By Matthew Gundrum —
Every year the Bud and Betty Micheels Artist-in-Residence grant program recognizes two students who’ve masterfully exemplified the relationship between art and technology with their artwork. The students then have their work on display in an end-of-the-year exhibition in the library.
This year, seniors Raelene Olson and Jeremiah Kremer were chosen for the grant.
“It was a total shock and awe moment,” said Olson in regards to receiving the grant.
Olson, whose submission was brooches fashioned out of film, was meant to comment on the dying industry of analog theater projectors.
“I wanted to do a sort of ‘Victorian mourning’ where they took hair from the deceased and made jewelry out of it,” she said.
For his submission, Kremer united a wood block press with Photoshop in order to create a seamless blend of modern and ancient printing techniques. “My idea was cautionary tales about the overdependence on technology,” he said.
The grant offers students the opportunity to have one piece kept in the University of Wisconsin—Stout’s permanent collection. “The piece that was selected for the collection portrayed a mash-up of electronics meant to look like a single, easy-to-access device,” said Kremer.
The grant program awards students a $2,000 stipend, $1,000 of which is used to accumulate supplies and establish a workspace. It is by providing this environment that the grant supports students with a realm of creativity.
Although a trying experience, the grant allowed both students to learn and grow in their craft.
“Without support from my family, professors and others students, I would’ve been really lost,” said Olson. “I want them to know that I’ve appreciated all the help, advice and guidance.”