Category: Art Department

Meg Mitchell named 2026–27 Vilas Associate

The School of Education’s Meg Mitchell is one of 24 UW–Madison faculty winners of the Vilas Associates Competition, which recognizes new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance. Mitchell is an associate professor of digital media in the Art Department. Her work — which spans theater and dance, photography, sculpture, video, performance, digital …

Art in Focus: Q&A with MFA candidate Matthew Everett

Throughout the semester, we’re shining a light on the Art Department’s graduating MFA candidates as they present their final thesis exhibitions. These exhibitions are the culmination of years of dedicated study and artistic exploration, showcasing our students’ diverse talents and innovative approaches to art-making. “I utilize a variety of skills gained through each chapter of …

Art in Focus: Q&A with MFA candidate Nika McKagen

Throughout the semester, we’re shining a light on the Art Department’s graduating MFA candidates as they present their final thesis exhibitions. These exhibitions are the culmination of years of dedicated study and artistic exploration, showcasing our students’ diverse talents and innovative approaches to art-making. Nika McKagen works in traditional darkroom photography, sculpture, and writing. She …

From art student to game changer

By Kari Dickinson UW–Madison alumnus Brian Raffel’s path to the top of the video game industry has been anything but conventional. A former art student turned high school art teacher, Raffel co-founded Raven Software with his brother, Steve, in 1990, when they got a publishing deal for their first computer game, Black Crypt. What began …

Moment in Time

DATE: Sept. 17, 2025 TIME: 10:24 a.m. PLACE: Humanities Building Meri Lau leads a workshop on developing elementary art curricula with UW–Madison art education majors. Lau — a recently retired art teacher from the Madison Metropolitan School District and longtime cooperating teacher — focuses on unit planning, sharing three lessons she designed around the theme “Dogs in Art.” …

The School of Education’s 2025 year in reviewng

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the impactful work that has taken place across the School of Education throughout 2025. Below are just a few highlights from the hundreds of stories we shared this year, showcasing efforts across the arts, education, and health. While this small sampling …

Six from School of Education named ‘Honored Instructors’ for fall 2025

UW–Madison students living in University Housing each semester have the opportunity to recognize instructors who have made a positive impact on their learning through the Honored Instructor program.  The program allows students to nominate educators who challenge them, support their academic growth, make learning enjoyable, or inspire them in meaningful ways. The fall 2025 list …

UW–Madison alumna featured in Badger Insider

UW–Madison alumna Susan Solie Patterson — who earned her bachelor’s degree in 1979 and her MFA in 1982 — is featured in the latest issue of Badger Insider, where she reflects on her journey from UW art student and All-American swimmer to best-selling author and advocate for literacy. In a Q&A, Solie Patterson also shares several …

Tandem Press to host annual holiday open house and print sale on Nov. 22

Tandem Press will host its annual holiday open house and print sale on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1743 Commercial Ave. in Madison. During the event, Tandem Press’ collaborative printmakers will demonstrate a variety of printmaking processes commonly used in the studio to create editions with world-renowned artists. The schedule …

UW–Madison alum’s public art project featured at international exhibition

UW–Madison alumnus David B. Dahlquist, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Education’s Art Department in 1980, is gaining recognition on the international stage for his public art installation, “Do Something Good For Your Neighbor,” which is featured in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, “La Biennale di Venezia,” in Venice, Italy. The exhibition is …