MIAD’s Summer Pre-College is an intense, immersive and exciting exploration of visual arts and design for high school students. Taught by MIAD faculty and creative professionals, this is an opportunity to create art all day, every day, and experience a college-level curriculum. It is also a chance to connect with other art students from across the country.
Core Studio Concepts offers beginning or intermediate students two areas of art study to explore. Advanced Studio Concepts challenges students ready for intensive college work in one area of art study. Advanced students also receive 3 MIAD elective college credits.
IMPORTANT DATES
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE → APRIL 1
SCHOLARSHIP NOTIFICATION → MID-APRIL
REGISTRATION DEADLINE → MAY 1
SCHOLARSHIP ACCEPTANCE DUE → MAY 1
FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE → MAY 15
CORE STUDIO CONCEPTS
Core Studio Concepts gives students the opportunity to take two classes. Carefully constructed courses explore the fundamental elements of art and design, including two-and three-dimensional issues of composition, form, design, mark-making and color, as relevant to the various fields of study.
Beginning to intermediate ability level (non-credit) Classes are held Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
TUITION & SUPPLIES: $1,785
RESIDENCE HALL & MEAL PLAN (OPTIONAL): $975
BASIC OBSERVATIONAL
& FIGURE DRAWING →
Fundamentals of drawing are introduced using various subjects including still life, self-portraits and clothed models. Students learn how to see and comprehend visual experiences through guided experimentation with various drawing tools and techniques from both historical and contemporary practices, while also learning how to translate three-dimensional objects into twodimensional images on paper.
COMICS →
Modern comics have been created and distributed for over 125 years. Primarily seen as a storytelling medium, they’ve been used to entertain, inform, instruct, teach, preach and amuse. Over time, numerous creators have stretched and defined the idea of what comics are, how they work and what they can do. During this class, students are introduced to a variety of narrative approaches while participating in short prompts and projects designed to inform their understanding of what makes a comic successful.
PRINTINGMAKING →
An exciting introduction to the world of printmaking, where creativity meets craftsmanship, students learn essential printmaking techniques applicable to all forms of art while creating unique additions to their portfolio. Focusing on two techniques, linocut and monotype, students receive step-by-step guidance, from carving and inking to pressing and finishing, to strengthen their understanding of design, texture, and composition. Finished prints reveal an exploration of different ways to combine images, textures, and colors that convey meaning and evoke emotion.
ILLUSTRATION →
Illustration is often thought of as telling a story with imagery. An opportunity to explore and develop a personal voice, Core Illustration engages students with the fundamental elements of design to present a narrative that leaves an impact on the viewer. Students are exposed to the ideation and concept development process that is unique to illustration and relevant to today’s professional illustrator.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT ASHLEY MELLO
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS STETSYAHNNA SWIFT (above) DENISE BEAMON (below)
TUITION & SUPPLIES: $1,785
PAINTING →
An introductory experience in painting begins with methods of underpainting and various approaches to paint handling. The work is from direct observation, while also encouraging each student’s individual imagination and self-expression. Participants are introduced to a variety of painting surfaces, wash techniques and textural manipulations. Class projects seek to promote an understanding of the use of color, the importance of composition and the means to represent volume. Working primarily with acrylic, the focus is on indoor still-life displays and the external environment.
PHOTOGRAPHY →
This course covers basic principles of various forms of photography using digital technology. Projects explore studio portraiture, city landscape and photojournalism of local events, while incorporating camera handling, digital manipulation and printing. Students engage in group critiques to gain insight, learn how to talk about their work and inspire them to propel their ideas.
