “The Near West Side of Milwaukee is an emerging creative community that is showcasing many performing and visual arts initiatives,” explains Bernard. “This mural installation on the Art Intersection sculpture garden grounds will further entice residents as well as passerby individuals to engage with a colorful and inviting green space that is steadily being developed to accommodate the community.” The 2Cubed installation features work by Shelbey Smith ’26, Stacy Ketsios ’26, Brenda Olayo ’25, Dylan Dornfeld ’26, Khalajia Hannah ’25 and Allie Painter ’25.

Founded and operated by Derrick Cainion, Art Intersection MKE is partnering with MIAD and Bernard to establish an ongoing seasonal partnership that benefits both the community and MIAD students. Bernard’s class allows students to “create and showcase their work in a widely viewed public art space,” he says. “The process of art making when applied to creative placemaking or neighborhood beautification allows students to utilize their talents for a greater good all while doing what they enjoy.”

Part of this murals class was also intended to develop students’ professional skills. “They were responsible for meeting a deadline for a client and communicating directly with Derrick, independent of me, to discuss modifications to imagery, drop off time, to help develop their business acumen,” explains Bernard.

This collaboration will not be the end of MIAD’s presence in Milwaukee’s Near West Side neighborhood. Bernard hopes to continue working with Art Intersection MKE and other neighborhood arts organizations and programs. This summer, murals and public artwork by MIAD students will be on view not only in Art Intersection’s space, but also in the Cherry Street Community Garden through a collaboration with BloomMKE. Part of this Cherry Street Community Garden partnership will culminate in a self-guided Art Walk tour, available on their website. The community is invited to an unveiling event on July 15th of artworks and murals.

Learn more about Brad Anthony Bernard and MIAD’s New Studio Practice: Fine Arts major!