2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Josie Rengstorf

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

The community here is second to none. We have such an amazing community, which drew me to MCAD, from the start. The relationships I have made here will surly last far into the future.

How/why did you choose your area of study?

I love experimenting with the ways people interact with work, this originally came out as a way for me to make games or interactive sites. But as time went on I found I was fascinated in blending the digital and physical world. Controlling how people interact with the work not only on the screen, but activating it through physical means. Whether this be through custom controllers, or moving your body to draw on a screen. Now it has become an integral part of my practice and I am always trying to find new ways to bring fun and interesting objects that bridge the gap between those two worlds.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

All of my work for my merits uses technology in some way to create a piece that enjorches the viewer to interact. My favorite piece by far was THEWIZ captive capture website. Out of all my interactive work, this one uses a current sensor and a plasma ball to send out a wifi signal. When you're hand is on the orb you can connect to the wifi and it will take you to THEWIZ, a wizard that will tell your fortune if you click on his magic orb. This work very much encompasses my focus on interactivity and blending the digital and physical world through objects.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I plan to expand my practice, I want to dig into the physical side of my interactive work. Weather that be through games or fun sculptures.

What inspires your creative self?

Video games and books! I love reading and cant tell you how much of my work has been inspired by others amazing talents :D

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

Quantum Battery.

Josie Rengstorf, The Virus