Students are encouraged to bring their own DSLR camera with adjustable aperture and shutter speed controls.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT KAYLA TEAGUE
TEXTILES & FIBER ARTS →
Dive into the diverse world of Fiber Arts and uncover the rich tapestry of creativity that awaits! Fiber Arts are everywhere - from quilts and soft sculptures to embellished clothing pieces, fiber artists today create works of art that stand alone, or increasingly integrate them with other modes of making in the world of contemporary art. In this class, students work in MIAD’s Textiles Lab to expand their creative potential by learning procedures in hand-stitching, machine sewing, and fiber manipulation while building skills in a variety of Fiber Arts techniques.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN →
Interior Architecture & Design [IAD], is a unique blend of spatial practices that promotes holistic problem solving, by way of form, function, and nuanced aesthetic. The goal of these collective methodologies is to create environments that consider health, safety, and welfare to enhance the human experience. In this course students investigate, analyze, and reimagine everyday environments through basic design processes and principles, ultimately making what we see as “space” into an innovative and inspiring “place”.
GRAPHIC DESIGN →
The computer is a tool of visual communication and a medium of artistic expression. Coursework allows students to begin an exploration of various software and hardware used by designers and other artists. These objectives are achieved through a series of in-depth studio projects, short exercises, demonstrations, critiques and lectures. Studio projects and exercises include assignments in a variety of graphic software applications.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT IZZY WHATLEY-HAGER
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT ADDY HASE
ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS
Advanced Studio Concepts gives students the opportunity for a focused studio experience that reflects the dynamic environment of MIAD’s FirstYear Experience. Students are challenged to ask deep questions about the nature of contemporary art and design, media, materials, influences and processes. Students craft answers that they feel are important to their visual identity and focus on new ways of seeing, thinking, creating and communicating. Inquiry and research-based modes of teaching help students connect and contextualize the work they create.
An important goal for Advanced Studio Concepts is the development of a portfolio that illustrates the talent and skills essential for entrance to colleges of art and design. Students must submit 10 images of original work to be considered for this program.
Advanced ability level (3 MIAD elective college credits) Classes are held Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
TUITION & SUPPLIES: $2,130 RESIDENCE HALL & MEAL PLAN (OPTIONAL): $1,490
ANIMATION →
This experience explores a full range of animation components and techniques, from story-boarding and roto-scopinng to key-framing, motion graphics, kinetic typography and editing. Instruction begins with intensive ideation, screen-writing, and design sessions to define and focus on specific story elements. Students apply these ideas to their work as they explore outstanding animation and video facilities to create original animated works that reinforce numerous portfolio requirements.
STORYTELLING THE TRUTH →
Visual storytelling is integral to our human experience. From the earliestknown cave paintings to the latest comic strip, we share our truths through sequences and patterns of images and words. Students in this course tell visual stories that are relevant to their lives, community, and society. Through experimentation with collage, photomontage, typography, and poetry, students employ various formats such as posters, maps, and booklets to produce engaging and evocative visual narratives. The course experience helps students bolster their artistic portfolio while building many technical and conceptual skills useful for continued study and careers in art and design, including the fields of Illustration, Graphic Design, Marketing and Communications.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT MACENZY BILLS
ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS
Advanced ability level (3 MIAD elective college credits) Classes are held Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
TUITION & SUPPLIES: $2,130
PHOTO & VIDEO →
Photographic imagery and videos surround us, every day. They are embedded in culture and greatly contribute to our understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us. Lens-based artists have the ability to reproduce the world in impactful and genuine ways. In this class, students learn the impact of these mediums and use their cameras to document, challenge and explore the relationship between photography and video-based practices with intent to share, inform and influence the viewer in various ways. Local field trips, viewing contemporary artists, purposeful image selection and editing techniques place emphasis on developing strategies that allow the student photographer to become visible in their own work.
Students are encouraged to bring their own DSLR camera with adjustable aperture and shutter speed controls.
ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS
ILLUSTRATION →
Illustration is a vast component of visual culture found in many different formats and media. What unifies all illustrators, regardless of style, media or final application of their art, is the ability to visually communicate an idea with imagery. Students will learn professional practices, how to think through assigned projects, develop effective concepts and translate their ideas into compelling visual solutions.
