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SUMMER PRE– COLLEGE 2026 MIAD’s Summer Pre-College is an intense, immersive and exciting exploration of visual arts and design for high school students.

CORE STUDIO CONCEPTS 07/13/26 – 07/24/26 ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS 07/13/26 – 07/31/26

SUMMER 2026 PRE-COLLEGE CORE STUDIO CONCEPTS

07/13/26 – 07/24/26

ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS 07/13/26 – 07/31/26

CONTACT MIAD’S OFFICE OF YOUTH + COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Phone: 414.847.3330 Fax: 414.291.8077 Email: ycp@miad.edu Register online: miad.edu/precollege or contact the Office of Youth + Community Programs to apply via phone at (414) 847-3330.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM @miad_precollege #MIADprecollege FACEBOOK facebook.com/MIADprecollege

FRONT: WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT ALANA KELLY, ADVANCED SCULPTURE

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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 AWARD NOTIFICATION → MID-APRIL REGISTRATION DEADLINE → MAY 1 SCHOLARSHIP ACCEPTANCE DUE → MAY 1 FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE → MAY 15

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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.

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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT ERID KOHUT

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT SIENA DOEBEREINER

PRINTMAKING →

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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS HANNAH KOEPSELL (above) DENISE BEAMON (below)

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.

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.

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

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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.

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 STUDENTS RIVER LIVINGSTON (above) SOLAE STANLEY (below)

PRODUCT DESIGN →

Product Design is all around us. Nearly everything we interact with has been designed. In today’s world, great design isn’t just about how something looks; it’s about how it works, feels, and fits into people’s lives. Product designers are curious problem-solvers who blend creativity, empathy, and technology to shape the future of how we live. In this class, students explore the design process hands-on: sketching, prototyping, experimenting with materials, and testing ideas. We’ll explore how today’s product designers balance sustainability, technology, and user experience to design ideas that can make people’s lives better.

WORK BY LOGAN MORIS ’26, PRODUCT DESIGN

ANIMATION: 3D VIDEO GAME CHARACTER DESIGN → Learn the fundamental skills and concepts of creating a video game character! Beginning with creating the 3D model, students use Blender to texture their character and create the underlying bone structure. Upon creating the idle, run and jump animations, characters are then imported into the Unity game engine and appropriately formatted to be controlled by a player.

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ANIMATION →

This experience explores a full range of animation components and techniques, from story-boarding and roto-scoping 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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT MACENZY BILLS

FINE ARTS STUDIO →

Soundly rooted in Fine Art methodologies, the 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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT JOSALYN KEBIR

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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. This advanced course enables students to envision Place & Space through the lens of locality, providing a foundation for applying all design methodologies, including Programming, Schematic Design, and Design Development. Through these practices, students explore how to create spaces that exist within a communal landscape, while developing visual narratives to investigate, analyze, and re-imagine structures that serve the human experience. Here, we confront realworld constraints, industry technology, and creative craft to specify interior and exterior profiles.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT TEYLA OCASEK

GRAPHIC DESIGN →

ave you ever wondered what it’s H 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 STUDENTS CHARLES JENSEN (center) SABRINA WOO (left)

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ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS Advanced ability level (3 MIAD elective college credits) Classes are held Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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.

WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT JONAS HAGGITH

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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. WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT GINEVA HAMPTON

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 SYLV PACIS

SUMMER 2026 PRE-COLLEGE COSTS & REGISTRATION COSTS Tuition, supplies, and meals are included in the cost of the programs. Residential students stay in campus housing for the duration of the program. CORE STUDIO CONCEPTS

07/13/26 – 07/24/26 CORE STUDIO COMMUTER STUDENT: $2,060 CORE STUDIO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT: $2,870

ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS 07/13/26 – 07/31/26

ADVANCED STUDIO COMMUTER STUDENT: $2,530 ADVANCED STUDIO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT: $3,790

HOW TO REGISTER Register online: miad.edu/precollege

CONTACT MIAD’S OFFICE OF YOUTH + COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

414.847.3330 414.291.8077 (Fax) ycp@miad.edu

Contact the Office of Youth + Community Programs at (414) 847-3330 to apply via phone.

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MIADSUMMER SUMMERPRE-COLLEGE PRE-COLLEGE2026 2026 MIAD

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (DPI) Deadline → April 1

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.

“WE LEARNED THE TECHNICAL [ASPECTS] OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND FIGURE DRAWING, BUT [HOW] THIS CLASS REALLY SHINED WAS THE WAY IT TAUGHT ME TO THINK ABOUT ART IN A MORE CREATIVE AND PERSONAL WAY.” ZUMA E. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

TWO50TWO MIAD STUDENT APARTMENTS

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.

TUITION & HOUSING FOR RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS ADVANCED STUDIO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT: $3,790* CORE STUDIO RESIDENTIAL STUDENT: $2,870* *SUPPLIES AND MEALS ARE INCLUDED.

WORKSHOPS 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. Monday, July 13 & Wednesday, July 22 (2-night workshop) 6 – 9 p.m. Tuition (includes supplies): $95

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 July 14, 16, 21, 23 6 – 8 p.m. Free *Students must have permission from their guardian (via the registration form)

TEXTILES → CROCHET Crochet is a popular form of textile art that has many uses, from blankets and clothing, to plushies 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, granny-square blanket, and are provided with a foundation to further explore the process and create projects on their own. Wednesday, July 15 6 – 9 p.m. Tuition (includes supplies): $75 20

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

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!

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.

Tuesday, July 21 & Wednesday, July 22 (2-night workshop) 6 – 9 p.m. Tuition (includes supplies): $95

Monday, July 20 6 – 9 p.m. Tuition (includes supplies): $65

← WORK BY PRE-COLLEGE STUDENT EVELYN DAVAUER

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS MIAD’s Youth & Community programs are generously supported in part by Anon Charitable Trust; Bader Philanthropies, Inc.; Forest County Potawatomi; Francie Luke Silverman Foundation; Harri Hoffmann Family Foundation, Inc.; Heil Family Foundation; Helfaer Foundation; Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation; Joan and Fred Brengel Family Foundation, Inc.; ManpowerGroup Foundation; PPC Foundation; Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation; Stephens Family Foundation, Inc.; The Gardner Foundation; Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

MIAD SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE 2026

“I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF, MY ART SKILLS AND MY ENGAGEMENT SKILLS IN THIS PROGRAM. PRE-COLLEGE HAS DEFINITELY HELPED DEVELOP MY SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE.” AVA Y. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Youth + Community Programs 273 East Erie Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 miad.edu Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 3851