MIAD Bridge

3MIAD BRIDGE FALL 2010

4 MIAD BRIDGE FALL 2010

BRIDGE


COVER STORY:

The Redline Milwaukee:Encouraging and helping keep contemporary art and creative freedom alive in Milwaukee.

Eco Fashion: Clothes that Make a Difference

MIAD Spring Break Habitat for Humanity Trip: A group of MIAD students taking their time off to help others.

The Sketchbook

ContentsBRIDGE

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18 People: Jessie Spiess19 Community: Urban Ecology20 Thoughts: This I Believe21 Happenings: Art for Oil


Letter from the Editor

MIAD Bridge is all about the community of the Milwaukee Institute

of Art and Design reaching out to the community around them, locally,

nationally, and even worldly. Current students, alumni and even faculty all

put time and effort into doing good for mankind. Whether it is volunteering

for service learning, donating art and skills, or just their time to others in

need, the MIAD community is known for lending out help and service

whether asked for or not.

As artists and designers we have a unique gift to create what many cannot.

We are able to find ways to put it to good for others in need. This issue of

MIAD Bridge is about creating for a community and the common good.

Artists and designers doing what they know best to better the world.

I invite you to enjoy the “created” aesthetic feel of this issue, as well to

look into what you can create for your community. No matter how big or

small, we all have something to offer.


Contributors


MIAD SPRING BREAK - Habitat for Humanity Trip -A group of MIAD students taking their time off to help others.

Written by Renae Bastar and Photography by Alec Regan

Students always look forward to vacations during the school year, and one of the most popular is spring break. The majority of people would think the vocabulary for “spring break” includes; beaches, sun, relaxing, suntan, drinks, and partying. For a group of MIAD students who volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, spring break has a little different definition than its typical understanding. This group of student’s main goal of their vacation is to help people in need build a place called home.

The first MIAD Spring Break Habitat for Humanity trip took place in 2008, and has been going strong ever since. That group of students took a road trip to the Smokey Mountains of Oakridge, Tennessee. Since then students have also traveled out west to Cody, Wyoming in 2009, and the latest group of students traveled to the “birthplace of blues” Tutwiler, Mississippi in 2010. It all started when a group of six students from MIAD wanted to travel somewhere for spring break, but wanted to do more

MIAD BRIDGE FALL 2010 7

then satisfy themselves with a week off from school. They all decided they wanted to volunteer for a week in an area that wasn’t familiar to them, where they could learn new things. Habitat for Humanity came to mind, because of their wide range of locations and their renowned efforts to create simple, decent, and affordable housing for people in need. This opportunity would not only broaden the MIAD community and skills of the students, but also knowledge of the area and understanding of volunteer work. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that is located throughout the world. Devoted to building housing for families in need. All houses are built by volunteers and are sold at no profit. The qualifications for ownership of the houses are based on the families need, their ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in the future.

During the Habitat for Humanity trips MIAD students get the experience of building a house, and how fast and easy it can be if many people are willing to join in on the fun. Some tasks students have learned during their time volunteering for Habitat include, the basics of construction, creating a foundation, installing roofing, siding, windows, flooring, cabinets, lighting, dry wall, plastering, painting, and landscaping. All of these volunteer efforts have helped people who had very poor living conditions. They are now able to enjoy a nice, warm, money conscious place called home. Having been a part of the first MIAD Habitat for Humanity trip, I learned so much from the experience. Being on site and learning from professionals the reasoning and techniques involved in creating a sound structure was exciting. The crew leaders who run the show at the construction site don’t hesitate to help explain how to do a job if anyone is confused. On site


"MIAD students get the experience

of building a house, and how fast

and easy it can be if many people

are willing to join in on the fun."

there were many laughs that made every work day go by fast. During time off from volunteering we were able to discover the area and community near the Habitat for Humanity site. On the 2008 trip we were able to go hiking in the Smokey Mountains, and venture into the surrounding towns. It was to fun to travel to a different part of the United States, and to talk to people from the area. Through the spring break trip I met new people and have stronger relationships with my fellow MIAD classmates that I took the journey with. The trip was a learning experience for myself as well as everyone involved in the effort. The greatest satisfaction during the trip I partook in was meeting the woman who we were building the house for. She drove up to the mountain every day to thank the volunteers and to see the process of what was soon to be her new house. The woman described the current living conditions her family is living in, which made for a very emotional event. Walking her

into the house every day to show her what we’ve been working on was very rewarding. Everyone could tell how excited she was for the future that was in store for her. Witnessing this event made the trip that much better. I felt like I had accomplished something that spring break, knowing I played a small part in making someone’s dream come true. Spring break will be here before you know it! What better way is there to spend it than volunteering your time for the better of someone else? Get your work boots and hard hat on this spring break! For more information about this upcoming 2011 MIAD Habitat for Humanity trip contact Ricky Heldt at [email protected].