FASHION DESIGN →
In this course, students explore and gain experience in the entire fashion design process, from concept to finished garment. Beginning with research and background on industry practices, students develop concepts and create finished illustrations that reflect their unique designs. Shopping for fabrics and learning the process to create a pattern for their designs, students finish with training on standard sewing machines to complete their garment and bring it to the runway. Previous sewing experience is preferred, but not required.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT MISELI FERRER
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT
JADE MOSES
SCULPTURE →
This course balances the development of fundamental skills and the nurturing of ideation and visualization concepts desired at the collegiate level. Students explore traditional and contemporary techniques for creating three-dimensional artworks in various materials (clay, found objects, fabric, etc.). Working with the elements of sculpture, students consider the power of objects and personal narrative. From smallscale to installation-size projects, students utilize MIAD’s Sculpture Lab to experiment with how material and process can alter understanding through manipulation, replication, and transformation. No previous sculpture experience is required.
GRAPHIC DESIGN →
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a design agency?
Together with MIAD’s Lubar Innovation Center, students learn how to work with a client to solve a problem visually and deliver a captivating final product. Starting with a creative brief, students practice adapting processes and best-practices utilized in a real-world agency. This includes: research, moodboard and concept development, sketching, digitally executing ideas and presenting final deliverables. By the end of this course, students develop the necessary skills to present their ideas to others, build confidence in their work and create a professional piece for their portfolio.
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT
KARMA JOHNSON
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS
CHARLES JENSEN (center)
SABRINA WOO (left)
FINE ARTS STUDIO →
Soundly rooted in Fine Art methodologies, this course balances the development of fundamental skills and the nurturing of ideation and visualization concepts desired at the collegiate level. By assessing each student’s creative interests and current work, Fine Arts Studio encourages experimentation with different media and materials to further artistic development on an individual basis, while incorporating figure drawing and anatomical studies from live models to provide a foundation for understanding form, structure, and the human body as a source of artistic inspiration. Research is established that draws from contemporary awareness, personal influences and individual knowledge. Students are challenged to create themes, develop content and establish personal muses.
“I APPRECIATE HOW THIS PROGRAM...ALLOWED ME TO PUSH CONCEPTS AND FURTHER ELABORATE ON WHY I AM MAKING MY ART, RATHER THAN HOW IT IS MADE.”
MIA D.
PROGRAM PARTICIPANT
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT
LOGAN CLARK
WORKSHOPS
Most workshops are offered 1 night for 3 hours.
CERAMICS → HAND BUILDING WITH CLAY
Explore MIAD’s Sculpture Lab and learn hand-built pottery techniques such as coiling, pinching and carving! Students are introduced to glazing techniques and have their pieces fired in MIAD’s kiln. No experience necessary.
In this workshop, students are introduced to sculpting in virtual reality and 3D printing in the familiar form of the collaborative Exquisite Corpse. No prior experience necessary, in fact, you may be surprised at how intuitive sculpting in VR can be!
Tue 07/15 6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $75
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT SAWYER VESPALEC
RISOGRAPHY → MAKE YOUR OWN ZINE
Often referred to as a “screen printing machine”, a Risograph is a digital duplicator (like a Xerox copier) that uses individual ink drums with a range of vibrant colors to print one color at a time in a fast and affordable way. In this workshop, students are introduced to the cut/fold zine format and produce their own 8-page risographed zine!
Mon 07/21 & Tue 07/22 (2-night workshop)
6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $95
PHOTOGRAPHY → CYANOTYPES AND PHOTOGRAMS
Learn how to make photographic prints without using a camera! This workshop explores the alternative photographic processes of cyanotypes on fabric. Students gather outdoors to create a variety of collaborative prints that produce bold and rich blue hues. This process utilizes nontoxic chemicals to develop the prints and sunlight for the exposure process.
Sat 07/19
12 – 3 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $75
PRINTMAKING → LETTERPRESS
Explore MIAD’s antique wood type collection in this letterpress workshop. Students receive an introduction to typesetting and printing utilizing the Vandercook printing presses. Leave this workshop with an edition (or two) of your uniquely designed text-based posters. Great for anyone interested in graphic design, printmaking, and writing!
