Meet UW-Stout's new artists-in-residence

Alyssa Schulte |

Missy Hoch (left) and Christine Pogatchnik (right) cheesing it up.
 
Missy Hoch (left) and Christine Pogatchnik (right) cheesing it up.

UW-Stout recently announced its two artists-in-residence for this academic year: seniors Missy Hoch and Christine Pogatchnik. The Bud and Betty Micheels Student Artist-In-Residence program began in 1987, to offer talented students a chance to explore the different avenues of their art.

Typically two students are chosen per year, each given a $2000 stipend for the year, $1000 for materials, and a workspace. Pretty sweet deal, right? They aren’t handed this dough for nothing, though. At the end of the year, each artist is given the honor of an exhibition of their work, with one piece donated for the school’s permanent collection.

Hoch and Pogatchnik, this year’s chosen artists — who also happen to be roommates — are excited about the opportunity to flex their artistic muscles and show what they’ve got.

 
"Reflection", Hoch. Spring 2011.

Hoch, who is studying studio art and photography at Stout, has spent much of her time examining relationships in her work, channeling her emotions and energy through a paintbrush. For her residency, she will be “investigating the potential parallels between art historical portraits and profile pictures in social medias”, including “comparisons of the relationships between the artist, model, and audience.”

Book Redesign, Pogatchnik. March 1, 2011.
 
Book Redesign, Pogatchnik. March 1, 2011.

Pogatchnik, a graphic design major, also has big plans for her residency. As an artist who focuses much of her attention on typography and printed matter, Pogatchnik is planning on continuing these investigations. I’ll just let her explain, shall I?: “The aim of my research is to produce a detailed inquiry into dated printing technologies, their consequential aesthetic, and their use as an instrument of artistic and non-artistic visual communication.”

Although they have very unique styles and varying interests, these two artists have worked together on many installation pieces throughout their college careers.

What are these lovely ladies planning on doing after graduation? Both are heading off to graduate school, where they are sure to continue strutting their stuff, snatching up residencies, and wowing crowds with their work.

If you're reading this and you're thinking, "I'm a Stout student. I'm an artist. I'll be in school next year. How can I get in on this action?" Look no further, my friend.