Students involved with the Habitat for Humanity spring break trip do

more than just build a house. They make lasting friendships and leave

with a sense of responsibility and contribution to the community.

It’s the simple things in life that make a world of difference. From the food you eat to the clothes you buy everything we use on a day to day basis effects the world around us. From organic, eco, to fair trade; what you’re wearing can make a difference. When looking around MIAD it’s not too hard to notice that many of the students have decided to support this environmentally healthy lifestyle too. Many students are making an impact through the artwork they make and the clothing they wear. Before you consider this the next fashion fad, consider how they’re helping out around Milwaukee. This isn’t about what kind of canvas you’re using, although it could be. Buying and wearing eco-friendly clothing can not only help you, but it also helps the world around you in a variety of different ways. Hemp or bamboo fiber clothing leave less of a carbon footprint and require less chemicals to produce. As young artists we like to make a statement through our fashion style. Not only do many MIAD students try to

make artwork that is in support of being eco-friendly, but they are also wearing clothing brands like Levi Strauss and American Apparel. Both of these brands make sure their products are produced in heathy safe environments from fabrics that are helpful to us and the planet. Imagine all of the t-shirts in your closet; are any of them organic? By buying organic clothing you can help the environment they were produce in. Not only does it matter whether or not you’re clothes are hurting the environment; but also whether or not they’re hurting the people producing them. Many clothing companies such as American Apparel have taken action to produce clothing that follows labor laws. In some cases workers are too young to be working or working too long to take care of their families. They are making next to nothing for the hours they spend producing t-shirt after t-shirt. Knowing that someone was paid honestly for their work and treated properly can give you a piece of mind when you’re looking at something fair trade or not.

Written by Vanessa Wainwright and Illustrated by Kristina Shortt


Another factor that students at MIAD consider with their clothing is whether or not it’s vegan or animal friendly. Knowing this can be beneficial to a vegan or someone who cares about animals. When looking for vegan clothing make sure you’re buying fake leather or thick fabrics and simulate heavy materials. Tanning animals skins is harmful to the environment and the

workers as well. Many toxins are used in the process of making a pair of leather shoes or purse. Wool sweaters aren’t just itchy for us, they are actually needed to keep the animal warm in their natural habitat. MIAD students have taken a stance against animal cruelty in many of their works, now many of those students are wearing clothing that they know isn’t made from animals. Take a step to make a difference for the things you care about. As students, many MIAD students want to be ensured that they’re buying a quality pair of shoes that won’t fall apart. In general, most organic or eco-friendly clothing is made to last. Many companies today are using recycled car tires for soles and hemp for the canvas of their shoes. Brands like TOMS and Simple are making an impact with their either recycled or organic materials. As a student if you want to give to a charity through your clothing purchases, go ahead and order a pair of TOMS. For every pair of shoes you

buy, they’ll give a pair to a child in another country. Although they might not fill this seasons fashion trend; they’ll keep you warm or cool. Another simple step you can take is to buy used. Not only is it cost effect for a college student, it helps keep anything from sitting wasted in a landfill. Many MIAD students shop at thrift stores like St.Vincents and Yellow Jacket. Many thrift stores give their profit to different groups around their community like Goodwill. You’ll leave with bargains and something a little more unique than what you’d find from Boston Store. Take a look around you and you’ll see many of the students at MIAD have on a pair of TOMS or an American Apparel t-shirt with a custom design. Before you think it’s the next fashion trend consider the fact that buying eco-friendly clothing could not only benefit you but also benefit your own community, like MIAD or Milwaukee. Like MIAD students, make an impact everyday through simple things like the shoes you put

on your feet. Help make a change in your community like the students at MIAD have done by supporting your local fair trade clothing stores and thrift shops. Find your nearest Goodwill or American Apparel store to make your closet a little bit more green and help Milwaukee’s habitat.

MIAD students have taken a

stance against animal cruelty in

many of their works, now many

of those students are wearing

clothing that they know isn’t

made from animals.

