Kelly Frankenberg

Personal Pronouns

she/her

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I help direct an arts organization whose mission is to pay artists and create art for positive social change. We have the most young members of any arts organization and want to help push the art movement forward.

How did you get your job?

Volunteering, dedication, and application

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?

10+ years

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?

I'm from the Twin Cities and I heard about it in high school art class.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Illustration. I chose it because it's mostly painting and drawing, which I love both, and I wanted to illustrate children's books.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Howard Quednau because he was the perfect amount of honest, serious, fun, and just an all-around great artist and mentor.

Describe your internship(s).

I was able to illustrate a book as my internship hours.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

Like I can recall 22 years ago HA HA

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

MCAD prepared me for knowing it takes a lot of marketing as an artist in your field and making connections.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Respecting the masters and the history of art and what makes an artist unique.

What inspires you/your work?

Travel, other countries, and national parks

How do you network yourself and your art?

Meeting people and creative marketing

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

Best was being able to wander into the Institute of Art whenever we wanted.

What other random things have you accomplished that aren't directly related to your major?

After getting a Master's in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans, I self-published a memoir titled Diary of a Gay, Pregnant Bride. I also wrote a screenplay and filmed a visual storyboard version that is a feature-length film. Having created murals for various buildings and cities, and installation work, I have been featured on WCCO, FOX News, and KARE 11. clip here: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/union-depot-is-the-place-to-be-to-find-your-new-favorite-art-piece/#x