Two UW–Madison art students are featured in a special student-focused installment of the Division of the Arts’ “Why Wisconsin?” series, sharing what drew them to UW–Madison. 

In the feature, Corey Willik, a third-year Master of Fine Arts student in woodworking, and Bree Elisabeth Scholl, a sophomore majoring in art with certificates in entrepreneurship and textiles and design, reflect on the resources, opportunities, and faculty mentorship they’ve found in the School of Education’s Art Department and across campus.

Following are their profiles, written by Julia Walkowicz:

Corey Wellik

Corey Wellik is carving many paths. The third-year Master of Fine Arts in Woodworking student was first drawn to the UW–Madison Art Department by the fully-funded program, which balances focused study with interdisciplinary exploration. 

“I wanted to pursue woodworking in a more intensive and rigorous way, and UW uniquely offers an MFA specifically in wood,” says Wellik. “I’ve discovered realms of my art practice I wouldn’t have otherwise, [plus] access to incredible studio spaces, talented art faculty, equipment and facilities.” 

In their final year, Wellik is excited to combine the mediums of ceramics and wood into elaborate pieces while exploring semi­nars, history, and theory classes — within and outside of their MFA program.

“I am encouraged to take an incredible array of studio courses such as neon sculpture, comics, and figurative ceramics,” says Wellik. “The breadth of artistic expertise and resourced learning here is astounding.” 

Wellik relishes the chance to work with woodworking faculty advisor Katie Hudnall, whose talent and generosity also drew them to the program, and esteemed artists outside the program, like UW Art Department’s legendary cartoonist Lynda Barry.

Wellik also gets to teach —  Art 100 for five semesters — giving undergraduates the opportunity to learn what Wellik has: that art adds meaning and purpose regardless of your specific area of study. 

“More people should be taking art classes, because it teaches you things you wouldn’t expect to learn about yourself and your creative process that could be applied in any field,” Wellik says. “My students who are engineers or English majors, who call themselves ‘terrible artists,’ create some of the most awesome work I’ve received as a teacher.”

Bree Elisabeth Scholl

For La Crosse-native Bree Elisabeth Scholl, Madison’s natural scenery helped her feel at home. 

“Where I’m from there is so much nature and wildlife. I immediately fell in love with how much nature was incorporated into campus,” Scholl says. “A big connector for me was Lake Mendota and Lakeshore Path because it was the perfect mix of water and forest.” 

Scholl is majoring in art, and was drawn to UW’s No.1-ranked printmaking program. She is also pursuing certificates in entrepreneurship and textiles and design, and brought some experience to campus: As a senior in high school, she illustrated a children’s book by author Jolene Goodman called “The Big Barn Dance.”

“It was such a cool and unique experience for me and taught me so much about bouncing ideas with peers, taking feedback, and creating a connection with people you’re working with,” Scholl says. 

Scholl found both friends and creative collaborators on campus after she, like most art majors, was encouraged to enroll in the Art and Artists First-Year Interest Group (FIG) learning community.

“Having the same twentyish students in every class made the transition to a huge campus so much easier,” Scholl says. “You can have lunch with the same people almost every day and it helps you build those connections 10 times faster. I would recommend everyone, no matter if you’re in art or not, to do a FIG.” 

For Scholl, opportunities to experience art and creativity expand far outside the walls of a classroom. 

“The arts are all over Madison. There are house shows, live music venues, murals in public spaces, people sketching in parks, and so much more,” Scholl says. “You don’t have to be an art major to enjoy the arts at UW–Madison.” 

Read the Division of the Arts’ “Why Wisconsin? Student Edition.”