Thu 07/17
6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $75
ART THERAPY → CREATING CALM
Art therapy is an experiential form of wellness and personal care, focused on the belief that the process of creating is therapeutic, healing and beneficial. This workshop teaches students how to use art and guided imagery meditation to create calm and find new ways of self-expression. Join us to explore how art can help you slow down, get centered, and get in touch with yourself!
Wed 07/16
6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $75
WORKSHOPS
CREATIVE WRITING → THE LAYERED STORY
In this session, students examine stories and write their own using collaborative exercises. We’ll look at everything from Disney movies to classic literature to Netflix shows, and approach the writing process with an exhilarating sequence of activities. You’ll learn to think about stories in new ways and walk away with new writing and editing techniques.
Mon 07/21
6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $65
OPEN FIGURE DRAWING →
This is an opportunity to draw from a live model without instruction. One model provides a variety of quick and sustained poses. Supplies are provided.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
6 – 8 p.m.
July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
Free; students must have permission from their guardian (via the registration form)
WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT
EVELYN DAVAUER
TEXTILES → CROCHET
Crochet is a popular form of textile art that has many uses, from blankets and clothing, to plushes and soft sculpture, to various other applications found in contemporary art. In this workshop, students learn crochet techniques and stitches to begin a multi-color, grannysquare blanket, and are provided with a foundation to further explore the process and create projects on their own.
Wed 07/16
6 – 9 p.m.
Tuition (includes supplies): $75
COLLAGRAPH →
Collagraphy is a texture-based approach to printmaking in which the artist glues or applies various materials to a board, each resulting in unique visual characteristics when inked, to create dynamic, reproducible images. An excellent practice to expand an understanding of markmaking applicable to drawing and painting, collagraphs also strengthen skills in value, line, shape, emphasis and composition.
Students must reside in Wisconsin and be free-or reduced-lunch eligible in school. Scholarship covers tuition, course supplies, and meals. A room in the Residence Hall is also provided for students beyond commuting distance. Complete the DPI downloadable form at miad.edu/precollege and return to MIAD’s Pre-College Office.
This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
MIAD MERIT/NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline → April 1
Partial tuition scholarships are awarded to local and out-of-state students based on merit and financial need.
Students must complete the downloadable MIAD Merit Scholarship Application form at miad.edu/precollege and submit a portfolio of 10 images. Portfolios can be uploaded online at: www.miad.edu/precollegedropbox.
TWO50TWO
(OPTIONAL HOUSING)
252 EAST MENOMONEE STREET
MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
MIAD’s apartment-style residence hall, TWO50TWO, is across from the college’s main academic building. The progressivestyle building with sustainable systems and details is in close proximity to students’ studios and classrooms in the creative atmosphere of the Historic Third Ward. Seventyfive fully furnished two-bedroom suites each accommodate four students with a living room, kitchen and two bathrooms. Amenities in each suite include air-conditioning, twin bed, nightstand, three-drawer dresser, desk and chair for each student; a flat-screen LED TV, couch, chair and end tables in the living room; and a refrigerator and microwave.
ROOM & BOARD PRICING INFORMATION
Advanced Studio Concepts (3 weeks): $1,490*
Core Studio Concepts (2 weeks): $975* *COST INCLUDES MEALS
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
MIAD’s 2024 Pre-College program was presented by Associated Bank and generously supported in part by Donald and Donna Baumgartner; Francie Luke Silverman Foundation; The Gardner Foundation; Harri Hoffmann Family Foundation, Inc.; Heil Family Foundation; Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation; Joan and Fred Brengel Family Foundation, Inc.; ManpowerGroup; Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation; Stephens Family Foundation, Inc.; and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
“I’VE GAINED A LOT OF NEW EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING OF COLLEGE LIFE... I’VE IMPROVED MY ART SKILLS AND FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH CRITIQUE.”