From the food you eat to the

clothes you buy everything

we use on a day to day basis

effects the world around us.

MIAD BRIDGE FALL 201012



ilwaukee is lucky to have an artist residency, exhibition space, and print shop all in one building. The RedLine Milwaukee is a non-profit organization that encourages and helps keep alive contemporary art and creative freedom in Milwaukee. Located on 1422 4th Street, RedLine can house up to 12 artist residents, has an exhibition hall, a well-equipped print shop, and space for education programs. Steve Vande Zande and Lori Baumen helped found the RedLine to give Milwaukee a place to create, talk, explore, learn, and help others enjoy and experience art. RedLine is possible through numerous volunteers, mentors, educators, and very talented people who love to share art.

They fund their programs and equipment through donations and also membership fees. The residents also pay a small fee for studio space. Artist residencies occur at the RedLine building where apartments and studio space are included in the building. The artists bring a wide range of talents and techniques that can be shared with students and other artists. This enriches the art culture and experience in Milwaukee to bring in diverse, fresh viewpoints from outside the area. The resident artists help mentor teens and also perform two hours of community service each week. They are required to do 10 hours of work in their studio a week and also mentor and learn from other artists while in their residency,

which usually lasts for two to three years. International as well as national artists are welcome and there is no limit to what medium they can work in. Artists usually apply for the residency and an outside judging panel picks several artists and interviews are conducted to make the final decision. The artists’ studios have no doors, so while walking through the building the community can see more of the process and how and where the artwork happens. Having no doors also encourages a community with in RedLine and forms relationships with other artists also in residence. RedLine has it’s own gallery space in their building and wants their exhibits to reach beyond the audience of artists

m

and critics. They have four exhibits a year including an international artist, national artist, as well as the artist residents. It’s great to walk through the building and see the artwork from start to finish. This type of experience separates the RedLine gallery from other galleries. Steve and Lori are at the head of the education programs and teach some of them at the Milwaukee Art Museum. This unique kind of program creates a positive and encouraging outlet for kids who may be interested or intrigued by art. Over 1,000 hours of outreach and education have been organized and funded for this year, which is a great accomplishment

when art is one of the first departments to feel the affects of budget cuts in schools; this unique program is needed so that kids can be exposed to where art can take them. The RedLine recently added a Mac lab and would also like to incorporate video and animation programs as well. The RedLine understands that new media and technology is important to learn as well as the traditional art mediums. The print shop offers intaglio, callograph, relief, monoprint, silkscreen and photolithography. To have a studio with this variety of printmaking techniques helps encourage and continue the printmaking community that is often found in college


arts. The print shop is managed by MIAD alum, Kari Couture and Kim Weiss. Both artists have been planning and hoping for an opportunity to start a communal print shop because most printmaking techniques are expensive and need a lot of space, so most printmaking artists have a hard time obtaining equipment. The print shop has open studio times as well as classes in case students or adults have never printed before. RedLine has also started recruiting executives to join in on the classes offered so they can learn the creative process and hopefully take some ideas back to their profession. It also helps diversify their

knowledge and maybe think outside the box more. Lori Bauman explains that artists are used to being out of the normal comfort level because we are always taking risks and trying new things in our work. It’s also interesting to see what other students or mentors can learn from the executives. The RedLine Milwaukee has made emerging artists and mid-career artists the core of the their focus. These artists often need a support system and encouragement to help them grow and evolve. The RedLine also offers them exposure by displaying their works in the gallery space or even having members of

the community walk by and ask questions. Breaking into the professional art world can be intimidating and frightening, but by having a supportive group of fellow artists can help create connections and relationships that make things easier. The RedLine has shown how art can impact and add to a community. This community of artists and students will hopefully grow in the future and maybe MIAD alum or students can help expose RedLine and its great opportunities.


