Sarah Eichhorn selected as Fashion and Apparel Design full-time faculty
Sarah Eichhorn. Image courtesy of the artist.
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) welcomes Sarah Eichhorn as the college’s first Visiting Instructor of Fashion and Apparel Design. Eichhorn, who has taught at MIAD as an adjunct instructor since 2020, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the college’s newest major. Eichhorn earned her BFA in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago and her MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University.
“I strive to make my classroom a diverse learning environment,” explains Eichhorn. “Everyone is joining my classes with different backgrounds and skill sets. I want to make sure that students feel safe and confident as they learn in my class.” Although Eichhorn has taught in higher education since 2008, she accepted her first teaching job out of necessity. “I found out that I very much enjoyed [teaching] and have stuck with it since!” she says. “I most enjoy teaching sewing based courses, patternmaking courses and surface design.”
While working as an adjunct instructor and textiles lab technician, Eichhorn developed the curriculum for the new Fashion and Apparel Design major. “I first started reflecting on the MIAD student,” she says of the process. “Who are they and what are they interested in?” Researching current fashion industry needs and trends, as well as meeting with staff in MIAD’s Equity + Inclusion Center, Eichhorn developed a curriculum that strives to reflect MIAD’s study body.
BrainFog_SarahEichhorn
Sarah Eichhorn, “Brain Fog.” Image courtesy of the artist.
marigolddye_SarahEichhorn
Sarah Eichhorn, “Fabric being dyed with marigold flowers.” Image courtesy of the artist.
OnionSkin_SarahEichhorn
Sarah Eichhorn, “Onion Skin Samples.” Image courtesy of the artist.
SawtoothDress_SarahEichhorn
Sarah Eichhorn, “Sawtooth Dress,” 2016. Image courtesy of the artist.
“I am most excited to start teaching in a fashion program that embodies the MIAD student!” Eichhorn continues. “The current fashion industry is in need of an overhaul. I feel the best place to start considering new ideas and approaches to designing is here in the classroom. Our students are aware of the need for change and talk about things like sustainability often. They want to be size inclusive and better designers overall. What a treat for me to be the one hosting these discussions!”
In her own artistic practice, Eichhorn emphasizes sustainability and zero waste, natural colors and fibers. An experienced educator, she facilitates and leads community workshops on sustainability and natural dye techniques. As a whole, Eichhorn “hopes to inspire others to consider where their coloring comes from and how we can collectively become more invested in the clothes we wear.”
Explore more of Sarah’s work and learn more about MIAD’s new Fashion and Apparel Design major!
News
La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025
Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants
Galilea Cerdea ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.
Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors
Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.