WMU College of Fine Arts

Out of 1,046 applicants worldwide, only 69 were selected for SCHMUCK 2026 in Munich, Germany. WMU's Frostic School of Art had two of them.

This spring, Lecturer Joshua Kosker traveled to Munich to show three works from his Non-noble series at one of the most prestigious contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing exhibitions in the world. His pieces explore what happens when silver, steel, and titanium — metals that naturally resist each other — are joined together through welding and careful craftsmanship into something entirely new.

We're also proud to share that WMU alumna Lynn Batchelder (BFA '09) was selected from that same global pool. Two Frostic artists, one international stage.

At WMU's Frostic School of Art, students learn from working artists who are active in their fields at the highest levels. Joshua's selection for SCHMUCK is a reflection of that commitment, and we couldn't be more proud to celebrate this achievement with him.

Dr. Rebecca Brienen has been named Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts following a national search.

Currently an Associate Dean at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Brienen brings extensive experience in academic leadership, teaching, and community engagement. She is an internationally recognized art historian specializing in 17th-century Dutch and colonial art.

✨Learning beyond the lecture hall ✨ In the inaugural academic year of Dr. Henning Schröder's MUS 4520: Asian Music and Martial Arts course, students had the unique opportunity to explore the cultures of Asia through both music and hands-on martial arts training. From practicing in the dojo to participating in orange belt testing, students experienced discipline, creativity, and cultural connection in an entirely new way. After an incredible first year and nearly 60 students impacted, this course continues to show how experiential learning can create meaningful and rewarding experiences both inside and outside the classroom. There's still room to join the Dojo in the Fall, they will be meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.!

How do we bridge the gap between scientific research and public action? We do it by putting artists and scientists in the same room.

In celebration of Earth Day, we are proud to announce the grand opening of the IDEAS Collaboratory. Founded by Jacklyn Brickman (Assistant Professor of Kinetic Imaging) and Dr. Sharon Gill (Professor of Biological Sciences), this dedicated hub allows students from biomedical sciences to kinetic imaging to tackle ecological challenges through a holistic lens. Whether they are exploring the Anthropocene or experimenting with biomaterials, these Broncos are gaining the cross-disciplinary confidence needed for the modern workforce.

As student Antonia Kistler Ellis puts it: "We need more communication and connection with each other in order to change our pathway."

What does it take to turn a classroom concept into a statewide winner? For two Western Michigan University teams, it took months of interdisciplinary collaboration across design, engineering and entrepreneurship.

At the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge, two teams with product design students secured top five spots, including a first-place overall win for the Card Axis team. By using AI to help collectors pre-grade collectors items, they are solving a realistic frustration with technology.

From refining pitch decks last fall to facing industry judges in the final round, these students have demonstrated that an idea developed in a WMU classroom has the power to become a viable venture.

Our pop-up apparel shop closes this Monday, March 30.

Get the hoodie you grab when the The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music practice rooms are drafty at midnight. The shirt that handles the sawdust in the woodshop or the charcoal dust in the WMU Frostic School of Art studios.

If you need a fresh layer for the studio, the wings or the long haul, grab it before the link goes dark on Monday!

https://undergroundshirts.com/groups/wmu-college-of-fine-arts-spring-2026

Charlotte Anderson is the 2026 Presidential Scholar in the Dance program. The Presidential Scholar designation is the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on the students' general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence, and intellectual and artistic promise.

Charlotte Anderson, from Holland, Michigan, will graduate from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Data Science. During her time at WMU, she has been a member of the touring company Western Dance Project under the direction of Kelsey Paschich, and has served as Treasurer for both student organizations Bronco Ballet and Orchesis Dance Society. Charlotte has performed works by Dwight Rhoden, Jae Man Joo, Roderick George, Seyong Kim, and Annalee Traylor, with appearances at The Joyce Theatre, Detroit Dance City Festival, Grand Rapids Ballet Summer Dance Festival, and WMU’s Winter Gala. She has also trained with BalletX, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet 5:8, and Deos Contemporary Ballet. In addition to her performance experience, Charlotte serves as an instructor at Ballet Kalamazoo, teaching ballet and contemporary to young dancers in the community. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a professional career with a contemporary ballet company.

We are 85% of the way to a $5,000 match! To keep that momentum going, we need to finish strong for the Trish Hennessy Graphic Design Fund.

We are down to the final $710 of our $5,000 matching challenge. That means for every dollar you give right now, another dollar is added to support our students' professional development.

Whether you’re a Trish Hennessy alum or a supporter of Bronco innovation, now is the time to act. Let's get that last $710 across the finish line!

Give now to double your impact: https://www.givecampus.com/s/18fdgz

Our students are busy performing alongside world-class artists, managing professional productions and mastering the skills required to thrive in the global arts industry. On Giving Day, the entire Bronco nation comes together to ensure they have the resources to succeed.
Your gift today helps remove financial barriers and provides the practical experience that turns students into sought-after professionals. Support the fund that resonates with you and help us pave the way for the next generation of artists.
,Give today and see your impact:, ,https://www.givecampus.com/s/0i0hro