Reaching Beyond MilwaukeeWritten by Bradley Hollander Photography by Jessie Spiess

Graduates of MIAD often have a great deal of opportunity once their educational career in Milwaukee is complete. Some venture on their own. Others find their place in established businesses. Some decide to call Milwaukee their home. Others go beyond the boundaries of the city and reach out to their hometowns and show the world just how much they can use their talents to help others. Such is the case with Jessie Spiess, a graduate of MIAD’s photography program. After completing high school in 2004 in The Woodlands, Texas, she decided to attend Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design to obtain her bachelors degree. The culmination of her educational success came at the senior thesis show where she was

awarded Best of Show. She is currently a featured artists at the David Barnett gallery and calls Milwaukee home. This year Jessie decided to give back to her hometown by responding to a call for entries for the 2010 Gift of Gift of Show in Houston, Texas. The event is a yearly fundraiser where emerging photographers enter their work to be sold to the community. The profits of all the sales go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The art also gets featured in the museum. “[It’s] real people, like us, who are interested in having a say in what emerging [artists] should be part of a museum collection,”says co-organizer Natalie Zelt. Each ticket sold includes access to the show, an open bar, snacks, and a dance party. Most importantly,

each person receives three votes for the pieces of art they’d like to see displayed in their local museum. The profits from the ticket sales go toward the purchase of the winning piece and it is then donated to the museum. Organizers hope this event will continue annually and will provide benefits for patrons as well as emerging artists. Spiess’ art had success in this year’s showing. Her art was purchased and is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. She is now a successful artist living in Milwaukee while still giving back to her community through her talents. This is just one example of MIAD artists reaching out to their communities here in Wisconsin as well as around the country.

The Sketchbook: People


The Urban Ecology CenterWritten by Marisa Seguin

The Sketchbook: Community

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The Urban Ecology is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with and educating the public about environmental issues such as conservation, sustainability, and wildlife. They have two centers, one located at Washington Park and one at Riverside Park. Both of these parks were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted during the late eighteenth century as part of Milwaukee’s “Great Necklace of Parks” (which also includes Lake Park). After much industrialization in the Milwaukee area, these parks fell into disrepair and were a downright scary place to be before the Urban Ecology centers were established in these areas (and still weren’t that great during the organization’s early years). Urban Ecology was part of an effort to revitalize these areas and attract people to them once again. The Riverside Park building (completed in 2004) is made from recycled and renewable materials and is the main office building for the organization. A vast system of solar panels adorn

the roof to help power the building. This location also boasts a 40-foot climbing wall/observational tower and the Native Wisconsin Animal Room. The Washington Park location stands adjacent to a vast lagoon that is home to a variety of waterfowl throughout the year as well as fish and other interesting creatures. A huge variety of outdoor recreational activities are offered at both the Riverside and Washington Park locations. Cross-country skiing, canoeing, skating, rock climbing, and numerous nature hikes are just some of the options. Urban Ecology offers a huge variety of activities to educate the public about the environment. They work with people of all ages, from school children to college students to adults and seniors. They work directly with schools within a two-mile radius of each center and provide a number of after-school activities and summer camps. They believe that educating people from a young age will foster a lifelong awareness of environmental issues. They also host many seasonal events such as the Earth Day Festival in April or Winter Festival in January. Staff at The Urban Ecology Center also gather data about local wildlife and vegetation. This could be bird banding of migratory birds or surveying and planting native flora. They don’t just teach the public about the local environment but also work to help preserve this community.


The Sketchbook: Thoughts

I believe that if my mom hadn’t taken away my gameboy in 6th grade I would have been the ultimate pokemon master. I believe in babies. I believe in camp songs and singing them around a fire with friends. I believe in corny song lyrics.I believe in a thing called love.Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love. Love love love. I believe in corny love. I believe that there are hundreds of kinds of love. But they aren’t really all that different. The love I have for my mother and the love that she has for me comes from the same place in my heart as the love that I have for apples. And the love I have for semi-trucks. And the love I have for myself. There are a million ways to love but its all grown from the same seed. I believe in cliché’s. I believe that sunrises are still the most beautiful things I will ever see. I believe that the only reason I turned out alright is because there was never a doubt in my mind that my mother loved me with all of her heart. I believe in the loch ness monster. I believe in dinosaurs. I believe in the possible existence of extra terrestrial beings and that we should stay away from them. I believe in puppies. I really really really believe in puppies. I believe that time moves both fast and slow. I believe that hard work is always much better when you

do it with a friend and a boombox. I believe that you should help people with out expecting to hear please and thank you. I believe in going outside and that rain and sunshine makes the flowers grow. I believe in life after love. I believe that it is important to accept people the way they are and give second chances. I believe that there are stereotypes and it is impossible not to generalize, but I also believe in being yourself even when everyone thinks they have you pegged. I believe that it is okay to cry even if you are trying to be the tough kid. I believe that love stinks, but it stinks in a bunch of different ways. The smell of roses could turn into raw sewage, but even babies don’t smell good all the time. And like I said... I already believe in babies. Even when someone smells that doesn’t mean you stop loving them. I believe that people can change, but cannot be saved from themselves unless they do it on their own. I believe that being a good example is far far better than being a nag. I believe that These two lanes will take me anywhere. We got one last chance to make it real. To trade in these wings on some wheels. Always go forward and don’t dwell on the past. Keep Truckin’. I believe in waking up early. It doesn’t always happen with me, but when I do I feel a

