UWM Arts Alumna Gives $1 Million Lead Gift to Renovate Studio Space

MILWAUKEE _ Milwaukee-based artist Jan Serr and her husband, John Shannon, have committed $1 million to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts for the creation and operation of a multidisciplinary arts studio on the sixth floor of the Kenilworth Square East building, located at Prospect and Kenilworth. The space, to be named the Jan Serr Studio (“Serr” is pronounced “Sair”), will be used for performances, screenings, exhibitions, filming and the development of projects by all five departments within the Peck School, and will serve as a resource for community arts organizations as well.

“This will be a creative space rather than simply a performance hall,” Serr said. “A studio is a place where people can develop their craft and ideas can grow. The creative process brings people together, and we hope this space will inspire that process.”

The couple’s gift will fund initial renovations to the top floor of the Kenilworth building, and construction is set to begin in 2017. The Peck School is seeking additional funds for a second phase, to include the installation of projection equipment, seating, theatre rigging and lighting, and dressing rooms. The gift by Serr and Shannon also will create an endowment to support future operations and programming in the Jan Serr Studio.

Built in 1914 as a Ford Model T plant, the Kenilworth building was acquired by UWM in 1971 and redeveloped in 2006. In a first-of-its-kind partnership with a private developer, the university restored the first five floors for use by the students and faculty of the Peck School. This new educational facility, along with its street level retail space, has served as a catalyst to neighborhood development. UWM expects that creating the Jan Serr Studio will augment its arts programming and community impact.

“We are excited to make the lead gift for a space that promotes collaboration among artistic disciplines within the Peck School and the Milwaukee arts community,” John Shannon said. “The arts are fundamental to who we are as a species. Jan and I proudly support the Peck School, and we want to help position it as a magnet for students in our region.”

Scott Emmons, dean of the Peck School, expressed his gratitude for Serr and Shannon’s generosity.

“Jan and John have been tremendous advocates for the Peck School and many arts organizations in Milwaukee,” Emmons said. “This gift will allow us to begin creating a uniquely flexible space that can be utilized by musicians, dancers, filmmakers, actors or visual artists, whether they are from the Peck School or the community. I am thrilled that this space will be named after a UWM alumna who has inspired so many artists.”

A 1966 graduate of UWM, Serr began her college career as a voice major and switched to visual arts after receiving encouragement from a UWM faculty member. She earned her MFA at UWM in 1968 and went on to teach art at UW-Stevens Point and Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Oakville (Toronto), Canada. Known for oil painting, monotype and photography, Serr had her first solo exhibition at the Marlborough Godard Galerie in Montreal in 1976. She received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in art and design from the UWM Alumni Association in 2010.

John Shannon is founder and general partner of Caledonia Properties, with real estate developments in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. He previously served as president and CEO of Quick Cable Corp., a manufacturer of electrical power storage equipment, with operations in the U.S. and Canada. He chairs the Peck School of the Arts campaign cabinet.

“Jan Serr and John Shannon are exemplars of generosity toward the Peck School,” UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said. “I am deeply grateful for their vision for this unique, creative space and for their deep dedication to the development of emerging artists at UWM. This studio will serve as an inspiration for countless artists and as a lasting legacy for Jan, a truly outstanding alumna.”

About UWM

Recognized as one of the nation’s 115 top research universities, UW-Milwaukee provides a world-class education to more than 27,000 students from 81 countries. Its 14 schools and colleges include Wisconsin’s only schools of architecture, freshwater sciences and public health, and it is a leading educator of nurses and teachers. With a budget of $667 million, UW-Milwaukee partners with leading companies to conduct joint research, offer student internships and serve as an economic engine for southeastern Wisconsin. The Princeton Review named UW-Milwaukee a 2016 “Best Midwestern” university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews.

About the Peck School of the Arts

The Peck School of the Arts is Wisconsin’s only comprehensive visual and performing arts school. Comprised of five departments, including Art & Design, Dance, Film, Music, and Theatre, the Peck School takes great pride in the diversity of ideas and work crafted each day by its alumni, students, and faculty. Peck School students are approaching challenges with innovative thinking, finding sustainable solutions to social challenges, and entering the workforce as entrepreneurs. With more than 350 performances, screenings, and exhibits each year, the Peck School is committed to positively affecting—and engaging—the greater community and the world.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.