The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals. 

Following is a Q&A with Wylie Knight, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art with a digital studies certificate and graduating in spring 2025.

How did you become interested in pursuing a degree in the arts?

I’ve always had quite a passion for art in general, whether it be art history or studio classes. I came in as a communication arts major and knew I wanted to get an art certificate. Then, through the art classes at UW, I was like, this is where I need to be and went full art (major) my sophomore year.

How did you hear about UW–Madison and why did you decide to come here?

I had an aunt who lived about 30 minutes away from the university and we would visit her and come to campus. I hung out here as a child and that was always such a fun experience. It’s always been a place that I felt very comfortable in, so once I applied and I got in, it was like…there we go.

What has been your most meaningful experience in the Art program so far?

I think my most meaningful experience has been Advanced Painting Workshop. It’s a really awesome class. You put up a portfolio and it’s a great opportunity for undergraduates who are interested in painting because you get your own little studio space, which has been super helpful in my own art practice. You get to work with fellow classmates who are super interested in painting and build off ideas with other communicative artists who are all very excited about what they do. You also work tightly with professors, which is super nice. So definitely Advanced Painting Workshop.

Can you talk through the art shows on campus and how they work?

To get into an art show it all kind of depends. I’ve had a few where if you’re an artist you just sign up, and you’re in. Through classes like Advanced Painting Workshop, the class has a gallery space and it’s the class’s role to organize the show, lay things out, and put things up. It’s like a show you run yourself. There are also shows where you apply with your portfolio and the show curators will choose specific pieces to be in it.

What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?