sense of pride and exhilaration at being awake on a Saturday while the rest of the city is sleeping off their hangovers. I believe I get by with a little help from my friends. And that the good ones are worth holding onto. I believe that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Being positive is the easiest thing one can do to alter their situation. Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios. I believe that America is a great country. And although it is pretty popular to hate the U.SA. I am really glad that I was born here. It is okay to be critical of the country you live in. We all know the United States isn’t a shining example of perfection and truth. But it is harder to love your country and try to change it then give up. I believe that people make mistakes. To error is human, to forgive is devine. I believe in the beach and the sun and a place called Kokomo. Sunlight is the best medicine. I believe that the best way to make friends is to be yourself. I belive that honesty is the best policy and a good smile can get you through numerous situations. I believe that little kids know what’s up and they could all become the president or a superstar, or a famous artist or a banker if someone just believed in them. I believe that rock and roll dreams can come true.

This I BelieveWritten by Emily Marshall


Art for Oil: A Cleaner Gulf FundraiserWritten by Brittany Patz

Alex Perez, a painting major at MIAD, set up an art show labeled Art for Oil to help raise money for the clean up in the Gulf of Mexico. Art for Oil featured eleven artists whose work ranges from: printmaking, painting, photography, drawing, handmade, and digital artwork. Her intentions were not only to help out the oil spill but also to support injured and disabled seabirds due to oil pollution. Alex states, “By purchasing an art piece through the show, you are supporting a young and upcoming local artist and also helping save the lives of wildlife struggling in some very important ecosystems.” All donations go to the National Audubon Society and Save Our Seabird, Inc. Save Our Seabirds Incorporation helps to rehabilitate seabirds. Lee Fox founded SOS in 1990. They have been privileged to receive permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Each year, they have saved hundreds of native and migratory

birds. Lee has been working with oil companies, environmental groups, and state officials for about ten years now. The National Audubon Society organization works directly with oil damaged seabirds. Even though the oil has stopped leaking, the Gulf of Mexico and its wildlife continue to be threatened by millions of gallons of oil that is both on the surface as well as below the surface of the water. NAS is looking for support so that they will have the funds to assist birds and other wildlife habitat across America. Both of these organizations need all the donations they can get. Even though the Gulf oil spill has already had tragic consequences for birds, other wildlife, coastal communities, and essential beach and wetland habitat, we know that its continuing impacts will be revealed over time resulting in a long-term process. Alex Perez brought together not only students from MIAD but also Chicago, Madison, Indiana, and Massachusetts.

The artists from MIAD that donated their creative pieces are Alex Perez, Autumn Clark, Janson Rapisarda, Lilly Duermeier, and Nate Pyper. Other creative pieces donated were produced by: Erick Fruehling, Jeff Herwig, Erik Johnson, NERS, Cassandra Warren, and Lindsay Woods. These artists spent long hours on these pieces that they donated to help support the cause. They wanted this show to provide proof that art can make a impact. Alex really believes that this will make a difference since the community will be exposed to different styles of art not only from MIAD but also other artists from around the United States. She has set up a tumblr site for people to view and purchase artwork still available from the art show at artforoil.tumblr.com.

The Sketchbook: Happenings

A total of 8,184 birds collected since the spill six months ago,with 6,104 birds found dead.

Birds collected from the US Fish and Wildlife Service

September02: Earth Care Volunteers

10-12: Indian Summer Volunteers

15: Food Sale Assistant, Southside Health

19: Bug Day

22: Read With Me-Fall

October02: Christmas Family Feast

04: Prison Toy Program Data

14: Volunteers for Halloween Haunt

16: Food Sale, Northside YMCA

23: Count and Load, SHARE

26-02: Installing Natural Play Area

November06: Park People Weed-Out

07: Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

13: Be a 1-Day Buddy

15: Tutor in MPS

21: Holiday Art and Gift

To see more volunteer opportunities in the Milwaukee area, visit The

Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee at volunteermilwaukee.org.

Featured Fall

Volunteer Opportunites



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