2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Kat Barnett

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MFA?

Since I was a high school student I've wanted to study at MCAD, this is all the way back in 1992. I returned to college and completed my BA last spring, graduate school felt like the natural next step in my practice. I've met many professors over the years in the Twin Cities that teach at MCAD and greatly admire how they are authentic and stand up for the creative pursuits of their students.

Favorite thing about the program or the community (so far)?

My favorite part of MCAD is going to be closed down for next year, which is the paper studio. I've loved working with the undergraduate students in this program. They are passionate and dedicated. Bridget O'Malley and Diana Eicher have been instrumental in helping my material exploration. My mentor, Anne Labovitz,. in addition Zoe Cinel, Patty McMeans, Sophia Chai, Billy Franklin and Sarah Petersen have been instrumental this year. MFA students who took the time to share techniques, ideas, articles or trouble shoot ideas. The kindest undergraduate students who were very welcoming and are serious about their art practices.I love the daily hellos and art check ins with them on campus. Basically MCAD students and faculty are the core element at MCAD.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

A series of paper and mixed-media sculptural installations.

What inspires your creative self?

I'm inspired by female artists who dig deep into societal issues. Also, by artists who work with a variety of materials in non-traditional ways. I love hands on exploration and getting in touch with my inner child. I try and balance my practice with a goal each week and play in the studio. I'm interested in exploring how our alienated relationship to our own bodies has also contributed to our destruction of the environment. Topics such as ecofeminism and trauma are informing my current body of work.

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

I have an entire outfit that I repurposed from the free shelf! Thanks to everyone for the head to toe items! Also, wire that I used in my Midpoint review was found on the free shelf. I visit this space frequently and often. I just cleaned my studio some and dropped on things I don't need in the space too. The cycle of donate and use is great!

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

The classic question... why do you create? I love this question! I've learned that creating is a lifelong choice. It's a way of moving in the world and taking notice, expanding on what you see and feel. I enjoy linking art and people and the connecting I see takes place in our society. In our computer heavy society, creating brings people together. I create to function at this point in my life. I think of it like getting dressed, I have fun with it, at times, on certain days when I'm not feeling it, I still have to create because it's life. I've embraced the tortured part of creating along with the joy of making as simply what I do and remind myself to not overthink tough days.